THE Nationals have launched a concerted attack on the decision of two rural independents to deliver government to Labor.
Leader Warren Truss, Senate leader Barnaby Joyce, NSW senator Fiona Nash, Queensland Senator Ron Boswell and Mallee MP John Forrest have all criticised or expressed “incredible” disappointment at the judgment of NSW MPs Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott.And Mr Truss and Mr Forrest appeared to trip up, putting out media releases containing exactly the same quotes - Mr Forrest attributing them to himself and Mr Truss claiming it was he who said the words.
The media releases read word-for-word for almost the entirety of both documents, accusing the new government of being a "rainbow coalition" and labeling the Greens "extreme".
Senator Boswell labelled regional Australia the "biggest loser" after the announcement the independent pair would support Labor.
The deal brokered by the duo wins $10 billion for rural health, services and education including a $6 billion Regional Infrastructure Fund.
There will also be a dedicated cabinet minister and department for rural and regional Australia, a guarantee that one-third of new investments will be in country areas, the National Broadband Network rolled out in country areas before cities and access to fast broadband costing no more in the regions than the cities.
Senator Nash labelled Labor’s $10 billion package for rural and regional Australia a "cynical attempt to win over the Independents".
She said Labor’s emissions trading scheme, mining tax and "denying thousands of students access to independent Youth Allowance" were all examples of Labor’s disdain for the country, along with its "slashing more than $1 billion dollars from regional programs and rural research".
