State News - October 2015

The LNP's common-sense proposals to review the state's electoral redistribution process after 30 years has been rejected by Labor with the support of Speaker Peter Wellington.

Shadow Attorney-General Ian Walker said the Palaszczuk Labor Government’s move against the LNP’s Electoral (Redistribution Commission) and Another Act Amendment Bill 2015 was a blow for regional Queenslanders and their hard working MPs.

“Unfortunately they’ve once again demonstrated they will put their desire to cling to power before the interests of the people of Queensland,” Mr Walker said.

“For the Premier to claim no MPs from rural and remote seats had complained they had any difficulty getting around their electorates is a complete cop-out.

“We heard the pleas from the Members for Gregory, Warrego, Mt Isa, Dalrymple, Hinchinbrook and Southern Downs as to how their electorates were hurting, but the Premier and her Attorney-General have their heads in the sand.

“For Labor to claim letterbox dropping in a high-rise at Redcliffe is just as hard as having to sleep in the car between remote rural townships proves just how out of touch they are with regional Queensland.”

Mr Walker said Labor had ignored the recommendations of the Electoral and Administrative Review Commission (EARC) in 1990, borne from the Fitzgerald Inquiry.

“The Fitzgerald electoral reform process recommended in 1991 that there be seven-year periodic reviews of the constitution of the house. That was almost 25 years ago,” he said.

“The Palaszczuk Labor Government has also denied Queenslanders a stronger say in the redistribution process to ensure they receive the best outcomes for their communities.

“The Premier and her government are holding Queensland back from being fairly and effectively represented.

“It’s now clear only the LNP realises the challenges involved in representing both regional and urban electorates.”

Racing Minister Bill Byrne has reaffirmed Queensland country racing has a gloomy future under Labor after failing to rule out funding cuts to the industry.

Shadow Racing Minister Jann Stuckey said an inexperienced Labor Government and Minister who fostered a culture of fear and uncertainty threatened the lifeblood of rural and regional communities across the state.

“When asked in Parliament today, Minister Byrne refused to rule out cuts to prize money and funding for regional race meets and failed to provide any certainty for communities that rely so heavily on country racing,” Ms Stuckey said.

“The former LNP government boosted prize money and committed and additional $4 million over four years for country racing because we recognised its significant benefits to local economies across regional Queensland.

“The Minister refuses to provide any comfort to the folk who reply on this industry and the communities who rely so heavily on this support.

“It beggars belief that, at a time when rural and regional Queensland is facing its worst drought in history, that the Palaszczuk Labor Government looks set to pull the pin on an industry that provides immeasurable economic and social benefits to these communities.

“The Minister needs to come clean and reveal his plan to starve regional communities of their country racing.”

Member for Gregory Lachlan Millar said country racing is so important to the social interaction of rural and remote areas.

“It's also a big contributor to the local economy, employing trainers, strappers, jockeys and also playing a vital in raising much needed funds to local schools and equipment for local hospitals.

“I call on the Minister not to cut race days in Gregory.”

Ms Stuckey said country race meetings had almost halved over a decade under Labor and in three years of government the LNP had turned this around by revitalising an industry previously ignored.

“In 2014-15 some 279 country race meetings were held throughout Queensland, but Labor's planned cuts to prize money and the number of races looks set to cripple an industry that employs 30,000 people in this state.

“Only the LNP has the experience and competence to harness the potential of Queensland's racing industry.”

Despite the crippling drought and huge financial pressures on farming communities, the Palaszczuk Labor Government last night made it clear it is pushing on with its plans to change the LNP’s amendments to the Vegetation Management framework potentially de-valuing people’s properties even further.

Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg said Labor voted against an LNP motion that compelled the government to not make any changes to Queensland’s vegetation management framework, particularly at a time when banks and financial institutions are seeking certainty.

“The LNP understands the agriculture industry is under severe social and economic pressures due to the drought,” Mr Springborg said.

“At a time when farmers and graziers need to be able to sustainably manage the vegetation on their properties to help get them through this tough period, Labor is making it harder for them.

