Northern Territory Minister Accused Of Deception

The Treasurer's week of deceptions continued today with a press release that was both deliberately misleading and lacking in elemental logic.

In the press release entitled "Budget In Reply Shows CLP Opposition Cannot Be Trusted to Manage Territory Economy” the Treasurer showed who really can't be trusted.

The most outstanding error was the mutually exclusive paragraphs five and six which insisted that the CLP's home ownership plan would "help just 100 people” and at the same time "deluge the market with land.”

"So, which one is it Syd? Are we deluging the market or helping just a hundred people?” asks Jodeen Carney, Leader of the Opposition.

"This rivals yesterday's claim by the Treasurer that – 'the fact TV reports a comment does not mean I made it'.

"Or even the Treasurer's repeated claims that natural attrition will inevitably drive down the number of public servants while the number steadily rises.

"The Treasurer's release also ignores that our proposal involves a $70 million cash injection to the THLC that is to be repaid over time out of the profits from the development of residential land.

"Another deception from the Treasurer emerges with the claim the CLP told Territorians they will reduce the price of petrol.

"We did not make that statement, we offered a reduction in fuel costs via a policy subsidising conversion to LPG, a cheaper and cleaner alternative.

"The Treasurer also ignores our re-issued law and order policies when he says that the CLP has offered nothing in the area of Community Safety. More police cars per sector is the best way to enhance community safety.

"Nor must have the Treasurer been listening last year when the CLP launched its Safe Streets, Safe Homes Safe People policy.”

2007-05-02