Posted on January 18, 2012
Premier Weatherill’s policy to implement unnecessary perks for former Premiers is abhorrent at a time when South Australians are struggling under cost of living pressures.
Yesterday, Premier Weatherill announced former Premiers would receive a number of perks for up to six months after they leave office, including a chauffeured vehicle, an office and a secretary.
The Premier also announced a taxpayer-funded refurbishment to his Ministerial office.
“Premier Weatherill’s priorities are outrageous at a time when hard working South Australian families are struggling under increasing cost of living pressures,” Leader of the Opposition Isobel Redmond said.
“This reckless largesse was obviously designed to encourage Mike Rann to depart Parliament following his political assassination.
“The cost to taxpayers for six months of largesse is somewhere in the vicinity of $200,000.
“This of course is on top of the more than $200,000 per annum Mr Rann will receive as part of his Parliamentary Superannuation package.
“It is staggering to think that Mr Weatherill cannot find $38,000 to fund the Bicentennial Conservatory, nor can he find $370,000 for the Keith Hospital, but he can give a golden handshake to Mr Rann as he sails off into the sunset.
“If elected in 2014, I will immediately abolish these unnecessary perks – the latest budgetary waste from a financially incompetent Labor Government.
“The leaked Sustainable Budget Commission report in 2010 recommended that a number of chauffeured vehicles be cut from the Government’s fleet. Instead, Mr Weatherill is now increasing the fleet instead.
“Surely Mr Rann has already taken enough from South Australians after almost 10 years in Government.
“Instead of announcing such perks, Mr Weatherill should be listening to South Australian families and pensioners, who are crying out for help as they struggle to pay their bills.”