“Instead of supporting drought-affected communities, the Palaszczuk Government has turned its back on farmers and graziers to put the interests of the extreme greens first and introduce a heavier bureaucratic and regulatory burden on an industry already doing it tough.

“The vegetation management framework gives our landholders security at a time where there is so much uncertainty, particularly over when the rain will finally fall.”

Mr Springborg said last night the motion was debated and defeated in Parliament leaving Labor to push full steam ahead with its plans to change the Vegetation Management laws.

“It was disappointing the Member for Nicklin used his casting vote last night to split the tie and side with Labor against the motion,” he said.

“The agriculture sector deserves better than a government actively working to implement unfair and unworkable vegetation management rules.

“Only the LNP has consistently stood up for landholders over the last fifteen years, introducing a range of positive changes for farmers and graziers including self-assessable codes that allowed landowners to manage regrowth.

“Under Labor, Queensland is going backwards and only the LNP has the plan to unleash the state’s true potential.”

The motion put forward by the LNP in Parliament yesterday was: in recognition of the severe economic and social pressures caused by drought across Queensland, this House recognises that the agriculture sector needs to be able to demonstrate maximum resource security to banks and financial institutions and advises the Palaszczuk government not to introduce any amendments to Queensland’s vegetation management framework.

The Palaszczuk Labor Government has been left red-faced after it was revealed that a phone number listed on its Tourism Investment Attraction Unit (TIAU) website had been disconnected for months.

Minister Kate Jones only became aware of the embarrassing blunder after Shadow Tourism Minister Jann Stuckey questioned her about it in Parliament yesterday.

Ms Jones subsequently asked her department to clean up the “outdated” pages on its website.

Ms Stuckey said if Labor was serious about tourism investment in Queensland it really needed to lift its game, particularly in the lead up to the Premier’s Economic Summit in Cairns early next month.

“Under the LNP, the Tourism Investment Attraction Unit attracted more than one hundred projects seeking government guidance. Twenty of these were identified as ‘showcase’ investments, which attracted further assistance,” she said.

“I can’t even bear to think about all of the great tourism opportunities that the Palaszczuk Government missed because of a careless error like a disconnected phone number.

“Other states and national jurisdictions are becoming increasingly competitive in their attempts to attract inward capital investment to build hotels and resorts – but here in Queensland Labor has all but put up the ‘Closed for Business’ sign.”

“The Palaszczuk Government’s incompetence is holding Queensland back.”

Ms Stuckey said she welcomed continued funding for the TIAU in this year’s Budget, but said it was important the government remained focused on practical outcomes.

“The Palaszczuk Labor Government needs to lift its game, end the infrastructure freeze, and lift the burden of red tape to attract new investment,” Ms Stuckey said.

“Eight months in office and the only major tourism investment project announced by the Palaszczuk Government is the Queens Wharf Development precinct. A project conceived by the LNP.

“At a time when we have low interests rates, a competitive Australian dollar and high projected demand from key tourism source markets, Queensland really should be attracting more capital investment.

“Next month the Premier will hold her economic summit in Cairns with a whole day devoted to tourism investment but to date Labor’s track record is woeful, with some projects such as zip lines being ruled out before they can begin talks.”

Ms Stuckey said an alternative LNP government would reinvigorate tourism investment and unleash Queensland’s true potential.

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad and the Palaszczuk Labor Government tonight voted to hide the cost-benefit analysis of major government projects from public scrutiny.

Shadow Infrastructure Minister Tim Nicholls moved amendments during consideration of the Building Queensland Bill which would have required the newly established statutory authority to release a full cost-benefit analysis of any infrastructure project it leads, excluding confidential information.

Mr Nicholls said the amendments were in keeping with Labor’s election commitments and previous assurances given by the Deputy Premier.

“In pledging to establish Building Queensland, the Palaszczuk Labor Government’s policy document clearly states cost-benefit analyses will not be hidden from public scrutiny,” Mr Nicholls said.

