RNZ exposure of coalition “Horse-barrel”
politics sets new low
23 AUGUST
2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jo
Moir’s uncovering of the deal between Labour and
NZ First securing taxpayer money for multiple synthetic
tracks for the racing industry is yet another
example of the growth of “Winston’ Dowry”, paid for by
taxpayers.
“This sets a new low for
coalition back room deals, clearly designed to benefit an
industry with known links to NZ First, with the tab picked
up by hard working taxpayers – most of whom don’t own
race horses,” says Jordan Williams, Executive Director of
the Taxpayers’ Union.
“I think we could
call it the worst of ‘horse-barrel politics’. The barrel
is so large even race tracks fit into it.”
“And
why are we finding this out only now? Why isn’t
Winston’s Dowry open to the public? Was this part of the
coalition agreement’s missing five pages? It’s almost
as if the Government doesn’t want the public to be able to
judge how much it cost to get Mr Peters’
support.”
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