Creative NZ - another Helen Clark abuse of taxpayers' money
Rodney Hide
Thursday, 21 April 2005

ACT Leader Rodney Hide said today the news that Creative New Zealand has handed out 96 grants totalling $1.03 million without knowing where the money had been spent was yet another example of abuse of taxpayer money under Helen Clark’s administration.

“Helen Clark came to office promising new standards in government. We have quickly learnt that her standards are no standards,” Mr Hide said.

“Hard-working Kiwi families struggle to make ends meet while arty-farties hand-out a million dollars of their money without even knowing where it went. It’s a total disgrace.

“The sloppiness in government spending has reached a new all-time low. And this is a department under the direct administration of Helen Clark.

“Helen Clark hasn’t got any money for the police. But she’s got so much to throw at the arts that she can’t even keep track of it. What a waste.

“I have today written to the Auditor-General asking him to investigate. We know what will happen now: there will be a review, the systems will be found inadequate and no one will be held responsible.

“There’s only one way to bring accountability back to government: dump Helen Clark out of office,” Mr Hide said.

ENDS

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