[Greens-Media] Greens say Rudds' Binge Spending Call is Unwise

[Bennett, Ebony (Sen B. Brown)]

8th December, 2008


Greens say Rudds' Binge Spending Call is Unwise


Greens Leader Bob Brown says that the Prime Minister's call for
pensioners, carers and other low-income recipients to get out and spend
their $10 billion budget allocation pre-Christmas is poorly framed
advice.

"Mr Rudd sees Australia's lowest income earners as a short term economic
tool rather than people deserving a break.  His call to binge this $10
billion responsibly is like advising people to overeat responsibly.  It
would have been much wiser to have given the recipients a $30 per week
pay increase over the next six months rather than this lump sum.  

"Failing that Mr Rudd should have counselled people to spend wisely and
keep some for a rainy day.  If boosting employment is the aim, people
should have been asked to invest in essential home repairs, energy
efficiency like fixing the hot water system or a holiday within
Australia in the coming months.  These are much better ideas than a
pre-Christmas binge on goods, especially if they are manufactured
overseas," Senator Brown said.

"My advice is to people who decide to spend it all up-front is to try to
ensure they buy Australian-made, and support local business including
corner stores and local service providers," Senator Brown said.
		

Further Information: Ebony Bennett 0409 164 603

------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------
Ebony Bennett
Media Advisor 
Senator Bob Brown | Leader of the Australian Greens 
e: ebony.bennett at aph.gov.au 
m: 0409 164 603 | p: (02) 6277 3170 | f: (02) 6277 3185
w: www.bobbrown.org.au <http://www.bobbrown.org.au/>