SA Libs wants end to 'long boozy lunches'

The South Australian opposition wants to introduce new guidelines on who pays for alcohol consumed by ministers and their staff under a cost-cutting pledge.

The South Australian opposition wants to end ministers' "long boozy lunches" at the expense of taxpayers if they win Saturday's election.

In a cost-cutting pledge Opposition treasury spokesman Rob Lucas said the Liberals would introduce new ministerial guidelines outlining who pays for alcohol consumed by ministers and their staff.

"We have had the obscene situation where Labor ministers and their staff have indulged in expensive bottles of wine during cosy dinners that have nothing to do with government business," Mr Lucas said.

However, Premier Jay Weatherill said current checks and balances were adequate with credit card expenses publicly available.

"Common sense needs to be the guiding factor and we publish every single one of our credit cards, they are up every month and people can see them and make their own judgments, " Mr Weatherill told ABC radio.

The opposition also wants to amend lobbyist laws to prevent senior members of political parties or unions having a conflict of interest.

"Our prohibition will make it clear that a person can be an official of a political party or a lobbyist, but not both," Mr Lucas said.


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Source: AAP


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