Greens Bypass Accountability

“Hidden deep in the Greens Budget package is direct funding for the failing Bio-Gro organisation”, said ACT Rural Issues spokesman Owen Jennings.

A sum of $300,000 is being channelled to Bio-Gro to undertake poorly specified work preparing a domestic standard for organic produce.

“Considering Bio-Gro lost substantial sums of money two out of the last three years, and the strong association between Bio-Gro and the Green party, ACT questions why this grant was not put to contestable tender?

“Transparency and due process are vital in the distribution of public funds. To avoid suggestions of complicity the Greens should have given other providers the opportunity to compete for the task.

“ACT is curious as to why other items in the Green Budget are also directed toward their own supporters without conventional public money accountability?

“The Greens need to assure New Zealanders that they are acting honourably with taxpayer money,” said Owen Jennings.

ENDS

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