Leader of the Opposition

LIA FINOCCHIARO MLA
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MEDIA RELEASE

Government transparency is still essential
​While the Territory Labor Government is rightly responding to the unfolding COVID-19 crisis, it shouldn’t be absolved from proper transparency and accountability as it rolls out its response measures.

When Parliament sat two weeks ago, the Labor Government passed appropriations totalling more than $3.4 billion to be released from the Central Holding Authority. We are dealing with an unprecedented crisis and the Labor Government needs to be given the opportunity to be agile to save lives, keep Territorians safe, and support businesses and jobs, but that doesn’t mean the Government shouldn’t be open, accountable and transparent with this spending, Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro said today.

“I respect and support that the Labor Government needs to act quickly with this crisis, but as the appropriation legislation was passed on urgency, the Labor Government needs to explain very clearly how it is going to account for its expenditure going forward,” Mrs Finocchiaro said.

“I have written to Treasurer Nicole Mansion asking for clarification on a range of issues around how it plans on transparently accounting for the budget. “For example, the Government says it has committed to quarterly reporting, but it’s unclear in what form or level of detail it will be in? How will agency performance and overspends be handled by departments?

​A Treasurer’s Advance for $300 million is included in the Supply Bill, how much of this Advance has been allocated and how much remains? While the official Budget has been cancelled, seemingly until after the election, will there be any estimates process for this allocation, or any scrutiny by the by Assembly on this spending at all?

“I am concerned about Government accountability, openness and transparency and questions need to be answered.

“The seriousness of this crisis doesn’t give the Government a licence to cut corners with Territory taxpayers’ money,” Mrs Finocchiaro concluded.
ENDS

"Only together can we build a better Territory for you and your family.”

- LIA FINOCCHIARO MLA, Leader of the Country Liberal Party and member for Spillett