[Greens-Media] Chris Hartcher: Special Minister for Nothing

[John Kaye]

Chris Hartcher: Special Minister for Nothing
 
Media release: 25 October 2011
 
The Greens have condemned Terrigal MP Chris Hartcher's appalling Budget Estimates performance in which he was evasive, uncooperative and unknowledgeable.
 
Greens NSW MP John Kaye said: "Chris Hartcher holds the portfolios of Special Minister of State, the Central Coast and Energy.
 
"During Budget Estimates hearings today Mr Hartcher could not even explain what his portfolio of Special Minister of State actually entails.
 
"Members of the Upper House committee were instead presented with a page of agencies for which Mr Hartcher had portfolio responsibility which was completely blank.
 
"Under questioning from committee members in his capacity as Minister for the Central Coast, Mr Hartcher refused to answer questions or even offer a comment on several key issues to the region.
 
"The Minister dodged questions on the relocation of Gosford Public School and was evasive when asked about issues relating to Empire Bay substation and power lines.
 
"Worryingly for local residents, the Minister refused to state, even in-principle, his opposition to coal mining in the Central Coast water catchment.
 
"Budget Estimates is supposed to be an opportunity for the government to provide the public with details of its response to important local issues. Instead Minister Hartcher chose to give the community nothing at all," Dr Kaye said. 
 
For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455