Cuts Hit Workers And The Community - But New Years Eve Party Goes Ahead

Wayne Berry - Opposition Spokesperson on Industrial Relations

Media Statement - 9 September 1999

The government's priorities have been questioned today by Labor Industrial Relations spokesperson Wayne Berry.

"Kate Carnell's priorities are all wrong when she cuts over $650,000 from the Cityscape budget but spend $500,000 on an end of year party," Mr Berry said.

"Slashing another $650,000 from the budget means that jobs will go and the work won't be done. Shopping centres will not be cleaned at weekends - when they're at their busiest. And locals and tourists alike will find that the toilets haven't been cleaned.

"The workers at Cityscape are also faced with the prospect that Cityscape will seek to divest itself of responsibility for injured workers. Instead of Cityscape accepting responsibility for workers in their employ who are injured they will treat them like bits of machinery - if they break down get a new one.

"At the same time the Chief Minister is pressing ahead with plans for an end of year fireworks party.

"Those who've lost their jobs or have been shifted to other jobs because of their injuries won't be partying Chief Minister and since New Years Eve is on a weekend the toilets won't be clean, and there'll be no-one to clean up on New Years Day.

"Kate Carnell can always find money for showy projects but there's never any money for the basic tasks that make the Canberra a safe and pleasant place to live and visit.

"This Government has its priorities all wrong," Mr Berry concluded.