By JONATHON HOWARD
FEDERAL Member for Maranoa, Bruce Scott, says government bodies need to assess their budgets with “forensic precision” at all levels to cut wasteful spending.
Mr Scott said he was “completely opposed” to any new taxes that impact families, including speculation over the introduction of a goods and services tax (GST) on fresh fruit and vegetables.
“I believe with the rising rate of obesity and already mounting pressure on family budgets, the last thing that’s needed is an expansion of the GST to include fresh fruit and vegetables,” he said.
“What is needed is a microscope on budgets at all government levels to determine where savings can be made.”
Mr Scott used an example of the expenditure on refreshments for politicians at Canberra.
“An estimated $80,000 per year could be saved by cutting parliamentary refreshments from the budget,” he said.
“The refreshments were often underutilised and tax payer’s money could be better spent.”
Mr Scott also said he would fight a GST on fresh food.
“Whether it is from our party or outside, I will fight against any tax imposed on fresh food,” he said.
“Let’s get out of the pockets of families – federal, state and council government levels need to start looking for internal savings.”
Mr Scott said one way to streamline government bodies was to look for duplication.
“There are currently 9000 employees working in the health sector and not one steps foot inside a hospital,” he said.
“This needs an urgent and serious assessment to determine where duplication is occurring and ensure funding is being put to best use.”
