No accountability for taxpayer grants to primary industries

Taxpayers are unable to hold the Government to account for its multi million dollar Primary Growth Partnership slush fund before next month’s election, Labour’s Primary Industries spokesperson Damien O’Connor says.

“The Office of the Auditor General agreed to look into this programme last June. Although more than a year has passed, the Office has informed Labour its report will not be released until after the election.

“The Primary Growth Partnership programme continues to be an unaccountable slush fund for the National Party’s industry mates.

“It was set up with much fanfare and promises; and $350 million of taxpayer money.

“But despite the public relations and government spin, there has been no evidence this money is being well spent.

“The Government has failed to provide accountability on its Primary Growth Partnership programmes.

“Questions must be now be asked as to whether the Government has interfered to ensure this report is not made public before the election – and what they are trying to hide,” Damien O’Connor says.

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