As details emerge from John Howard’s statement on infrastructure yesterday, it appears that it is nothing but pre-election political posturing. It will have little impact on the grass roots, social infrastructure that is desperately needed in our communities.
John Howard cannot tell us where the money will go.
When asked on ABC radio’s AM program this morning whether this funding would go to community libraries and sporting facilities, he replied:
“I haven’t mentioned those…”
He cannot tell us how much money there is, except to emphasise how little he is going to spend:
“We are talking here about a very disciplined fiscal policy and one which would only spend the earnings on future surpluses and then only to the extent that would be economically appropriate.”
He cannot guarantee that communities will have a say – that this money will go to communities who need it rather than where he needs the votes.
“we will determine those according to sensible national priorities.”
The questions that need to be asked of John Howard are: What will the criteria be for funding? Will the funding go to areas of genuine need with independent assessment, or will it go to areas of Howard’s need in marginal seats?
With the drought and ageing infrastructure, the pressure on local governments and community organisations to provide enough safe facilities is greater than ever before.
PricewaterhouseCoopers has estimated a local council funding gap for infrastructure renewals of $2.16 billion.
This is not a new problem, yet John Howard has sat on his hands, watched the state of social infrastructure in our communities worsen and waited until 4 weeks out from an election to make a statement about it.
Contact: Taryn Langdon 02 6277 3334 or 0417 148 059
