Opposition leader Lawrence Springborg has called on the Palaszczuk Labor Government to sign up to the 2015-17 National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness (NPAH) to ensure Queensland received millions of dollars in funding for critical homelessness services.
“Queensland is one of only two states in Australia not to have signed up to the latest agreement, jeopardising $57 million in Federal Government funding to support our most vulnerable Queenslanders,” Mr Springborg said.
In a web video filmed with Federal Minister for Social Services Scott Morrison, Mr Springborg called on the Palaszczuk Government to put politics aside and sign up to this important National Partnership: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nd9pNLVDQpM
“There’s no good reason to delay signing up to this agreement,” Mr Springborg said.
“The only new conditions that the Federal Government has placed on the funding is that priority be given to homelessness programs focused on domestic and family violence and youth homelessness and that the Queensland Government be clear and transparent about how funds are spent.
“Time and again we’ve seen the inexperience of the Palaszczuk Labor government result in administrative delays which have negative consequences for the people of Queensland.”
For more information on the NPAH agreement visit: https://www.dss.gov.au/housing-support/programmes-services/national-partnership-agreement-on-homelessness
Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Deb Frecklington has completed a tour of the Burnett Electorate with local Member, Stephen Bennett, saying local primary producers are to be commended for creating such a professional and progressive agriculture industry in the region.
Mrs Frecklington visited Macadamias Australia, Austchilli, the Perfection Fresh Australia Blueberry Farm and also met with the Bundaberg Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association, Canegrowers, the Childers Chamber of Commerce and Childers Fruit and Veg Growers, plus a meeting with local fishing industry stakeholders.
“As Shadow Minister for Agriculture, I am extremely impressed by the professional nature of these agriculture businesses and the value-adding initiatives they have put in place,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“They are taking the region’s amazing fresh produce, processing it here in Bundaberg and shipping it to the world.
“I was also pleased to hear more about the Bundaberg gas pipeline which is nearing completion. This project has created jobs and will now open up further employment opportunities for local industry and agriculture. I would like to congratulate Stephen Bennett on achieving this important piece of infrastructure for his Electorate and I look forward to hearing about the economic activity it will facilitate.
“In regards to my meeting with fishing industry stakeholders, we discussed the Labor’s proposed net-free zones and how this will affect commercial fishermen and indeed the local supply chain.
“I wanted to ensure them that the LNP does not support revoking netting licences held by commercial fishermen without adequate and fair compensation for their loss and we certainly don’t support the compulsory nature of this current Labor policy.
“The issue of consultation between the Minister and commercial fishermen was also discussed and is certainly one which is very disappointing. There has been a distinct lack of transparency, yet the Minister continues to claim he has consulted fully with the industry. I explained that to try and get the facts I have asked Minister Byrne a ‘Question on Notice’ through Parliament in this regard (see below).
“I’d like to thank everyone who met with me and showed me around the Bundaberg region.”
Local Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said it was important for a critical food bowl like Burnett to not only be well represented by a shadow minister, but by one who shares our vision for the value adding opportunities we have.
“The LNP’s new gas pipeline will create some terrific opportunities for growers who want to join groups like Steinhardts, Perfection Fresh, Austchilli and others and expand into the region”, Mr Bennet said.
“This is about future opportunities for the Bundaberg region to go forward and to encourage those businesses to establish themselves.
“We have great examples of families who have made Bundaberg their home and have value-added to the agriculture sector. We see unlimited potential for that to continue.”
The Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers Cooperative (BFVG) welcomed the opportunity to discuss the significance of the region's Horticulture Industry, and to showcase some of the region’s progressive horticulture businesses.
BFVG Executive Officer Peter Hockings said it was vitally important all our Parliamentary representatives make the effort to actively engage with the businesses and industries that are critical to the economy and resilience of our regional communities.
“I sincerely thank both Shadow Ministers for their willingness to gain a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead for our industry. The conversations held were informative, constructive, open and engaging”, he said.
"A better foundation of knowledge and appreciation of the 'engine room' for this State's economy helps our Policy makers and Representatives to provide businesses with the confidence to forge ahead. This confidence for business growth then flows on to providing opportunities for job creation, infrastructure and a sustainable future for our regions" said Peter Hockings.
