“It is time for the government to stop spending on unnecessary projects so that it can start spending on unavoidable projects such as the reconstruction that will be needed in Queensland,” Abbott said, before singling out the NBN.
“The National Broadband Network is a luxury that Australia cannot now afford. The one thing you don’t do is redo your bathroom when your roof has just been blown off.”
How the Government pays for the clean up effort in Queensland is something that does need looking at, including how existing infrastructure is repaired and upgraded to survive future disasters. But Abbott’s kneejerk reaction to try and kick the NBN reeks of political posturing.
Maybe both the government and opposition should start their fundraising for Queensland’s repair bill by eradicating political advertising – That would have saved almost $27 million from last year’s federal election, for a start. And maybe put a freeze on payrises for politicians?