“During Estimates this year, Ms Trad made a firm commitment that the cost-benefit analysis of major projects led by Building Queensland would be publicly released.

“However, tonight she voted against amendments that would have made good on these prior commitments.

“Instead, the Building Queensland legislation only requires a summary of any cost benefit analysis undertaken by Building Queensland to be released.”

Mr Nicholls said key stakeholders wanted to see as much information about major infrastructure projects released as possible, to inform debate about the merits of those projects.

He said he was worried Queensland’s economy was falling behind other states due to the Palaszczuk Labor Government’s infrastructure freeze.

“Earlier this week CommSec ranked Queensland last of all states and territories on construction work,” he said.

“On the same day the Deputy Premier released a draft infrastructure plan which did not include one new infrastructure project.

“Building Queensland will do nothing to solve the state’s infrastructure woes. It’s just another bureaucracy set up by a clueless government with no plan to take the state forward.

“It’s time for the Deputy Premier to step up and outline her vision for infrastructure investment in this state, and explain to Queenslanders when they will see these projects and how they will be funded.”

“Only the LNP has a Real Economic Plan for Queensland and only the LNP will do what it takes to unleash the state’s true potential.

Queensland’s racing industry is being held back by a Palaszczuk Labor Government with no plan.

Shadow Racing Minister Jann Stuckey said all Labor had done since being elected was turn the industry on its ear and create an environment of fear, intimidation and stagnation across all three racing codes – thoroughbreds, harness and greyhounds.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s handling of the live baiting issue has had a hugely negative impact upon the entire industry and damaged our reputation across Australian racing circles,” Ms Stuckey said.

“Delay after delay has harmed Queensland’s racing industry immeasurably and the Minister responsible has been invisible.

“This Labor Government is holding back an industry that contributes millions of dollars to our economy and employs thousands of Queenslanders.”

Ms Stuckey said the Palaszczuk Government had failed in its objective to maintain public confidence in, and ensure the integrity of, the Queensland racing industry.

“Twenty-one weeks have passed since Labor sacked all the racing boards and appointed an interim administrator for Racing Queensland, yet the industry has been left hanging,” she said.

“Minister Bill Byrne has still not outlined a plan to restore confidence and provide a positive future for racing in this state.

“There is no question that the practice of live baiting is abhorrent, but unacceptable delays into hearing appeals of greyhound trainers has left the livelihoods innocent families at the mercy of a dawdling Labor Government.”

Ms Stuckey said as she travelled around the state, concerns had also been raised with her about the Palaszczuk Government’s pre-ordained agenda to cut the number of race meets in regional areas.

“Towns like Longreach, Emerald and Mt Isa are being forced to wait anxiously as to the future of their race meets,” she said.

“I call on the Minister to reassure these towns and give a guarantee today that he will not cut any current country race meets. The Palaszczuk Government simply cannot turn its back on country folk and their racing.

“The LNP recognises the critical importance of these meetings from the economic and social benefits to the local jobs they create.

“Only the LNP has the experience and competence to harness the potential of Queensland’s racing industry.”

The CommSec State of the States Report has shown Queensland’s economy is continuing to slip under a ‘do-nothing’ Palaszczuk Labor Government, Deputy Opposition Leader John-Paul Langbroek said today.

Mr Langbroek said it was extremely disappointing to see that Queensland was now in a third tier of economies, alongside Tasmania, South Australia and the ACT.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s lack of a plan is holding Queensland back and the State of the States report proves it,” he said.

“Since January we’ve gone backwards in important measures like economic growth, construction, equipment investment and population growth.

“Queensland is now ranked worst of all states and territories on construction work, which is 7.5 per cent below the decade-average.

“What’s most worrying about this is that Labor doesn’t have a plan to improve Queensland’s position. Our economy is falling behind other major states, yet this government is doing nothing.

“We’ve seen the Palaszczuk Government announce more than 70 reviews but it seems incapable of making a decision and as this report shows, this inaction is holding Queensland back.”

Mr Langbroek said the Commsec State of the States Report was a quarterly report that ranked each of the states and territories against each other on key economic indicators.

