The Nationals’ candidate for East Gippsland, Gemma Rendell, says Victorians deserve far greater transparency over how their taxes are being spent, backing a Liberals and Nationals’ commitment to introduce a real-time Public Expenditure Tracker if elected.
Ms Rendell said the online tracker would, for the first time, allow Victorians to see government spending across major portfolios in real time, bringing a new level of openness and accountability to state finances. The proposal forms part of the Coalition’s broader Financial Integrity Plan.
“Victorians work hard for their money, and they deserve to know where it is being spent,” Ms Rendell said.
“If something like this was in place under the current government it would have likely saved billions of dollars wasted on corruption and cost overruns.
“Families and businesses have to keep track of their budgets every day. They expect their government to do exactly the same.
“Whether it’s spending on roads, hospitals, schools or major projects, taxpayers should be able to see where their money is going.”
Ms Rendell said the commitment was particularly important for regional communities such as East Gippsland, where residents often question why essential local projects are delayed while the state’s debt continues to climb.
“People in East Gippsland have every right to ask where their tax dollars are going when local roads deteriorate, health services are under pressure and important infrastructure projects are delayed.
“Greater transparency means greater accountability. When spending decisions are visible, governments have a stronger incentive to spend wisely and deliver better value for taxpayers.”
Under the Coalition’s proposal, the tracker would provide publicly accessible information on government expenditure by major portfolio, allowing Victorians to compare spending across key service areas and improve transparency around the use of public funds.
Ms Rendell said the commitment was about rebuilding public confidence in government.
“Trust starts with transparency.
“If governments expect Victorians to tighten their belts, then governments should also be prepared to show exactly how taxpayer money is being spent.”
Caption: The Nationals’ candidate for Gippsland East, Gemma Rendell, says the Liberals and Nationals will introduce a Public Expenditure Tracker if elected in November, giving Victorians greater transparency over how taxpayers’ money is spent.
