It seems that good news is eagerly proclaimed by the prime minister - but bad news is delegated to lesser mortals.
A key election promise was the creation of three hundred child care centres to support working mothers. The minister responsible was left with the job of announcing that a mere thirty two had been delivered - and the project was now abandoned.
In similar fashion, Greg Combet was stuck with the job of announcing a policy change on insulation. The public and the insulation industry had been eagerly awaiting the recommencement of work on a revamped scheme from June. It has been completely axed - and as a result insulation firms will face bankruptcy - and jobs will be lost.
Timing of announcements also seems to be tactical. Treasurer Wayne Swan has finally disclosed that the Henry Tax Review will be made public - at 4-50 pm on Friday afternoon of May 2.
This review is supposed to deliver vast improvements to the tax system to make it less complicated - but assuredly it will mean good news for some people - and bad news for others.
Like all political announcements, care is being taken to shield it from public scrutiny by releasing it at the time most news outlets are easing down for the weekend - and the government will be hoping that some sort of world event may grab the headlines about that time to mask the release.
Such is the way of politics !
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