Let the sacrifices be shared by all

Dear Editor,

The motor vehicle policy that allows government workers and ministers to purchase State-owned vehicles is counter-intuitive to austerity measures.

The transfer of these vehicles at a beneficial book value rate, which was already at a preferential duty rate (20 per cent or less), forces the Government to have to outlay funds to replace the vehicle, if acquired, after four years of assignment.

Many times this is for the very person who just purchased the vehicle.

The sheltering of politicians from our reality allows them to escape the shared sacrifice they so glibly say we must be prepared to bear.

The motor vehicle policy that is enjoyed by parliamentarians, senators and public servants needs to be reviewed. Let the sacrifices be shared by all, and the Government must lead by example.

The same applies to tax on fuel, all ministers get fully maintained motor vehicles, inclusive of fuel. This shelters them from the policy choice of increasing taxes on fuel.

Don't raise our taxes and not raise your own!

Eliot Penn

Kingston 5

Let the sacrifices be shared by all

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