Question on Notice
MRS FRECKLINGTON ASKED THE MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES AND MINISTER FOR SPORT AND RACING (MR BYRNE)―
With reference to the Minister’s public statement that the department has consulted with commercial fishers who will lose their livelihood following the introduction of net-free zones along the coast of Queensland―
Will the Minister provide details of (a) how many meetings have been held, (b) the dates of these meetings, (c) how many fishers were consulted, and (d) whether minutes of these meetings can be provided?
The Palaszczuk Labor Government has been accused of being sneaky after it sent misleading information about Workers Compensation Laws to rural volunteer firefighters.
Shadow Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Jarrod Bleijie said Labor had purposely left out important details of its amendments in the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 in a desperate attempt to garner support.
“There are currently two Bills before the Parliament dealing with presumptive legislation for firefighters, one introduced by the LNP and one from the Labor Government,” Mr Bleijie said.
“Unfortunately, Labor’s proposed laws will discriminate against our selfless volunteer firefighters, requiring them to attend 150 fires before being covered for contracting one of 12 specified cancers in the course of protecting the community.
“Under the LNP’s Private Members Bill, volunteer, part time and full time firefighters will all be covered, without the ridiculous fire quota.
“It was downright deceitful for the Palaszczuk Government to leave this out of the information it sent to rural firies.
“This tricky move is yet another reason why Queenslanders can’t trust the Palaszczuk Government.”
Mr Bleijie said adding further insult to injury was that Labor had used a photo of a New South Wales Rural Fire Service volunteer in its email instead of a Queensland volunteer. (PHOTO ATTACHED)
“They couldn’t even be bothered to get a photo of a Queenslander, someone who will actually be impacted by this law, to include in their spin,” he said.
“This is yet another embarrassing blunder under Police, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Jo-Ann Miller’s watch. It’s time for Ms Miller to go.”
Mr Bleijie said like the rest of Queensland, the LNP respected the hard work, dedication and innate sense of selflessness rural firies display on a daily basis, protecting lives and property around the state.
“There are 35,000 volunteer fire fighters in Queensland and the LNP’s legislation will protect all fire fighters - irrespective of pay status or the colour of the fire engine,” he said.
“The LNP’s changes will provide the highest level of support in the country.
“Labor owes it to Queenslanders to support the LNP’s Bill so our rural firies get the level of support they deserve.”
The Queensland agricultural sector has been left high and dry by the Palaszczuk Labor Government budget.
Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Deb Frecklington said the fact Treasurer Curtis Pitt did not use the words Agriculture, Fisheries, or Forestry once in his budget speech, is proof this vital sectors matters little to the Labor Government.
“While Labor is happy to bend over for various interest groups, one of the State’s biggest interest group; Queensland’s farmers and producers have been left disappointed,” Ms Frecklington said.
“Labor couldn’t ignore the fact that around 80% of Queensland is now drought declared and while support and funding continues because of the foundations put in place by the former LNP Government there is no guarantee the money will be available to those that need it the most; when they need it.
“That’s because the Labor Government is up to its old tricks, giving with one hand and taking with the other.
“Within QRAA the service delivery timeframes have been slashed from 97.5% to 85% along with a reduction in eight people to administer the applications. The priority should be to improving QRAA not reducing its service capabilities.”
Ms Frecklington said it came as no surprise that Labor was returning to bad habits.
“In government the LNP’s commitment saw it re-establish the Department of Agriculture. In less than six months Labor has seen to it that there are 74 less people in Agriculture; 60 less people in Biosecurity Queensland and 6 less people in Fisheries and Forestry while corporate services has seen an increase in 2 people.
“The former LNP had done a lot of the ground work in the agricultural sector, Labor simply had to run with it. While the Minister announced a 10 year plan for a blueprint for Agriculture and food, that pales into insignificance to what we did with the first State of Queensland Agriculture report.”
Ms Frecklington said what Queensland wanted to hear was that Labor was going to get on with the job rather than focusing on the wishes of the green wielding conservationists.
