CRAIG INGRAM MP - MEMBER FOR GIPPSLAND EAST
Issued: Wednesday, 31 October 2007
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MEDIA
RELEASE FROM CRAIG INGRAM MP - MEMBER FOR GIPPSLAND EAST Issued: Wednesday, 31 October 2007 |
Government dumping of reports a disgrace: Ingram
The Independent Member for Gippsland East, Craig Ingram, has described the State Government’s practice of presenting hundreds of annual reports and other important parliamentary documents during the one sitting week as “a deliberate ploy to avoid scrutiny and accountability”.
“This government has repeatedly crowed that its is open and accountable -- including the new Premier John Brumby, when he replaced Steve Bracks -- yet actions such as those we have witnessed at Parliament during this week fly in the face of those commitments,” Mr Ingram said.
“The dumping of hundreds of annual reports is a deliberate ploy to avoid scrutiny of government agencies, the opposition, other Members of Parliament, the media and other interested groups.
“The 140 reports presented today were in addition to almost 60 reports and parliamentary documents presented yesterday. Even a greater number of reports are expected tomorrow.” Some of the important reports presented so far this week include:
Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation report on gambling regulation;
Grand Prix Corporation report, announcing a $35 million loss;
Parks Victoria 2006-07 report;
Victoria Police annual report;
Over 30 reports from the state’s Catchment Management Authorities and water authorities;
DSE annual report;
Victorian Electoral Commission annual report;
Auditor-General reports;
VicTrack annual reports;
Transport Accident Commission;
Regional Development Victoria;
Port of Melbourne annual report;
State Services Authority;
“The opposition has made comments, but these words are hollow as this type of practice is repeated by all parties when in government.
“This government and future governments must change the way reports are presented to stagger the presentation if they are really committed to accountability and scrutiny of government agencies and other parliamentary documents,” Mr Ingram concluded.
