Examples of waste and mismanagement are stacking up as the WasteWatch competition continues, Jonathan O’Dea, Member for Davidson said today, calling the extent of waste and mismanagement already reported by people throughout NSW as staggering.
“In December 2009 I announced a $1,000 reward, from my own pocket, to the person who reported the worst example of waste and mismanagement based on the criteria of originality, impact and potential taxpayer savings. Reward competition entries must be lodged by 15 March 2010, preferably via www.jonathanodea.com.au.
“I have been inundated with examples of wasteful spending. It’s absolutely astounding that this government is so irresponsible with constituents’ money,” Mr O’Dea said.
“Examples of waste already submitted include infrastructure projects that never materialised, IT project costs blowing out, expensive office refits and potential revenue written off. The list goes on: empty premises, water resource mismanagement and environmentally destructive practices are all contributing to the wasteful bureaucratic culture in NSW.
“Transport related entries have figured very prominently, with the scrapped Rozelle Metro one of the most extreme examples of waste costing over $330million. This money should have been spent on much needed heavy rail lines for the northwest and southwest corridors of Sydney - areas that risk becoming transport “Wastelands” within the economic “Wasteland” of NSW.
“We need to restore responsible public spending practices and proper accountability,” Mr O’Dea said.
“I am giving the people of NSW (including staff in Minister Campbell’s Transport Department) an opportunity to help reveal Labor’s extravagant and irresponsible spending. If they send an example of government waste and mismanagement to me by next week they could even win $1,000,” Mr O’Dea concluded.