The ranking is ascertained by comparing the indicators against the decade-average for that measure.

The LNP Opposition has thrown down the gauntlet demanding the Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk detail what achievements her Labor Government has made, other than announcing 72 reviews.

Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg said under Labor, Queensland was going backwards and its only plan had been one of reviewing rather than doing.

“Since coming to power, Labor has announced a total of 72 reviews,” Mr Springborg said.

“Simply announcing review after review, yet never actually making any decisions or providing direction for this State is not governing and Queenslanders deserve better.

“Other than reviews, all Labor has done in the last eight months is recycle and rehash LNP policies, announce 72 reviews and meet with union bosses 195 times.

“It is disappointing the Premier is focusing more on delivering for union bosses instead of doing anything of substance for the rest of Queensland and choosing to conduct endless reviews to avoid having to actually make any decisions.

“Queenslanders didn’t vote for this and enough is enough.

“During the CEDA State of the State Address today, the Premier must announce exactly what achievements her government has made since February.

“Given there have been no achievements, it is clear the LNP remains the only party with a plan to create jobs, grow the economy and unleash Queensland’s true potential.”

A bipartisan Parliamentary Committee has today recommended the LNP’s Private Members’ Bill, aimed at discouraging first-time smokers from lighting up, putting an end to passive smoking and incentivising smokers to quit, should be passed.

Shadow Health Minister Mark McArdle said the committee’s recommendation reinforced the LNP’s efforts to reduce the rate of smoking amongst Queenslanders.

“The LNP introduced its bill in July to help smokers stub out the habit and stop young people from taking up smoking in the first place,” Mr McArdle said.

“A ban on cigarettes sold at ‘pop-up’ shops and smoking bans within five metres of Queensland Government buildings, at public transport stops and stations, pedestrian malls, and at swimming pools and skate parks all form part of the LNP’s bill.

“We hope the Palaszczuk Labor Government supports the recommendation of the bipartisan committee and votes to pass the LNP’s bill in Parliament.

“With half of all long-term smokers dying prematurely, the Parliament must act decisively.

“We cannot afford for this to become another one of the Labor Government’s reviews.”

Mr McArdle said the bill builds upon the work done by the LNP in government to reduce the number of young people taking up smoking.

“In government the LNP introduced some of the toughest laws to protect the public including a ban on smoking on or within five metres of health facilities and school grounds,” he said.

“We believe more can be done to encourage young Queenslanders to not ever take up the habit which is why we introduced this latest bill.

“The LNP remains the only party with a plan and despite being in Opposition, continues to deliver solutions for a better, safer and healthier Queensland.”

FAST FACTS

• Smoking accounts for 1 in 7 deaths in Queensland
• Current smokers will die an average of 10 years earlier than non-smokers, with mortality rates increasing substantially with the increased intensity of smoking.
• Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of preventable death and disease, and health inequality in Queensland.

Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg has welcomed the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s latest report confirming Queensland had the best elective surgery wait-times in Australia during 2014/15 and says the independent analysis represents a “report card” on the LNP’s last year in office.

Mr Springborg, who was Health Minister in the previous LNP government, said people found it hard to imagine that the basket case that was Queensland Health could be turned around from being a national embarrassment to a national model in just over three years.

“I thank health staff across Queensland who took advantage of the LNP’s policy and management framework that put the patient at the centre of all decisions; and empowered our clinical workforce and local Hospital and Health boards,” he said.

“Queensland had the best waiting time for elective surgery in Australia when the LNP Government was in office.

“That is a stunning turn-around from a health system that was defined under Labor as having a secret waiting-list, unpaid doctors and nurses, a fake Tahitian prince, and the infamous payroll debacle.

“In March 2012 there were 6,485 people waiting longer than clinically recommended, but when we left office it was 73.

“The LNP made huge inroads in Queensland Health and brought it back from the basket case it was under the Bligh Labor Government to a functional and well-performing frontline service.

“I want to thank the hardworking doctors, nurses and staff for the work they did under the LNP to turn Queensland’s health system around.”

