[Greens-Media] Media Release: Greens blame Abbott government arrogance for poor economic figures

[Faerber, Jennifer (Sen C. Milne)]

Media Release
3 December 2014

Greens blame Abbott government arrogance for poor economic figures

The Australian Greens say Tony Abbott and Joe Hockey's Coalition government is responsible for poor economic growth figures.

"Relying on a dig it up, cut it down economy means Australia is disproportionately dependent on global commodity prices over which we have no control," said Greens Leader Christine Milne.

"The confidence of the community is shattered because of Tony Abbott's arrogance and single-mindedness over his cruel budget. No amount of Santa consumerism will overcome community scepticism.

"Instead of helping to shift the Australian economy towards the innovative industries of the future, the Abbott government is pursuing a cruel budget to prop up the big end of town with its reliance on mines and pollution.

"Instead of going back to the drawing board and coming up with some proposals that the people and the parliament can accept, the government is desperately and stubbornly reintroducing bills that don't have support of the people.

"The talk from the government that there are no alternatives is absolute rubbish. There are lots of costed proposals ready to go that would raise billions in revenue from those who can afford to pay, like the big banks and corporate tax avoiders.

"The role of the Senate is not to facilitate whatever the government of the day wants. The government needs to respect that the Senate has been elected by the community to scrutinise government behaviour and act in the national interest," said Senator Milne.