“They are reinstating the vegetation laws to “implement changes to the vegetation management framework to appropriately manage and minimise the clearing of vegetation”, and additionally they have left the commercial fishing industry reeling.
Minister Byrne has committed to a compulsory closure of three fishing zones, without final consultation, and these hard working Queenslanders will suffer further with a decrease in the funding of the net fishing buyback program.
The Labor Government was elected on a platform of job creation, consultation and transparency, but after a budget that delivers no jobs and no growth it has failed hook, line and sinker.
The Queensland agricultural sector has been left high and dry by the Palaszczuk Labor Government budget.
Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Deb Frecklington said the fact Treasurer Curtis Pitt did not use the words Agriculture, Fisheries, or Forestry once in his budget speech, is proof this vital sectors matters little to the Labor Government.
“While Labor is happy to bend over for various interest groups, one of the State’s biggest interest group; Queensland’s farmers and producers have been left disappointed,” Ms Frecklington said.
“Labor couldn’t ignore the fact that around 80% of Queensland is now drought declared and while support and funding continues because of the foundations put in place by the former LNP Government there is no guarantee the money will be available to those that need it the most; when they need it.
“That’s because the Labor Government is up to its old tricks, giving with one hand and taking with the other.
“Within QRAA the service delivery timeframes have been slashed from 97.5% to 85% along with a reduction in eight people to administer the applications. The priority should be to improving QRAA not reducing its service capabilities.”
Ms Frecklington said it came as no surprise that Labor was returning to bad habits.
“In government the LNP’s commitment saw it re-establish the Department of Agriculture. In less than six months Labor has seen to it that there are 74 less people in Agriculture; 60 less people in Biosecurity Queensland and 6 less people in Fisheries and Forestry while corporate services has seen an increase in 2 people.
“The former LNP had done a lot of the ground work in the agricultural sector, Labor simply had to run with it. While the Minister announced a 10 year plan for a blueprint for Agriculture and food, that pales into insignificance to what we did with the first State of Queensland Agriculture report.”
Ms Frecklington said what Queensland wanted to hear was that Labor was going to get on with the job rather than focusing on the wishes of the green wielding conservationists.
“They are reinstating the vegetation laws to “implement changes to the vegetation management framework to appropriately manage and minimise the clearing of vegetation”, and additionally they have left the commercial fishing industry reeling.
Minister Byrne has committed to a compulsory closure of three fishing zones, without final consultation, and these hard working Queenslanders will suffer further with a decrease in the funding of the net fishing buyback program.
The Labor Government was elected on a platform of job creation, consultation and transparency, but after a budget that delivers no jobs and no growth it has failed hook, line and sinker.
Last weeks’ Budget from the Palaszczuk Labor Government promises much but delivers little for people in regional Queensland.
Shadow Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and State Development, Andrew Cripps said despite promising to boost business development, increase economic growth and create jobs, nothing in Labor’s first Budget delivered on these commitments.
“Labor says it will facilitate private sector development by case managing regionally significant private sector projects in key industry sectors, but the Budget doesn’t say where they are,” Mr Cripps said.
“The Palaszczuk-Gordon Government says it will maximise opportunities for Queensland businesses in regionally significant public projects, but doesn’t say what they are.
“It says it will implement industry and regional development strategies, but it doesn’t say where and when.
“What the Budget does do is promote is the commencement of a $200 million Building our Regions program, which is simply a weakened version of the LNP’s flagship Royalties for the Regions initiative.
“It is a smaller, shorter and narrower version of the LNP’s initiative and a backwards step for regional Queensland.”
Mr Cripps said the Palaszczuk Labor Budget also indicated an unsurprising return to the bad old days of pandering to conservation groups.
“The Palaszczuk Labor Government wants to overturn the sensible and balanced reforms the former LNP Government made to the Vegetation Management Act, repeal the long overdue and much needed reforms to the Water Act and increase red tape for resource sector projects, instead of providing an improved environment for investment and job creation,” he said.
“Labor’s priority is to satisfy the extreme Greens’ agenda rather than pursue development opportunities in regional Queensland.
“That’s what Labor offers regional Queensland in this budget. Lots of talking but not much doing.
