Mark Latham has today been embarrassed by the revelation that he has not been forthright or honest with the Australian people.
Mr Latham told 2GB listeners on 14 May that he had in front of him a document detailing Labor’s claimed $8 billion savings, and he said that the public could look at it. The transcript posted on the ALP website omits reference to the matter.
Media Monitors transcript |
ALP transcript |
LATHAM: Well, it does and that's why since the election we've identified over $8 billion of government savings. Now, there's no shortage of money pouring into Canberra. JONES: But is there a document that identifies that? LATHAM: Yes, there is, yes. JONES: That the public can look at? LATHAM: Yes. I've got that right here in front of me and… JONES: Well, for example… LATHAM: Our economic spokespeople have consistently released this material
and the two announcements I had yesterday, the youth guarantee and the
vaccine for pneumococcal disease, we've identified where the money's coming
from in both cases to make those programs work. They're fully costed and
fully funded. |
LATHAM: Well, it does. And that is why since the last election we've identified over $8 billion in Government savings. There is no shortage of money pouring into Canberra.JONES: But is there a document that identifies that? LATHAM: Yes, I've got that right here in front of me. Our economic spokespeople
have consistently released this material. With the two announcements I
made yesterday, the youth guarantee and vaccine for pneumococcal disease,
we've identified where the money is coming from in both cases to make
those programs work. They are fully costed and fully funded. |
Mr Latham does not have $8 billion in savings.
Mr Latham has a massive financial deficit from his rash promises of big spending programs coupled with promises of across the board tax cuts.
The time has come for Mr Latham to come clean with the public and explain how he intends to pay for his programs. He could start by releasing his list of $8 billion in so-called savings.
Full transcripts have been tabled in the House.