The NSW Nationals have slammed the Minns Labor Government for spending more than $5.4 million on a review of Sydney’s toll network that has not led to any changes.
Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Dave Layzell said an exorbitant amount of money has been wasted, that could have been better spent in regional NSW.
“Every single taxpayer across the state should be bitterly disappointed by this decision because it shows your hard-earned cash is going nowhere under Labor,” Mr Layzell said.
“This news is cold hard proof that Chris Minns is more interested in putting city bureaucrats and consultants up in luxury five-star hotels than thinking about what our communities actually need.
“Not only is this another example of how this government is incapable of managing the budget, but it’s a classic case of prioritising Sydney over the regions.”
The eye-watering costs include a payment of almost $1 million for Allan Fels to lead the review, as well as more than $99,000 on flights and almost $46,000 on accommodation, including $1,550 for a two-night stay in a luxury Sydney hotel.
Mr Fells and his co-author, who was paid more than $600,000, also spent over $11,000 on taxis or rideshare vehicles, but just $287 on tolls.
“If we look at Labor’s regional transport record, we have seen our only dedicated regional train service provider, NSW Trains, axed to afford a pay rise for Sydney train drivers,” Mr Layzell said.
“That comes on top of disruptions to XPT services, our regional seniors travel card being cut and the cancellation of major road infrastructure projects, so the Minns Government is sending a very clear message that it doesn’t care about regional residents at all.
“This multi-million-dollar Sydney toll review is a complete disgrace and the Premier and the Treasurer need to start prioritising regional infrastructure spending instead of treating us like second-class citizens.