“Regional Queenslanders didn’t vote for that and they deserve more than this Labor Budget offers.”
The Queensland economy continues to suffer under the Palaszczuk Labor Government according to the latest CommSec State of the States Report.
Deputy Opposition Leader John-Paul Langbroek said according to the report, Queensland is now part of a ‘third tier of economies’ slipping back to sixth in relation to economic growth.
“Since Labor has taken office, we have seen report after report showing the Queensland economy going backwards,” Mr Langbroek said.
“This latest report highlights a concerning drop when it comes to Queensland’s economic growth, construction work, equipment investment and population growth since the state election in January.
“Unemployment is among the weakest in the nation and Queensland is ranked third last in relation to construction work done.”
Mr Langbroek said these figures paint a very glum picture of Queensland’s future under Labor.
“We have warned time and time again that without a plan, without a stable environment for business to operate in and job-creating infrastructure, the Queensland economy will go backwards,” he said.
“Instead of addressing these concerns, Treasurer Curtis Pitt last week handed down a budget that was bad news for the economy, bad news for jobs and bad news for business.
“While Labor promises to be ‘pro-jobs’, the reality is there was nothing that encouraged business confidence in Treasurer Pitt’s budget.”
Mr Langbroek said in stark contrast the LNP has a Real Economic Plan that will deliver jobs and boost the Queensland economy.
“The LNP will deliver a positive plan that includes lifting the infrastructure freeze imposed by Labor and reducing payroll tax,” he said.
“Our plan focuses on five key priority areas, including services and knowledge based industries that will secure our financial future ensuring Queensland has a resilient economy.
“The LNP is the stable and experienced alternative to this bungling Labor Government and is the only party with a plan to deliver Queenslanders the certainty and stability needed to reduce unemployment and create jobs.”
Despite claiming it has made education a top priority, the Queensland Labor Government has cut hundreds of millions of dollars from Queensland classrooms.
Shadow Education Minister Tim Mander said the LNP was to directly pay schools $299 million in Federal funding next year but in the Palaszczuk Labor budget the money had disappeared.
“This money was to be paid directly to schools to improve the numeracy and literacy levels of Queensland kids,” Mr Mander said.
“The Great Results Guarantee, introduced by the LNP Government was making a real difference because all Queensland schools had to commit to a plan to improve numeracy and literacy for students.
“Funding was provided directly to schools to give them the autonomy to tailor education programs to meet the specific needs of their individual students.”
Mr Mander said Labor had also scrapped the Great Teacher=Great Results initiative which would have a direct effect on student’s results.
“This $537 million LNP initiative focused on three crucial education areas; professional excellence in teaching, boosting school autonomy and discipline.
“While the LNP was committed to rewarding the best teachers and creating better student outcomes Labor doesn’t see this as a priority.
“Every Principal I have spoken to has praised the effectives of these programs to boost education outcomes for their students.”
Mr Mander said it wasn’t just school students who were affected by Curtis Pitt’s cuts with Labor slashing more than $90 million from TAFE Queensland.
“During the election campaign Labor said they would rescue TAFE, but this significant cut means you can’t trust a thing the Premier or Treasurer says.
“Last budget the LNP allocated over $714.8 million to TAFE Queensland and now Labor has cut that to $624.6 million.
“Queensland students and teachers have every right to feel let down by this inexperienced Treasurer and Labor Government.”
Despite a desperate cash grab on employee entitlements, debt will continue to rise under Labor.
Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg said today’s Budget, handed down by the Palaszczuk Government was a return to the bad old days of Labor.
“Before being elected Annastacia Palaszczuk and Curtis Pitt promised Queenslanders they would pay down debt, deliver surpluses and not sell assets,” Mr Springborg said.
“Today we know for certain that Labor is breaking its promises to Queenslanders.
“Debt will continue to rise, because the Palaszczuk Government is refusing to listen to Treasury advice and deliver fiscal surpluses.
“Labor has also left the door open to asset sales, indicating they will ‘examine’ using public servants superannuation to transfer the ownership of government businesses. This is asset sales by stealth.
“Curtis Pitt’s cheap tricks will come at a huge cost to Queenslanders.”
