The public sectors old them and us attitudes need to change as their red and green tape under Labors nanny state no longer washes. Martin Parkinson axed to put Coalition stamp on economy: JARED OWENS THE AUSTRALIAN MARCH 13, 2014 12:52PM Treasury secretary Martin Parkinson appears before a Senate committee.Treasury secretary Martin Parkinson appears before a Senate committee. Source: News Corp Australia Tax system faces imminent crisisTreasury secretary Martin Parkinson appe... TONY Abbott has defended his decision to sack Treasury secretary Martin Parkinson, saying incoming governments want to “place their stamp” on the economic policy. Dr Parkinson’s predecessor, Ken Henry, last night called on the government to reverse its historic decision to replace the Treasury secretary. “No government has ever thought it appropriate to remove the head of the Treasury and put in somebody who they think is of the right, let’s say of a more comfortable, political character,’’ Dr Henry, who served the Howard, Rudd and Gillard governments, told ABC1’s 7.30. “Now, I’m not saying that is what has motivated the Prime Minister on this occasion, it may be, but I really don’t know. But if that is what’s intended, that would be a very disappointing move and quite a historic one.” Speaking in Adelaide today, the Prime Minister stood by his decision to replace Dr Parkinson, who he said had done “a fine job” since replacing Dr Henry in 2011. “Martin Parkinson has been a very distinguished public servant for many years now. I think he is doing a fine job as the head of Treasury, and I look forward to continuing for some time to work with him,” Mr Abbott said. “But you’ve got to understand that incoming governments do very much want to place their stamp on the economic policy of the country and that’s exactly what we are doing. “Let there be no doubt that Australia’s policy direction changed very substantially back in September of last year. Australia at the official level went from being a high-tax, high-regulating government to being a low-tax, deregulating government. “That’s a very, very big change and we expect everyone in the system to be working enthusiastically with us as we reshape our count to provide more jobs and greater prosperity for all.” Dr Parkinson is expected to remain in place for the May budget, but depart the Treasury by July. The decision to sack Dr Parkinson was opposed by former prime minister John Howard and former treasurer Peter Costello, Fairfax Media reported this week. HENRY: Slams Abbott plan on NDIS Dr Henry also said Treasurer Joe Hockey should not have questioned the Treasury Department’s economic forecasts in the lead-up to last year’s election. “I was disappointed to see the attacks. I know how difficult it is to produce economic forecasts,” he said. “A department is unable to defend itself in public if it is attacked by a politician. “Joe should not have made those comments.
Posted on: Thu, 13 Mar 2014 07:05:29 +0000
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