Time To Front Up, Steve

Wednesday 10 Sep 2003 Deborah Coddington Press Releases -- Economy

ACT New Zealand Associate Finance Spokesman Deborah Coddington today accused Housing Minister Steve Maharey of failing taxpayers, in light of new information showing that Housing NZ spent more than $30 million repairing tenant-damaged state houses, and only recovered a third of that sum.

"Answers to my written Parliamentary Questions have revealed that from 1999-2002, Housing NZ spent $30,435,750 repairing state houses damaged by tenants - yet has only recovered $10,445,258 from the vandals responsible," Miss Coddington said.

"This raises serious questions about where Mr Maharey's priorities lie - questions he refuses to answer. When I raised this issue in Parliament today, Mr Maharey spoke weasel words and blamed the previous National Government for tenant's destructive behaviour - yet this damage was done during Labour's term.

"Labour is not just two-faced, it is two-hearted - a bleeding heart Government when it comes to criminals and beneficiaries, and a stone-hearted Government toward hard-working, law-abiding New Zealanders. Labour's pathetically soft approach towards these vandals is costing innocent Kiwis, who must fork out to cover the $20,000,000 shortfall.

"This is a monumental disgrace. Where is the responsibility, the accountability? I am calling on Mr Maharey to front up for once in his career. Taxpayers' deserve answers, and they deserve them now," Miss Coddington said.

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

© Scoop Media