Voters deserve to know what election promises cost. So why has the Coalition left its costings to the last minute? | Kylea Tink

TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:

"Coalition Criticized for Last-Minute Release of Election Costings Ahead of Polls"

Voters deserve to know what election promises cost. So why has the Coalition left its costings to the last minute? | Kylea Tink analysis cover image The Guardian 5.9
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Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/may/01/coalition-election-promises-costs-costings-liberal-peter-dutton
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AI Analysis Average Score: 5.9
These scores (0-10 scale) are generated by Truthlens AI's analysis, assessing the article's objectivity, accuracy, and transparency. Higher scores indicate better alignment with journalistic standards. Hover over chart points for metric details.

TruthLens AI Summary

As the election approaches, the Coalition's delayed release of its final policy costings raises questions about its commitment to transparency and economic management. Scheduled to be unveiled just two days before the election, these costings have become a source of skepticism, prompting concerns over the party's readiness and reliability. Historically, both major parties, including Labor, have been guilty of last-minute disclosures, yet this pattern undermines voters' ability to make informed choices. With millions of Australians already casting their votes during the pre-poll period, the timing of such critical information is particularly troubling. The author, Kylea Tink, highlights that opposition parties have ample time to develop their policies, yet the Coalition's members have often chosen to oppose rather than propose, raising doubts about their dedication to constructive governance.

Tink emphasizes the importance of transparency in political promises, likening the government's role to that of a business that must provide clear financial plans to its stakeholders—voters. She argues that the lack of timely costings prevents voters from understanding how parties intend to allocate resources and manage the economy effectively. The call for transparency is not just about fulfilling electoral obligations; it is about earning the trust of the electorate. By failing to deliver costings in a timely manner, the Coalition risks appearing unprepared and untrustworthy. Tink concludes with a straightforward message to political parties: to earn voter confidence, they must adhere to deadlines, communicate openly, and demonstrate accountability in their financial commitments, echoing the sentiment that voters deserve clarity on how their tax dollars will be spent.

TruthLens AI Analysis

The article highlights concerns regarding the timing of the Coalition's policy costings release just days before an election. It raises questions about the Coalition's commitment to transparency and effective governance, especially in economic management. The author, Kylea Tink, emphasizes the importance of timely information for voters to make informed decisions, pointing out a pattern in Australian politics where final costings are frequently delayed until close to election day.

Perception of Trustworthiness

There is a deliberate effort to cast doubt on the Coalition's reliability and preparedness for governance. By showcasing their last-minute approach, the article suggests that voters should be skeptical of their ability to manage the economy effectively. The comparison to Labor's previous actions indicates a broader critique of political practices in Australia, urging voters to demand better accountability from all parties.

Concealment of Information

The timing of the costings release raises the possibility that the Coalition may be attempting to obscure their financial plans from scrutiny until it is too late for voters to analyze them thoroughly. This could suggest a lack of confidence in their proposals or a desire to minimize potential backlash from unfavorable cost assessments.

Manipulative Elements

The article employs a narrative that positions the Coalition negatively, which could be seen as manipulative. The language used is critical and accusatory, particularly in questioning the Coalition's readiness for governance. This approach is likely intended to influence public perception against the Coalition, framing them as irresponsible and untrustworthy.

Comparative Context

When placed alongside other political analyses, this article fits within a larger discourse on accountability in political campaigning. It connects with ongoing discussions about transparency and the responsibilities of political parties to provide clear, accessible information to voters well in advance of elections.

Potential Societal Impact

The article could influence public sentiment towards the Coalition, potentially swaying undecided voters or reinforcing existing biases. The emphasis on economic management raises concerns about the broader economic implications of the election outcome, potentially impacting investor confidence and market stability.

Target Audience

The article seems aimed at engaged voters who prioritize transparency and accountability in politics. This demographic likely includes individuals who are disillusioned with traditional political practices and are seeking reform.

Market Implications

While this article primarily focuses on political accountability, its implications could extend to financial markets. If the Coalition is perceived negatively, it may affect investor confidence in the Australian economy, particularly in sectors dependent on government policy. Stakeholders in industries like finance and public services may be particularly sensitive to the political climate as it impacts market stability.

Global Context

Although primarily focused on Australian politics, the themes of transparency and accountability are relevant globally. The article’s timing also resonates with ongoing discussions about governance and economic management in various countries, particularly in light of recent global economic challenges.

Use of AI in Writing

There is no evident indication that AI was used in crafting this article. However, the structured argumentation and critical tone could reflect an AI's capacity for analyzing political narratives. If AI were involved, it might have influenced the framing of the Coalition's actions and the urgency of the narrative around voter information.

Ultimately, the reliability of this article hinges on its rhetorical choices and the framing of the Coalition's actions, which could be seen as biased or strategically manipulative. The concerns raised about timing and accountability are valid but may also reflect the author's political stance.

Unanalyzed Article Content

Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/may/01/coalition-election-promises-costs-costings-liberal-peter-dutton

We’ve all been there: the deadline for an important project is looming and we haven’t done the work we were supposed to do!

But as news drops that we can finally expect to see theCoalition’s final policy costings on Thursday– two days before the election – I can’t help but ask: are these people really expecting us to believe they can be trusted to manage our economy when they are submitting the work that should have been done months ago? How seriously are they taking this work?

The Coalition is not the first to leave things to the last minute. Labor in opposition also released its final costings for the 2022 electiontwo days before polls closed. Indeed it’s become somewhat of aritual in Australian politics, which is surely something all of us should be roundly condemning. How can we as voters seriously consider our options with so little time to compare and contrast?

Having sat in the parliament for the last three years I can attest to the fact that members of an opposition party certainly have time to do the work of developing their own proposed policies.

In the case of theCoalition, I rarely saw its full contingency in the chamber for a vote and, rather than positively and actively contribute to the development of any forward-moving policy in the parliament, its members often preferred to just vote no. Even to policies they previously tried to get through themselves – like the vehicle efficiency standards.

And it’s not as though this election was sprung on them. The Coalition has been calling on Anthony Albanese to call the election since before Christmas. Surely it would have only been making demands like that if it felt it was more than ready to step in and take over?

Yet as the tortuous months of “campaigning when there really wasn’t an election” rolled on we were told the “costings were coming”. Then – as the election was called back in April – we again heard “they’re coming”.

Now, two days out from the election – and with literallymillions of Australians having already cast their votesat pre-polls around the country – it would seem that … maybe … perhaps … if we’re lucky … and continue to wait … the Coalition might finally tell us exactly how its numbers stack up.

Or will it?

I can’t help but think of a woman I once worked with who would tell anyone trying to get ahead in our workplace the old adage that “prior planning prevents poor performance.” It remains pretty obvious, simple advice really.

While both of the major parties want us to believe they are the best placed to manage what is effectively the largest business in our country – our federal government – neither of them are prepared to provide us as their shareholders with the transparency we would expect from any other business.

It has become far too easy for parties to make promises they are not able to back up. Giving us insight into the numbers allows us to see exactly where they plan to invest – and cut – and that in turn allows us to decide whether we support those spending priorities. If the Coalition is going to indeed deliver a “better budget”, I need to know that more than 48 hours before I vote.

As Tom Cruise once famously yelled, “Show me the money!” If you want to spend my hard-earned and forfeited tax dollars, be transparent about how you want to spend them and do it in a timely fashion that lets me consider your plans.

Voters are not asking much. In fact it’s pretty straight forward: Do the work. Meet your deadlines. And communicate honestly and respectfully with those you are seeking to influence.

Kylea Tink is the outgoing independent federal member for North Sydney

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Source: The Guardian