[Greens-Media] Costa in Spring budget estimates: arrogance in full bloom

[Alison Orme]

MEDIA RELEASE - 5 September 2006

Costa in Spring budget estimates: arrogance in full bloom 

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon said today that the Treasurer Michael Costa’s performance in budget estimates yesterday showed his contempt for accountability and his position of Minister for the Hunter.  

“Minister Costa’s behaviour hit a new low in yesterday’s budget estimates,” Ms Rhiannon said. 

“The Minister shouted insults and refused to properly answer my questions about job creation, mining and the environment in the Hunter.

 “Mr Costa’s performance showed he is more interested in playing politics then working to promote the interests of people living in the region. 

“Budget estimates is one of the rare opportunities in our democratic system to closely question Ministers about critical government policies.

“Minister Costa evaded questions about job creation in the manufacturing industry and the impact of coal mining on the environment and local tourism.

“The Minister ridiculed research from the AMWU showing that 222 jobs are leaving the NSW manufacturing sector each week and the need for a Manufacturing Council in NSW to promote job growth in this ailing sector.

“When Minister Costa was presented with the fact coal mining in the Hunter only creates 8 percent employment and questioned about job creation for the future he scoffed and threw his full weight behind this dead-end industry.

“Unions, community groups and individuals send questions to the Greens for budget estimates with the genuine hope they will be properly answered.

“It is time Minister Costa cooled down, stopped acting like an arrogant cowboy and took his job as the Minister for the Hunter seriously,” Ms Rhiannon said. 

For more information:  - 0427 861 568 or 9230 3551


Alison Orme
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t Tues, Wed and alternate Mons)
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Mobile: 0432 332 104
Email alison.orme at parliament.nsw.gov.au 
Web www.leerhiannon.org.au