Kim Chance

Kim Chance

Minister for Agriculture and Food; Forestry; the Mid West and Wheatbelt; Great Southern

    Barnett continues to mislead public on policy costings

    18/01/2005 6:30 PM
     
    18/01/05

    Coalition Leader Colin Barnett has again been caught out misleading the public over his policy costings.

    On talkback radio today, Mr Barnett told listeners that ‘every aspect’ of his recreational fishing policy had been costed in detail.

    But Fisheries Minister Kim Chance said this statement was categorically wrong and deliberately misleading.

    “In fact the position statement does not give any costings for two-thirds of the promises involving financial commitments,” Mr Chance said.

    “Ten of the 15 election promises that require financial commitments have not been costed.

    “These include a proposed buy-out of commercial fishers in the Swan and Canning Rivers, a boat launching facility at Rous Head and six new mobile fishing patrols.

    “This proves the Opposition Leader has a promise for everyone and no plan to pay for them.”

    The Minister said Mr Barnett’s credibility in the fishing portfolio was already in tatters due to:
    • his false claims of Rottnest Island fishing bans and recreational fishing licence plans;
    • his bumbling proposal last September to relocate the whole of the Fisheries Department to Geraldton, contrary to a Coalition position statement; and
    • his ongoing refusal to include the fisheries portfolio within his shadow cabinet.
    Minister's office: 9213 6700