GG Quentin Bryce slashes $800 p/w flower bill to half

[mellie]

We have 1 in 7 Australian kids living in disadvantage, and this pruned up old republican mutt blows $800 worth of tax-payers money on Flowers at her official residences per week? If she had to pay for them herself, would she be buying $800 worth of flowers pw?

You do the maths...how many weeks has she been GG X $800 = ? ( She was sworn in on the 5th of September 2008 )

Such decadence, such indulgence, what a disgraceful, squandering self serving half-picked scab she is.



BLOOMIN' BUDGET-CONSCIOUS: Quentin Bryce's office is now spending a quarter less on flowers.

GLOBETROTTING Governor-General Quentin Bryce has slashed spending on flowers at her official residences to $800 a week.

Her international travel continues at a cracking pace though, with a three-day visit to France last year costing $108,190.

The visit, from July 18 to 20, included a transport bill of $89,448 and accommodation and meals costing $16,304.

Since November 2008, the Governor-General's office has spent more than $545,000 on Ms Bryce's international travel representing Australia.

Documents obtained under Freedom of Information laws reveal the Governor-General's office spent $109,000 on fragrant blooms between September 2008 and January 31 this year.

"Expenditure on flowers has been cut by over 25 per cent (from 2008-09) to a current average of around $400 per week, per property," Deputy Official Secretary to the Governor-General Mark Fraser said.

"Flowers used throughout both properties to support official functions are sourced from the gardens and grounds and through external suppliers."

But her office boasts of a frugal approach to wining and dining, noting that "since the Governor-General took office, wine purchased has been less than $20 per head".

"The average cost of alcohol served to the 23,000 guests at official functions is $2.75 per head," he said.

Last month, Ms Bryce's office revealed she's giving away 100 bottles of Penfolds Grange Hermitage to charity after a wine expert warned some wine at Government House should be enjoyed sooner rather than later.

Ms Bryce's most expensive international adventure was in November 2008 when she racked up a $197,686 bill for a 12-day visit to France, Malta and Singapore.

During the trip, she attended an afternoon tea in Paris with embassy staff, was received by President Nicolas Sarkozy and visited the UNESCO building and the Les Invalides Military Museum.

She also visited the Villers-Bretonneux Museum, Le Hamel, Fromelles and Verdun.

"The average cost per trip is less than $50,000," her office said. "The Governor-General has participated in 272 official engagements whilst overseas."

Ms Bryce has revealed, however, that she does not claim a cent for her widely lauded wardrobe, with her office confirming that "she meets such expenses privately".


http://www.news.com.au/national/governo ... 6016514763

[Pastafarian]

To be honest, bigger issues facing the nation.

[mellie]

True, but it just goes to show you how much this government waste.

We need money to tackle 'the bigger issues" no?

[Pastafarian]

True, but it just goes to show you how much this government waste.

We need money to tackle 'the bigger issues" no?

Yes but then if you are making a specific point about this government, is there a comparison between how much this GG wastes as compared to other GGs?

[mellie]

True, but it just goes to show you how much this government waste.

We need money to tackle 'the bigger issues" no?

Yes but then if you are making a specific point about this government, is there a comparison between how much this GG wastes as compared to other GGs?

And is there a comparison when it comes to how much this government can afford to spend compared to the last, in light of their having already squandered a surplus?

Labor needs to learn to spend within it's means, not at the expense of the Australian tax-payer.

We were in better shape before Rudd came in and squandered it on boosting his global image.


When it's clear, now is not the time to be buying flowers.

[Pastafarian]

And is there a comparison when it comes to how much this government can afford to spend compared to the last, in light of their having already squandered a surplus?

Labor needs to learn to spend within it's means, not at the expense of the Australian tax-payer.

We were in better shape before Rudd came in and squandered it on boosting his global image.


When it's clear, now is not the time to be buying flowers.

WTF is this obsession with surpluses.

[Neferti]

WTF is this obsession with surpluses.

Well, I have one, do you? Or do you live pay-day to pay-day? I wonder whether the Bailiffs still knock on doors after hours to collect?

[Outlaw Yogi]

Must be a republican conspiracy to discedit the position of Gov Gen
We'll have to stipulate in our new (republican) constitution that the President can't have flowers.

[Pastafarian]

WTF is this obsession with surpluses.

Well, I have one, do you? Or do you live pay-day to pay-day? I wonder whether the Bailiffs still knock on doors after hours to collect?

Well my surplus is actually spent on stuff that improves my long-term living, i.e. house payments etc.


Not much point just having money if you don't do something with it. IN the case of governments, infrastructure spending.

[Neferti]

Must be a republican conspiracy to discedit the position of Gov Gen
We'll have to stipulate in our new (republican) constitution that the President can't have flowers.

Flowers make a dull room shine. Not to mention, they smell nice. I have taken to spending $20 at least a week on flowers for my modest dining room. It makes me feel good.