Polye tells PM O'Neill to avoid another hoax budget

Opposition Leader Don Polye warns that 2017 Budget must not become another hoax.
Mr Polye issued the warning whilst the plans are underway to table the country’s budget when Parliament resumes next Tuesday.
He said he doubted the budget would be ‘measured and cautious’ as claimed by the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.
“Peter O’Neill is not afraid to tell lies after lies even when our people know it very well that he is lying. He denied that overseas loans were within the legal limit.
“According to a World Bank report and other think tanks, our debt level stands at more than 40 per cent, our legal ceiling is 30 per cent under the Fiscal Responsibility Act,” he said.
Polye said only a few preferred contractors benefittedfrom 2015 and 2016 Budgets, adding the indigenous SMEs and the people were pushed to the edge of poverty.
He also warned that it must not happenagain in 2017 Budget, urging a local content must dictate the budget.
“The Prime Minister said 2017 Budget is to grow the economy and is for infrastructure, health, education and law and order.
“We doubt it. The Opposition believes that is a beauty in disguise as our people will tend to think that it is for them so they will fall into the trap,” said Mr Polye.
He said there was nothing for the people to benefit from the last two Budgets as their income per capita, their development index and other socio-economic development were deteriorating.
He said the 2016 Budget failed to be fully implemented as there were instances of budgetary slashes, particularly in the health and education sector.
“I understand all the MPs have not received their funds fully,” he said.
Mr Polye said the K15 million was appropriated to each of the district, adding PSIP were also cut.