From soft toys to advertising scandals and millions of dollars in ministerial travel – Labor’s waste of taxpayer money knows no bounds as South Australians contend with a cost-of-living crisis.
Today the Liberal Opposition launches “Waste Watch” a new initiative to expose Labor waste. The website www.laborwastewatch.com.au can be accessed by South Australians, as part of the Opposition’s efforts to increase Government accountability.
Leader of the Opposition, Vincent Tarzia said “Peter Malinauskas has failed to provide a plan for real cost of living relief to South Australian households and small businesses doing it tough. Yet somehow, the Premier can find the taxpayer funds to send Ministers on overseas trips – it is just astonishing.”
“The Malinauskas Labor Government has spent an eye-watering $2 million on domestic and international travel for its Ministers and staff since coming to office in 2022 —while South Australians grapple with the reality of the cost-of-living crisis.”
According to publicly available records, over $1 million has been spent on overseas travel alone, including Labor Minister Andrea Michaels’ ritzy trip to the Cannes Film Festival.
Shadow Minister for Government Accountability, the Hon. Ben Hood MLC said Labor’s actions show a government out of touch with the reality South Australians live every day.
“Instead of offering financial relief, they’re busy living it up on taxpayer dollars,” said Mr Hood.
"Labor Waste Watch will serve as a constant reminder to South Australians of how badly the Malinauskas Government is squandering their taxpayer dollars.
“It’s time for the Government to refocus its priorities and deliver the support our communities desperately need.
“It is time for Peter Malinauskas and his Labor Government to stop splashing around taxpayer money and start delivering real cost-of-living relief,” said Mr Hood.
“The Opposition is calling for greater accountability, transparency, and a shift in priorities to put South Australians first.
“Waste Watch is a tool that can be utilised by all South Australians to see how this Government continues to waste their hard-earned money,” said Mr Tarzia.
Examples of Labor’s waste include:
- Skills SA bounced between departments: Skills SA was transferred to the Department of Education only to be sent back again, costing taxpayers an additional $360,000.
- $1.9 Million on Government advertising: a taxpayer funded advertisement promoting the Government’s investment in health, while ramping has been at the worst levels in our state’s history.
- A lavish teddy bears picnic: $3,000 spent by first-term MP Olivia Savvas on teddy bears.
