Nationals – Independents’ decision makes little sense

Independents’ decision makes little sense

Today’s decision by Independents, Rob Oakeshott and Tony Windsor, to back a Labor-Greens government is disappointing and makes little sense, NSW Nationals Senator, Fiona Nash, said.

“Over the last three years Labor has sunk the boot into regional and rural Australia by cutting funding and through bad policy,” she said.

“Examples include the failed ETS, the mining tax, denying thousands of students access to the independent Youth Allowance, and slashing more than $1 billion dollars from regional programs and rural research to name a few.

“Labor’s sudden change of heart by offering $10 billion for regional Australia is a cynical attempt to win over the Independents.

“The Independents also talked extensively about the importance of a stable government and economic management. Yet they backed a Labor government that was reckless in its spending and wasted millions of taxpayers’ dollars through its botched BER and pink batts programs.

“The wasted millions should have been spent in regional and rural Australia. Yet Rob Oakeshott and Tony Windsor, have today endorsed this hopeless Labor government by allowing it to serve another term.

“I am extremely disappointed in their decision and deeply concerned about what a Labor-Greens government will mean for rural and regional Australia.

“On the other hand, Bob Katter, saw sense and his decision to back a Coalition government is both sensible and appreciated.”