Shadow Treasurer John-Paul Langbroek said under Labor economic growth was down and unemployment was up over the next three years when compared with the LNP Government.
“Queenslanders voted for a government promising jobs, but sadly they have been let down,” Mr Langbroek said.
“Nothing in this Budget boosts confidence for business, nor does it prove that there is a competent government at the helm.
“We know this Budget is bad news for Queensland because it says so – it’s bad for jobs, bad for business and bad news for the economy.
“Queenslanders deserve better than this.”
Fast Facts
Jobs and the economy are at the heart of the LNP’s Real Economic Plan for Queensland released today.
Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg launched the plan during an address to the Queensland Media Club reinforcing the LNP as the stable and experienced alternative to this bungling Labor Government.
“The LNP has a real plan for a sustainable and growing economy that creates jobs and supports a diverse range of industries in Queensland,” Mr Springborg said.
“If we are going to be able to withstand global forces and have a secure financial future then we need a resilient Queensland economy, and the LNP is best placed to deliver it.
“The LNP’s economic plan is focused on five core priority areas – Agriculture, Tourism, Resources, Construction and Manufacturing, and Services and Knowledge Based Industries.
“By focusing on these priority areas we can still deliver the jobs Queenslanders need but also capitalise on the shift of many world economies towards services and knowledge based industries.”
Mr Springborg said under an LNP Government business confidence would be restored, repairing the damage done by the Palaszczuk-Gordon Government since it took office.
“Our ongoing commitments to reduce red tape and to keep increasing the threshold for payroll tax mean businesses can get on with growing and employing more Queenslanders,” he said.
“We would work with the private sector to build the infrastructure our growing state needs instead of Labor’s approach of freezing job-creating projects for 12 months, creating uncertainty for industry.
“Our commitment to regional Queensland is stronger than ever and under an LNP Government we would maintain and enhance our ‘Royalties for the Regions’ program.
“The Galilee Basin needs to be properly co-ordinated and planned to secure jobs and achieve the best long term economic benefits, which is why we are establishing the Galilee Basin Development Commission.”
Deputy Opposition Leader and Shadow Treasurer John-Paul Langbroek said the LNP will keep the cost of living down for all Queenslanders.
“Under the LNP, all Cabinet decisions would include a Cost of Living impact statement so the full impacts on households could be taken into account,” Mr Langbroek said.
“While Labor has hiked up fees like the 3.5 per cent increase in registration for the family car, we’re determined to do everything we can to keep those costs down.”
Mr Springborg said Labor has no plan for our economy, no plan for jobs, no plan to grow business confidence and no plan to avoid more debt, higher interest payments and more deficits.
“After five months in office Labor is consumed by internal party issues and governs by putting the interests of its union bosses before the interests of Queenslanders,” he said.
“Only the LNP has the experienced team and a real plan for the Queensland economy.”
Mrs Frecklington said the paper has the potential to change the face of agriculture in Queensland and it is good to see the sector being given the priority it deserves.
“The main purpose of this White Paper is to enable the agriculture sector to become stronger and increase returns at the farm gate for our farming families,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“There is much in this paper for Queensland and it is exciting to see the level of investment the Federal Government is committing to put agriculture back on the agenda.
“This investment sends a clear message to potential investors that the Federal Government is serious about agriculture across Australia.
“Obviously for Queensland, it is heartening to see such a strong focus on the support for farmers still experiencing drought. With 80 per cent of the State drought-declared, this approach acknowledges their plight and lays a path for continued support and recovery.
“The practical immediate tax deductions for new water facilities and accelerated depreciation for fencing and fodder storage assets are excellent programs that will encourage on-farm infrastructure investment.
“The firm focus on improving international trade is also great for Queensland. We have already seen a steady rise in areas like the live cattle export market and the strategies proposed will only see this sector grow.
“When you combine Northern Australia White Paper and the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper, there is a lot to be enthusiastic about if you work in the agriculture sector.
“We are looking firmly down the barrel of a time of potential prosperity for agriculture and I will be doing everything I can to ensure Minister Byrne and the Labor Government acknowledge the strength of this document and work with the Federal Government to help implement these strategies.”
