FED:Windsor wants Treasury costings

08-26-2010
FED:Windsor wants Treasury costings

CANBERRA, Aug 26 AAP - Key independent Tony Windsor has urged Opposition Leader Tony
Abbott to have his election promises costed by Treasury.

Mr Windsor, one of three independents likely to determine the next government, says
while it "a deal breaker" Mr Abbott should change his mind on the issue.

"So that they (policies) can be compared, (to what was) said during the election campaign
(and) the government's election promises," Mr Windsor told ABC Radio on Thursday, adding
that budgetary impacts must be considered.

Mr Abbott has rebuffed the request from the three independents, instead insisting they
rely on modelling by private accounting firm WHK Howarth.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard seems more willing to meet the request, but will first
seek legal advice regarding parliament's caretaker conventions.

Treasury costings is one of numerous demands the independents want met or considered
before they determine which party to support.

They also want governments to sit a full three-year term, improved parliamentary procedures
and political advertising reforms.

AAP sld/jfm

KEYWORD: POLL10 WINDSOR

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