Abbott Cuts Community Cabinet

Member for Lalor, Joanne Ryan has condemned Prime Minister Tony Abbott for his decision to cut funding to Community Cabinet.

In the same week that Mr Abbott’s Victorian counterpart hosted a community forum in Werribee, Ms Ryan said it was unacceptable that the Federal Coalition Government were attempting to hide from voters.

"Community Cabinet is an opportunity to engage with the Federal Government and promotes an active dialogue between residents and their representatives,” Ms Ryan said.

“Not only are these forums about ensuring the Government knows how their policies are impacting people on the ground, it’s also very important in ensuring transparency, openness and accountability.”

Ms Ryan said under the previous Federal Labor Governments, Community Cabinets had ensured the voices of more than 15,000 Australians were heard.

“But under Mr Abbott’s watch, the Government refuses to listen. And with cuts to local school funding, the NBN and superannuation, there’s no wonder Mr Abbott is trying to hide.”