Grubby little deals promote sectional interests to keep Labor in power
..........Gillard has promised Windsor that Labor now will stretch this support over 10 years, providing another $140m worth of protection to local producers to turn grains or sugar into ethanol.
And The Australian reported last month that Windsor received a $50,000 political donation from ethanol producer Manildra just before the 2007 election. So much for reforming politics, let alone promoting "food security" or reducing carbon emissions. Subsidising ethanol doesn't do any of these.
Gillard also promised Windsor and Oakeshott more or faster spending on various hospital, road and university projects in their rural NSW electorates.
She will meet the country independents every parliamentary sitting week to "discuss and negotiate any planned legislation". And they will be granted "regular discussions" with Wayne Swan, including on "budget preparation".
But perhaps more remarkable is the 19-page annexe B, "Commitment to Regional Australia". ..........>>>>
