“John Howard must accept the obligations of his position and take up residence in the Lodge, the official residence of Australia’s Prime Minster,” Senator Kate Lundy said today.
“The personal reasons John Howard provided for choosing not to live in Canberra over five and half years ago are no longer relevant. If John Howard was being honest back then, he is now free of those self-imposed constraints and should immediately take up residence at the Lodge,” Senator Lundy said.
Since 1996, it has cost $713,000 to upgrade Kirribilli to make it more comfortable for the Howards. Taxpayers have also footed the $600,000 bill for commuting to work between Canberra and Sydney. Then there is the additional costs of operating two households.
“Canberrans are fed up with the contempt shown by Howard and many in his Cabinet of our city, as are many Australians living elsewhere, that feel his refusal to live here is an affront to the National Capital.
“If service men and women have to move to where the Commonwealth requires them, why shouldn’t John Howard? He is required to live in Canberra.
“This is a credibility test for John Howard” Senator Lundy said.
“If the Prime Minister continues to refuse to live in the Lodge, Labor will consider a private members bill to force the PM to live in his appointed abode,” Senator Lundy said.
107/01. Media Contact: Simon Tatz on 6277 3334 or 0418 488 295
