Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Finance Minister Dodges Responsibility AgainFinance Minister John Lenders was again left with nothing to say in Parliament yesterday after being questioned about the latest blowout in the cost of the Fast Rail Project. By Philip Davis - 16th December 2004 - Back to News When asked by Liberal Upper House Leader Philip Davis about the Bracks Government’s complete failure to control the expenditure on the Fast Rail Project contracts, Minister Lenders admitted he was responsible for government tendering and contracts but refused to answer the question.
Instead he hand-balled the question straight to Labor’s Major Projects Minister Peter Bachelor:
"….the Premier has given me carriage of government procurement policy" but "the specifics of any of the fast train contracts are appropriately the purview of the Minister for Transport." (Questions Without Notice, Legislative Council Hansard, 14 December 2004)
Two weeks ago John Lenders would not or could not answer any of the questions on the disturbing findings and conclusions by Auditor-General in his latest report on state finances and other audits into the Victorian public sector. This was despite the fact John Lenders had a copy of the final Auditor-General’s report at least a week before it was tabled in Parliament.
Mr Davis said it was little wonder John Lenders was evading answering any questions on the Fast Rail Project given the embarrassing blowout to $750 million since the project began.
Mr Davis said John Lenders’ continual approach to the state’s financial management was arrogant, unaccountable and evasive.
"John Lenders is ducking and weaving because he is totally incapable of applying financial discipline, as Finance Minister, to the Fast Rail Project.
"It shows the people of Victoria the true calibre of the Bracks financial and economic management when put to the test," Mr Davis said.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Melina Bath appointed Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation, championing regional lifestyles and economic opportunities
Melina Bath has been appointed Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation, pledging to champion outdoor access, community wellbeing, and the vital economic and lifestyle benefits outdoor activities bring to regional Victoria. - Melina Bath slams Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for ignoring Gippsland farmers' struggles under Labor's tax regime
Melina Bath criticised Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for refusing to advocate for Gippsland farmers, citing VFF survey results showing overwhelming concern over new taxes and Labor's disregard for regional agriculture. - Martin Cameron slams Energy Minister D'Ambrosio's false claims on power prices and jobs in Latrobe Valley
Nationals MP Martin Cameron condemned Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio's claims of delivering for Latrobe Valley, citing soaring power prices, weak jobs growth, and neglect of residents during Victoria's energy transition. - Martin Cameron urges Energy Minister to lift outdated coal overlays blocking 2000 new homes in Traralgon
Nationals MP Martin Cameron criticised Minister Lily D'Ambrosio for refusing to review outdated coal overlays blocking 2000 new homes in Traralgon, despite studies confirming land stability for development. - Darren Chester welcomes Minister Catherine King’s confirmation that the Eastern Beach Road intersection remains a priority
The federal government has increased funding to $6.6 million for the Lakes Entrance road safety upgrade, but Federal MP Darren Chester says state government delays continue to stall the vital project. - Labor under fire as Treasurer dodges questions on cuts to vital frontline emergency services jobs
Labor faces backlash over emergency services job cuts, with Treasurer Jaclyn Symes denying losses despite reports of hundreds axed. Nationals accuse Labor of financial mismanagement, risking regional safety and environmental protection. - Latrobe Valley residents invited to crime and community safety forum with Shadow Police Minister David Southwick
Latrobe Valley residents are invited to a free crime and community safety forum with Shadow Police Minister David Southwick on 6 November, hosted by Martin Cameron MP at the Morwell RSL. - Darren Chester slams Albanese government over bill limiting veterans' rights to appeal medal and bravery decisions
Shadow Minister Darren Chester has condemned the Albanese government's proposed Defence Honours Bill, claiming it restricts veterans' rights to appeal medal decisions and undermines the independent Tribunal's role in recognising bravery. - Darren Chester slams Albanese government veterans medal review limit, undermining Tribunal independence
Shadow Minister Darren Chester has condemned Labor's legislation imposing a 20-year limit on veterans' medal reviews, arguing it undermines the Tribunal's independence and disenfranchises veterans and families seeking fair recognition. - Two weeks left to join Darren Chester's 2026 #lovegippsland Calendar Competition celebrating iconic Gippsland
Two weeks remain to enter Darren Chester's 2026 #lovegippsland calendar competition, celebrating Gippsland's landscapes and talent. Entries close October 3, with winners featured among 30,000 distributed calendars showcasing 'Iconic Gippsland'. - Danny O'Brien seeks explanation for South Gippsland entering fire danger period earlier than neighbouring regions
Danny O'Brien has urged the Emergency Services Minister to explain why South Gippsland entered the Fire Danger Period early, leaving farmers concerned about limited time for essential burn-offs and cleanup. - David Littleproud says farmers won major victory after Labor abandoned its plan to tax unrealised gains on farms held in self-managed super funds
Nationals Leader David Littleproud says farmers have won a major victory after Labor abandoned its plan to tax unrealised gains on farms held in self-managed super funds. - Danny O'Brien says Gippsland roads among state's most dangerous after years of neglect under Allan Labor government
Danny O'Brien says new AusRAP data shows many Gippsland roads are unsafe after years of Labor neglect, criticising the government for lowering speed limits instead of properly fixing deteriorating roads.
|
|
