GREENS candidate for Lyne Ian Oxenford has responded to the doomsday scenario painted by Warren Truss, Federal Leader of the National Party, during his visit to electorate last week.
“Contrary to the statement by Mr Truss on Local ABC radio that the Australian economy is in dire straits, it is, in fact, the envy of the industrial world, surviving the global financial crisis (GFC) in much better shape than comparable countries,” Mr Oxenford said.
“Conservatives love to live in the past, and so it is with Mr Truss and his colleagues, who savour their perception of the “golden” era of John Howard, and worse yet, Robert Menzies.
“We are a trading nation and, as such, are an integral part of the world economy. You simply cannot compare the economy of 15 years ago with today. The GFC has altered the landscape and so far we have survived quite well.”
Mr Oxenford said that Mr Truss was trying to drag the local campaign into the gutter with his comments on refugees.
“Once again, by idolising the past, the truth has gone missing,” he said.
“The truth regarding John Howard’s Pacific Solution is that it cost taxpayers over $1 billion, with the result that 97 per cent of people arriving by boat were found to be genuine refugees. However the inherent scaremongering did manage to win another election for John Howard.
“It is refreshing to see the Liberal/ National Coalition finally coming out with some policies, for example, this week’s announcement on its broadband policy.
“There still remains much to be revealed, unlike the Greens who openly publish all their policies on their website.
“For a more revealing look at what the Coalition might have on their minds, readers are advised to look at the “wish list of 75 policies” on the website of the conservative think tank, The Institute for Public Affairs.
“These include: scrapping all effective action on climate change; selling off the ABC; privatising SBS, CSIRO and the Snowy Scheme; ending mandatory disclosures of political donations and many more draconian measures. Their recent 70th Anniversary dinner, at $500 per plate, had Rupert Murdoch, Gina Rinehart and aspiring Prime Minister Tony Abbott as speakers, with Andrew Bolt as MC. The choice of speakers alone, is enough to raise suspicions on their agenda.”
