The Allan Labor Government Ministers must stop hiding behind anonymous spokespeople, The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad has told Parliament.
Ms Broad said a range of important issues had recently been left to un-named spokespeople to explain, as the relevant Ministers avoided their responsibilities.
“My question to the Premier is why ministerial responsibility has been delegated to anonymous spokespersons under this government,” Ms Broad said.
“When the Herald Sun reported on land tax defaults in November last year, with thousands of Victorians refusing to pay their spiralling land tax bills, the response was provided by a government spokesperson.
“Another news story that focused on the bungled rollout of the container deposit scheme quoted a spokesperson for the state government.
“In January this year when the Age reported on the $12 billion Treasurer’s advances, it was a government spokesperson that was quoted. Another news report focused on independent schools being caught up in payroll tax, and it was a state government spokesperson that responded.”
Ms Broad said in April this year when the Bendigo Advertiser reported that flood victims were homeless and felt abandoned, a Victorian government spokesperson was quoted for the response.
“In July, when questions were raised because the state government slashed the number of dangerously poor roads across Victoria without any proof, it was a government spokesperson that responded.
“In another news article that focused on the lack of federal funding for the Suburban Rail Loop, it was a government spokesperson that provided the response.”
“It seems to me that the Labor state government ministers are very good at outsourcing their responsibilities. And to avoid being the bearer of bad news, they hide behind an anonymous spokesperson – a spokesperson with no authority and no accountability.
“I commend the Liberal and National shadow cabinet ministers, who do the work, know the brief and respond to media inquiries, who take responsibility. On our side we put our name to public comments, unlike Labor, who rely on anonymous spokespersons to provide media commentary.”
Ms Broad urged Government ministers to take public responsibility for the decisions made.
“I also hope the media take note and start holding this government and its ministers to account for their actions and stop permitting them to hide behind anonymous spokespersons,” Ms Broad said.
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
