ICYMI: Nice work by @TheAusInstitute highlighting an increasing lack of #transparency in the Federal Budget with greater resorting to NFP "not for publication" references to keep info secret. This #secrecy cancer just keeps growing. #auspol #righttoknow tai.org.au/content/new-an…
. @TheAusInstitute highlights a few NFP examples including the costs of managing an abandoned oil rig formerly owned by Woodside; money for the controversial Inland Rail project and expenditure relating to Australia’s Export Finance and Insurance Corporation. All are secret.
There may be valid reasons for some budget details to be kept confidential, but NFP is resorted to with ever greater frequency. It would be a good thing if @ANAO_Australia were to conduct an audit of NFP decisions. But, surprise, surprise, the Auditor’s budget has been cut.
Here are some other NFP examples in the 2020-21 Budget: Support for vulnerable Australians overseas during the COVID-19 pandemic; COVID-19 Response Package - additional funding for domestic & family violence support and support for indigenous and remote communities. All NFP.
And there’s more: Ongoing funding for the Cashless Debit Card; Additional funding for Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme litigation; Settlement of Federal Court of Australia class actions in relation to PFAS contamination at Williamtown NSW; Oakey, QLD; and Katherine, NT. All NFP.
Some other big ticket items not for publication include equity injections for Australian Naval Infrastructure; additional funding for National Security Agencies ; new expenditure to secure government data; and improving security & resilience at the Bureau of Meteorology. All NFP.
NFP is scattered across the entire Budget. Two more examples: Projected costs for 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia; and cost of a Dept of Finance scoping study with Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation on governance and commercial arrangements. Both NFP
#NFP really ought to be a hashtag for contemporary Australian Government. Some real push back on this creeping secrecy is urgently required. #auspol #righttoknow #transparency #FOI @AuSenate
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