Victoria's independent Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) has today called out the Andrews Labor Government's ongoing election costings secrecy.
Despite establishing the PBO in 2016 to "level the playing field" between government,opposition and minor parties, the Andrews Labor Government continues to utilise partisan rather than independent agencies for policy and election commitment costings matters.
This was most recently seen at the 2022 State Election, when the Andrews Labor Government opted to have its party political policies costed by the Department of Treasury and Finance.
In a new report tabled today, the PBO has stated that "it is not possible for the public sector to protect its reputation and ensure that it remains trusted by the incoming government and continue to offer a parallel election costing service during an election period."
The PBO has recommended to remove this conflict and that it be the sole provider of election costings services. Yet, despite the clear benefits to the community of this position, this is not supported by the Andrews Labor Government.
The PBO has also recommended it have a clear link to the budget process, access to key and timely financial information and budget independence from the government of the day.
Shadow Treasurer, Brad Rowswell, said an independent and strong Parliamentary Budget Office was critical to ensuring taxpayers' money is spent responsibly and transparently.
"Only Daniel Andrews would set up an independent agency to cost policies, and then refuse to use it," Mr Rowswell said.
"With more state net debt than New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania combined, Victorians deserve to know how their money is being spent and what Labor's political promises will actually cost.
"Victoria cannot afford any more budget waste and dishonesty. A strong and independent Parliamentary Budget Office is essential to help ensure taxpayers' money is spent responsibly and transparently."
