$7 Million Iemma Government Car Park Rip Off 
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Saturday 10 November 2007 The Iemma Government is paying $7 million each year to rent car spaces in the CBD, according to documents obtained through Freedom of Information by the NSW Opposition. “The Iemma Government leases 959 car spaces in the city for its staff and senior public servants while calling on all Sydneysiders to use public transport. It is another case of words and no action from the Iemma Government,” said Shadow Minister for Finance, Mike Baird. The bill to rent car space doesn’t include parking provided in the 13 buildings that the Government owns in the Sydney CBD. “Along with the car park rip off, the FoI documents show the Iemma Government’s bill to rent its office space has now climbed to more than $118 million per year. This excess is symptomatic of the Iemma Government’s poor financial discipline which is having devastating consequences on the delivery of key services for NSW families.” The FoI documents reveal the State Government pays up to $1,951 per square metre to lease its CBD office space, with seven properties costing more than $563 per square metre, which is the average for premium office space in the Sydney CBD. “The Government leases seven properties which are in the top end of the premium scale – this is simply excessive. For example, there is no need for the Department of State and Regional Development to be housed near the top floor of the city’s tallest office tower. “Morris Iemma and his Ministers like to keep distance from their departments in case they find out something they may have to answer to in Parliament. We are serious about fixing the problems facing NSW and our plan will immerse each Minister in their department and save significant rent in the process. “At a minimum, the NSW Coalition pledges to relocate CBD offices costing more than the premium average to suburban centres like North Ryde, Parramatta and Chatswood. “We have also pledged to play a leadership role in promoting public transport by removing car spots and providing annual public transport passes. Removing these car parks will take 10,000 cars a week from our roads and represents real leadership on climate change. “Iemma Government CBD splurges would be better spent on our failing hospitals, underfunded schools and ailing public transport,” Mr Baird said. MEDIA: Lisa Harrington - 0406 726 880 Add to:          Write Comment
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