Calls on Government to clarify budget process

Labor Shadow Treasurer Scott Bacon today asked the State Government to clarify who it will allow to make funding submissions for next year’s budget.

“There are concerns in the community about how the Liberals will run the process and what organisations will be excluded,” Mr Bacon said.

“It appears the Government intends to abandon the long accepted practice of calling for general submissions.

“Any peak body or community sector group should be given the opportunity to consult with the Government and make a budget submission.

“The Liberals need to explain how they intend to run the budget consultation process.

“Is this going to be a ‘by invitation only’ process?

“Is the Government excluding groups from making submissions?

“On what basis will the Government select who it wants submissions from?

“What organisations have been ‘invited’ to make submissions and who has been excluded?

“It is a worrying sign if the Government is going to pick and choose who can seek budget funding based solely on the Liberals’ political preferences.”
Scott Bacon MP Labor Shadow Treasurer