26-July-2010
Portfolio Media Releases, The Economy
The Coalition will use the $394 million Labor has allocated to its ill-conceived ‘cash for clunkers’ program, which will be open to rorting, to help pay-off the Gillard Government’s $90 billion in net debt.
Shadow Minister for Finance and Debt Reduction Andrew Robb said the Coalition was “absolutely committed” to paying off Labor’s debt as soon as possible, if elected.
“Labor’s reckless spending is continuing unabated and this joke of a program will result in further wasteful spending and the distortion of both the new and used car markets,” Mr Robb said.
“This program will inevitably result in the price of pre-1995 used cars going up by $2,000, making it even more difficult for people on tight budgets to buy a cheap car. It will price people, such as students, out of the market.
“Consequently, a Coalition Government would not proceed with Labor’s Cleaner Car Rebate program, ‘cash for clunkers’, and will instead use this $394 million to help retire debt.
“Labor’s debt, continued reckless spending and borrowing, at a rate of $100 million a day, is putting upward pressure on the daily cost of living of every Australian,” Mr Robb said.
Media Contact: Cameron Hill on 0408 239 521