“A Budget that fails to put money where mouth is”
Civic Party’s response toward the 2009/10 Budget﹕
In summary, this Budget is a weak and weary response to the big crisis facing Hong Kong.
Whilst the general directions of “job creation”, “green economy”, “quality city” are the same as that put forward by the Civic Party, the measures proposed are inadequate in addressing the present problems. The temporary jobs created are limited to a few sectors and there is no proposal by way of temporary assistance for rising unemployment in all sectors including the middle class.
Whilst the Budget talks about a green economy, the Financial Secretary fails to tackle the worsening roadside pollution or create more green and decent jobs for example by promoting recycling. Instead the $7.8 million for a green project is really meant for promoting the Asian Games or 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
The proposed operating expenditure in 2009/10 is $244 billion which is less than last years’ $259 billion. In face of a once-in-a-century financial crisis, the Civic Party expects the Government to increase its expenses in alleviating people’s hardship.