Shadow Treasurer Rob Lucas said today that Premier Jay Weatherill’s decision to waste taxpayers money on another ‘citizens’ jury’ is yet another example of why we had a $1.2 billion deficit and are heading towards a $14 billion debt.
Premier Weatherill wasted more than $150,000 on his last citizens’ jury and this one will just be a waste of further taxpayer dollars.
The State Liberals have no concerns about government’s consulting people before making decisions but there are much cheaper options than spending more than $150,000 on an interstate-led citizen’s jury.
Perhaps Premier Weatherill could consider something as simple as his Ministers having public meetings or forums directly with SA families.
The State Liberals also understand that local firms tendered for the latest citizen jury project, but missed out on the contract, which was instead awarded to New Democracy based in New South Wales.
“Sadly for South Australian businesses, the Weatherill Labor Government has form in awarding government contracts to interstate firms,” said Shadow Treasurer Rob Lucas.
“At a time when businesses are struggling in South Australia with the highest taxes in the nation, low business and consumer confidence and ever increasing business costs, the Weatherill Labor Government’s solution is to send work interstate.
“Maybe if the Weatherill Labor Government awarded more contracts to South Australian companies, that would encourage job growth in SA and help stem the flow of South Australians moving interstate for better employment opportunities.
“This new citizen’s jury is yet another example of Mr Weatherill’s high spending and high taxing approach to financial management.
“While Mr Weatherill is wasting money on publicity stunts like citizen’s juries, there will never be the prospect of lowering taxes on SA families and businesses.”