lionking
12th February 2009, 11:45 PM
An Australian senator, Nick Xenophon, who won his seat with a paltry vote of 30,000 and a heap of preference deals, has successfully blackmailed the Australian Government to the tune of $A900 million. His vote was necessary to pass the $A42 billion economic rescue package.
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/751546/new-stimulus-package-goes-to-senate
After casting a make-or-break vote to scuttle the legislation on Thursday, Senator Xenophon struck a deal with Treasurer Wayne Swan and Water Minister Penny Wong on Friday.
Despite hours of long and tense negotiations, the South Australian senator was confident he'd done pretty well.
"This is overall a good result, this is a big step for the river, for the entire Murray-Darling Basin," he said.
The government agreed to a package of $900 million in spending commitments, including fast-tracking spending for the Murray-Darling-Basin.
The objective of the package is to stimulate immediate consumer spending and create jobs - two things this $A900 million bribe will not do.
Shameful, but people are pretty much shrugging their shoulders. Any other examples of politicians selling their vote for huge sums like this?
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/751546/new-stimulus-package-goes-to-senate
After casting a make-or-break vote to scuttle the legislation on Thursday, Senator Xenophon struck a deal with Treasurer Wayne Swan and Water Minister Penny Wong on Friday.
Despite hours of long and tense negotiations, the South Australian senator was confident he'd done pretty well.
"This is overall a good result, this is a big step for the river, for the entire Murray-Darling Basin," he said.
The government agreed to a package of $900 million in spending commitments, including fast-tracking spending for the Murray-Darling-Basin.
The objective of the package is to stimulate immediate consumer spending and create jobs - two things this $A900 million bribe will not do.
Shameful, but people are pretty much shrugging their shoulders. Any other examples of politicians selling their vote for huge sums like this?