Budget Estimates
Back to BlogsIt has been an intense and at times torrid week in Parliament. The new Liberal and National Government had their Budget Estimates Hearings this week with many of their Ministers struggling to answer basic questions about their portfolio responsibilities. I have taken part in 5 estimates hearings; Disabilities and Ageing, Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services, Healthy Lifestyles and Western NSW and Roads and Ports(Click on portfolio to view hearing transcript and Questions on Notice). The highlights of the week were Penny Sharpe and I catching Andrew Stoner out on his participation in the Solar Bonus Scheme and the paltry numbers of the Regional Relocation scheme (See press release for more info). Luke Foley dramatically exposed Robyn Parker's lack of knowledge about her own portfolio that plummeted to lowest depths with the unbelievable statement that "logging protects koalas"!
Mick Travel Diary:
This coming week Mick will be in Armidale to meet with party members. A couple days in Sydney will be followed by a State Development Committee Inquiry which has Mick in Parkes and Broken Hill. For the following Mick is looking forward to being in his old home town of Adelong for the Adelong Junior Sports Foundation Ball. From Adelong Micks back to Sydney where he is looking forward to the second last sitting week of the calendar year!
Below are current Parliamentary Inquiries who are still receiving submissions. Click on the title for more information.
Inquiry into Kooragang Island Orica chemical leak, closes 4 November.
Inquiry into Opportunities to consolidate tribunals in NSW, closes 25 November.
Inquiry into Inclusion of donor details on the register of births, closes 21 December.