David Pisoni MP Shadow Minister for Education Shadow Minister for Employment, Skills and Training Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs Wednesday 5 November 2014 Penny pinching bureaucracy gone mad The State Liberals are calling on Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis to end the Weatherill Government’s pursuit of a retiree for a $17 overpayment made to her when she was working as a School Support Officer in 2005. “Petty, mean and stupid best sums up the State Government’s decision to hound Ms Spencer for a decade old overpayment of $17 that was made as a result of incompetence by the Education Department,” said Shadow Minister for Education David Pisoni. “The fact Ms Spencer was working overtime in her role as an SSO when the miscalculation was made only highlights the absurdity of pursuing the nine year old overpayment. “Having spoken to Ms Spencer and gauged her dedication to her job when she was a SSO I’m certain the taxpayer got full value for money despite the Education Department’s small miscalculation. “South Australians will be annoyed that the Weatherill Government is spending hundreds of dollars chasing $17 from a pensioner when the Premier left taxpayers’ to pick up the bill when he ‘shouted’ the bar at the Old Spot Hotel. “The Premier who earns around $300,000 leaves the taxpayer to pay for his shout whilst hounding a retiree for a $17 overpayment that was a result of incompetence by an Education Department he once ran. “The Labor Government should do the right thing and waive Ms Spencer’s debt today.” Contact: David Pisoni 0412 844 384 www.davidpisoni.com twitter.com/DavidPisoniMP