Mr Springborg said it was now up to Labor to do the right thing by Queenslanders and keep the LNP’s ‘Surgery Wait Time Guarantee’.

“The Palaszczuk Labor Government’s decision to unwind the surgery guarantee is just another example of Labor holding Queensland back. Queenslanders deserve better.

“This initiative underlined the LNP’s commitment to put patients and health staff first, rather than allowing Brisbane bureaucrats and union bosses to take charge.”

The Palaszczuk Labor Government’s clinical review a number of into serious mental health events has been left in limbo after it was revealed the committee had not met once since the review was announced in May.

Shadow Health Minister Mark McArdle said Labor’s failure to act raised questions over the government’s commitment to improve the treatment of Queenslanders suffering from a mental illness.

“The review was meant to investigate alleged homicides or alleged attempted homicides involving the mentally ill to examine whether improvements in our health system are required,” Mr McArdle said.

“Lately there have been a number of tragic cases which sparked the need for such a review.

“The need for this review particularly hit home for me as I travel to Cairns given the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of the eight children in December last year.

“Critically, it is important to examine the systems in place and the services provided to ensure anyone suffering from a mental illness receives the very best care we can offer.

“The fact the Minister for Health has failed to progress this review in the last five months is appalling.”

Mr McArdle said the committee was due to deliver its report to the Government by October but that would now be delayed.

“The Minister’s incompetence has meant another four month delay until the final report will be delivered,” he said.

“In a further show of disrespect for the importance of this review, the Minister had not even appointed the remainder of the committee until a media outlet started to probe into the progress this month.

“Mental health is not something that should be pushed into the too hard basket.

“The Minister for Health hasn’t put enough emphasis on the priority of this review and needs to start doing what he promised in May and get on with the job.

“Queenslanders deserve better than a Government putting an issue as serious as mental health on the back-burner.”

The LNP Opposition has welcomed Federal Health Minister Sussan Ley’s announcement that changes to legislation will soon be introduced to allow the growth of medicinal cannabis.

Shadow Health Minister Mark McArdle said the announcement was a step in the right direction for modern medicine.

“It was the LNP in Estimates hearings this year that advocated for the use of medicinal cannabis under strict control to be investigated and we congratulate the Turnbull Government on this positive step forward,” Mr McArdle said.

“So far all Labor has said is that something will happen somewhere, but it’s a Federal Coalition Government that is the right body to take this further.

“The LNP Opposition supports this forward-thinking move and if elected to government at the next State Election will work with the Federal Government and other state governments to ensure this move is implemented safely and responsibly.

“Queenslanders want to know if Labor supports this sensible and measured approach which demonstrates forward thinking.”

The LNP has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing red tape for Queensland small businesses to stimulate the economy and create jobs.

Shadow Employment and Small Business Minister Tim Nicholls said the LNP had a strong track record of reducing red tape when in government and had a real plan to take the state forward if re-elected.

“The LNP’s Real Economic Plan outlines how we will unleash Queensland’s potential by freeing business and government from unnecessary bureaucracy,” Mr Nicholls said.

“This is about making it easier to do business in Queensland in order to boost productivity, supercharge the economy and create jobs.”

Mr Nicholls said an independent Treasury analysis found the LNP Government’s efforts in red tape reduction had injected an extra $425 million into the Queensland economy on a yearly basis.

“Measures such as repealing Labor’s Waste Tax, reducing the need for unnecessary permits and licences and reduced payroll tax reporting were just some of the reforms the LNP introduced to free up businesses, community groups and individuals to focus on what really matters.

“We also increased the payroll tax threshold and have vowed to continue to increase it by $100,000 each year for the term of the Parliament.

“The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland confirmed that this measure would directly benefit 20,000 Queensland small businesses to the tune of approximately $235 million each year, creating 4000 local jobs.”

Mr Nicholls said it was time for the Palaszczuk Labor Government to outline its plan to reduce red tape and support small business so that Queensland could thrive.

