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Labor Continues Tax-Payer Funded Self PromotionThe Labor Government continues to spend hard-earned tax-payer’s money on self-promotion instead of worthwhile projects, Shadow Minister for Country Victoria Philip Davis said today. By Phillip Davis - 12th May 2006 - Back to News Despite state-wide outrage about the Labor Government’s waste and mismanagement, full-page advertisements are still appearing in country Victorian newspapers selling the Labor Government’s so-called ‘achievements’.
"These full-page advertisements in country newspapers are costing tax-payers anything from $1500 a pop," Mr Davis said.
"These advertisements form just a part of the $80 million the Labor Government is spending on propaganda in the lead-up to the November election, which the Auditor General is currently investigating.
"The Liberal Party and the majority of country Victorians believe this excessive spending on advertising is simply a ploy for the Labor Government to paint itself in a positive light coming up to the election.
"Tax-payers money simply should not be spent in this way, especially when there is so much that needs to be done in country Victoria."
Mr Davis said the Labor Government was ignoring serious funding shortfalls in country Victoria for basics such as health, education, law and order and transport.
With just 28 weeks until the next election, it is an absolute disgrace that the Labor Government has continued to ignore country Victoria on the basics including:
· Transport – Country public transport such as train services are unaffordable, little maintenance of country roads and bridges
· Law and order – Country police stations are often unmanned because of police shortages
· Health – Funding cuts and a shortage of doctors have resulted in country hospitals being forced to wind back obstetric services, surgical waiting lists are soaring.
· Education – Inadequate funding for building maintenance has left school buildings falling into ruin, shortage of teachers in science, technology and mathematics.
Mr Davis said the Labor Government must stop playing games and start addressing the serious issues affecting country Victoria.
Spending millions of dollars on advertising is not going to repair school buildings, reduce surgical waiting lists or make the trains run on time.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com

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