Craig Kelly brings pallet of fake money into parliament
Former Liberal MP-turned-independent Craig Kelly has brought a pallet of fake money into Parliament to illustrate his objections to today's big-spending budget.
The pallet is stacked with fake "trillion-dollar notes" bearing the face of bushranger Ned Kelly.
"It's a tribute to the gangsters and villains of the past," Mr Kelly said.
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Independent MP Craig Kelly holding a fake 'trillion-dollar' note. Sydney Morning Herald
Mr Kelly told 9News the pallet of fake money was paid for out of his taxpayer-funded printing allowance.
He then said he hadn't invoiced the printing expenses yet, and "should actually pay for this myself".
Each of the banknotes was labelled "One Trillion Dollars", to illustrate the trillion-dollar debt Australia is heading towards.
"Wouldn't you love to have this much money?" Mr Kelly asked on Twitter.
"Well you do!"
"This represents close to $1 TRILLION of Federal & State Government net DEBT that YOU & future generations need to pay off."
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Independent MP Craig Kelly in front of a pallet of fake money. Sydney Morning Herald
Mr Kelly, who represents an electorate in Sydney's south, quit the Liberal Party this year to sit on the crossbench.
In recent years he has become a vocal critic of climate change legislation and coronavirus vaccines.
Before his Facebook profile was deleted over coronavirus misinformation, he had one of the largest followings of any Australian politician.
The budget, tipped to be a generous one, will be released at 7.30pm tonight.
READ MORE: After COVID crash, IMF tips record growth for 2021
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