Aussie PM "playing games" over date of general election: opposition leader

Source: Xinhua| 2019-04-07 16:14:24|Editor: ZX
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CANBERRA, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Australia's opposition leader has accused Prime Minister Scott Morrison of "playing games" over the date of the general election.

Morrison was due to call the general election for either May 11 or 18 or 25 on Saturday or Sunday, but delayed the announcement, according to local reports.

Senior figures within the opposition Australian Labor Party (ALP) have criticized the decision as an opportunity for the government to use taxpayers' money to sell voters on its budget proposal, which was delivered by Treasurer Josh Frydenberg on Tuesday night.

Under Australian law, taxpayer funds cannot be used to pay for political advertising during the caretaker period between Parliament being dissolved and an election being held.

Responding to the delayed announcement, ALP leader Bill Shorten said he was ready to enter the campaign mode as soon as the poll is called.

Morrison dismissed the critisium on Sunday, saying "We do this after every budget," defending his right to call the election when he deems it best.

Responding to the ALP's view on Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) television, Frydenberg did not disclose how much money was being spent on advertising but did commit to making the information public eventually.

"Money is being spent in accordance with approved processes. That's all transparent," he said.

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