Media Releases
Thursday, 6th December 2012
Once again Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has shown that he puts publicity stunts ahead of the hard policy work that’s required to lead our nation.
When asked where the money would come from to fund his $5.6 billion Pacific Highway commitment Mr Abbott nominated the funding currently earmarked for the Parramatta to Epping Rail Link, claiming:
“It's in the contingency reserve and it can be spent when it's needed.”
That’s just wrong and exposes a breathtaking lack of understanding about how the Federal Budget works. The allocation for this rail project appears in the Budget Papers, with only $67.9 million available between now and 2016.
Such a fabrication is not surprising, and when Mr Abbott is not simply making things up he’s out there exaggerating.
For example, to avoid being judged on the basis of the Federal Coalition’s record rather than their rhetoric, Mr Abbott also asserted yesterday:
“The Howard Government did spend large amounts of money on the Pacific Highway. … We committed $500 million to the Tugun Bypass.”
ABC GOLD AND TWEED COASTS – 5 DECEMBER 2012
Not true. The Howard Government provided only $120 million to build the Bypass, less than a quarter of what Mr Abbott claimed, and even then they had to be dragged kicking and screaming by the former Queensland Labor Government to do so.
Indeed, Mr Abbott’s stunt would have taken a lot longer were it not for all the projects we have already funded and completed – see list below.
Tony Abbott should do his policy homework before he again plays truck driver.
Electorate Office
334a Marrickville Rd
Marrickville NSW 2204
Phone: 02 9564 3588
Parliament House Office
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Phone: 02 6277 7700
Electorate Office
334a Marrickville Rd
Marrickville NSW 2204
Phone: 02 9564 3588
Parliament House Office
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Phone: 02 6277 7700
Phone: (02) 9564 3588
Fax: (02) 9564 1734
Email: A.Albanese.MP@aph.gov.au
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which our offices stand and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge the sorrow of the Stolen Generations and the impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We also recognise the resilience, strength and pride of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Authorised by Anthony Albanese. 334a Marrickville Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204.