The NSW Labor Government must explain why it is prepared to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on a firearms buyback scheme while regional communities continue to face shortages of nurses, police, hospital services and essential infrastructure, Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer said.
Mr Dwyer said taxpayers deserve transparency about the true cost of the scheme, which is expected to target around 274,000 firearms across New South Wales which the Premier in a budget estimates hearing said, "This is a program not designed for illegal weapons." If that is what the Premier thinks, what is the point of the gun buyback scheme?”
"Labor is asking taxpayers to fund a scheme worth hundreds of millions of dollars at a time when hospitals are under pressure, police resources are stretched and schools need investment," Mr Dwyer said.
"Based on publicly reported estimates, a buyback costing between $300 million and $500 million could instead fund around 2,500 to 4,200 nurses for a year, or between 2,100 and 3,500 police officers."
Mr Dwyer said those funds could also deliver major infrastructure projects across regional NSW.
"That level of spending could help build new schools, fund significant hospital upgrades and expansions, and deliver services that communities rely on every day."
The first phase of the scheme includes compensation payments ranging from hundreds of dollars to $1,000 for many firearms, with some higher-value firearms eligible for payments of up to $10,000 in later stages. Costs will be shared between the NSW and Commonwealth governments.
Mr Dwyer said community safety is important, but taxpayers have a right to know why Labor believes this expenditure should take priority over frontline services.
"Every dollar spent by government is a dollar that cannot be spent elsewhere.
"At a time when regional families are waiting longer for healthcare, communities are calling for more police, and growing areas need new schools and hospital infrastructure, Labor must explain its priorities.
"Regional New South Wales deserves transparency, accountability and a clear explanation of why hundreds of millions of dollars are being directed into this program rather than the essential services people depend on every day," Mr Dwyer said.
Media Contact: Terry Sara 6584 0977 or 0409 834 648
