Auditor-General's review: MPs junk mail election sprees must stop, say Greens

"Lower House NSW MPs are squirreling their printing allowance away so they can bombard voters with unwanted flyers and leaflets just before election time," Ms Rhiannon said.

"No doubt this year's allowance is being stored up to do the same for the September local council elections.

The Electorate Mailout Account was initiated by former Premier Bob Carr in the lead up to 2003 election. MPs now receive over $62,000 to distribute letters or newsletters to constituents twice a year. Members spent $4.5 million of the total $5.7 million allocated for 2006/07.

"The Auditor General has highlighted what beleaguered voters already know. The printing allowance is kept in the bank and spent just before an election.

"This additional printing allowance gives an MP an unfair advantage against any person trying to unseat them.

"MPs receive sufficient allowances for the purpose of communicating with their constituents in the form of a Logistical Support Allowance and an Electoral Allowance.

"MPs could manage their printing and mail-out requirements before Bob Carr brought in this additional payment.

"Pollies in NSW have contributed to a diminution in their own status by continually pressing for increases in salary and allowances well beyond those enjoyed by other workers.

"To restore credibility to our political system MPs need to tighten their belts, otherwise voter cynicism in politicians will continue to grow," Ms Rhiannon said. 

The NSW Auditor-General's audit of MPs additional allowances can be found at:
http://www.audit.nsw.gov.au/publications/reports/financial/2008/vol2/pdf/08_0276_audit_of_members'_additional_entitlements.pdf

More information:  Lee  Rhiannon - 9230 3551 , 0427 861 568

[via Lee Rhiannon Media Release Wednesday 14 May 2008 link]