Stimulus package ranking announcement “PR bluster” - CIF

The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has said that anyannouncement by the Government of a ranking system for potential stimulusprojects would amount to little more than PR bluster when the country is cryingout for concrete action. 

The Government has indicated that they will be announcingdetails of the ranking for potential projects under the stimulus package but itwill not be a promise that these projects are definitely proceeding.  According to the CIF this will not provide asignal of the definite action that is needed.

“Announcing rankings is not the type of action theGovernment should be taking,” said Tom Parlon, CIF Director General.  “We need definitive proposals from the Governmentand a commitment that they will be taking certain action.  We need to see progress. 

“Outlining a ranking system is only a PR bluster which willgive the Government the opportunity to announce these projects more thanonce.  They can outline that projects areon the rankings and then if funding is forthcoming they can announce the greenlight again. 

“This doesn’t really help anyone.  What we need to find out now is what projectsare getting the go ahead under the stimulus package and what projects will beconsidered in the future.  That would beof far more benefit. 

“What the people of this country are crying out for isdefinite action to help get people working. The stimulus package seems the most realistic and advanced proposal inthat regard.  However if we are justgoing to see a ranking system outlined instead of solid facts for whichprojects will proceed, how is that going to help anyone. 

“Basically the ranking system will suggest that projects X,Yand Z could proceed.  We already knowthat.  What we need to know is when.

“The CIF published a list of 421 previously announcedprojects that could be advanced under the stimulus package weeks ago.  I fail to see how the Government’sannouncement would amount to much more than a repacking exercise. 

“I hope the Government will give more specific detail intheir announcement tomorrow.  Talkingabout rankings isn’t going to get people working.  At the end of the day that is what thisstimulus package has to be about.  A‘live horse and get grass’ outlook from this Government is no help to an ailingeconomy,” Mr. Parlon concluded.