“Instead of ruling out leaked cabinet documents, perhaps it’s time for the Premier to tell Queenslanders what her government is going to do get the state’s economy revving,” he said.

“We’ve heard a lot of talk over the last eight months. We’ve seen lots of reviewing, not much doing and as a result Queensland still has the second highest unemployment rate in the country.

“Queenslanders deserve a government that’s prepared to do whatever it takes to take the state forward and create the jobs and opportunity for our kids into the future.

“Only the LNP Government has a Real Economic Plan to create jobs, grow the economy and unleash Queensland’s true potential.”

Small Business Minister Kate Jones’ response to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland’s red tape report is a wasted opportunity to address serious issues plaguing Queensland small businesses.

Shadow Small Business Minister Tim Nicholls said Labor had politicised the CCIQ’s Red Tape Survey Report to blame the LNP instead of releasing any plan of its own.

“The statement issued by the Minister today is a slap in the face for Queensland small businesses and shows she is only interested in playing politics,” Mr Nicholls said.

“It is disappointing Labor continues to target the LNP’s record instead of telling Queenslanders what its plan is to reduce red tape.

“The CCIQ report clearly indicates more needs to be done to reduce red tape which is why the LNP removed unnecessary regulation and delivered over 370 reforms to reduce red tape for business.

“Labor’s response is to place blame on everyone else while failing to produce any plan of its own.

“At the same time Labor is failing to deliver any assistance for small businesses, it was paying back its union bosses changing legislation to allow militant CFMEU officials to enter work sites with no notice.”

Mr Nicholls said the CCIQ acknowledged workplace health and safety as a top area contributing to red tape.

“Despite this, Labor tried to add more red tape in its Workplace Health and Safety legislation yesterday, which the LNP managed to block in parliament,” he said.

“This is just another example of Labor’s complete disregard for small business, preferring to bow to its union bosses instead of supporting small business.”

Mr Nicholls said compared to the LNP, Labor had failed to outline one red tape reduction initiative of its own.

“In stark contrast, the LNP Government committed to 20 per cent reduction target over six years,” he said.

“We reduced payroll tax reporting and progressed more than 500 red tape reduction initiatives.

“We also made significant changes to the WorkCover scheme, reducing the average premium rate by 17 per cent making it the cheapest rate in the country for Queensland businesses.

“The Minister needs to stop passing the buck and start alleviating the regulatory burden small businesses face.

“Latest unemployment statistics reveal it is staying stubbornly high under Labor reinforcing that red tape reform to support jobs for Queenslanders is more important than Kate Jones’ childlike political stunts.”

“Queenslanders didn’t vote for this.”

Axing long distance passenger and high speed tilt train services and increasing water prices for the agriculture sector are being considered by the Palaszczuk Labor Government to plug its budget holes.

Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg said Labor’s leaked Queensland Economic Action Plan contained existing government programs, election commitments and proposed new initiatives.

He said there was even a proposal to build a new dam in south east Queensland.

“Queenslanders would be forgiven for feeling somewhat uneasy about the prospect of a Labor government proposing to build another dam,” Mr Springborg said.

“We all remember what happened last time when the Federal Government had to come in over the top of the Bligh Labor Government and shut down their Traveston Dam debacle.

“Could we see a case of history repeating itself under the Palaszczuk Labor Government and her team of ministers, many of whom sat around the cabinet table when Traveston was thought up?”

Mr Springborg said the loss of train services in a de-centralised state like Queensland would be a devastating blow to local communities.

“When the LNP was in government we ruled out the removal of these vital services to regional Queensland,” he said.

“Now it’s time for the Palaszczuk Government to do the same.”

Mr Springborg said increasing the cost of water in the agriculture sector was a sneaky way of taxing farmers and was completely insensitive to those currently battling drought.

“To even propose lumping higher water prices on every single Queensland farmer is beyond the pale,” he said.

“This would cause widespread consequences for the sector and smacks of an extreme Green agenda.”

Mr Springborg said the Premier needed to level with Queenslanders, put their minds at ease and outline which proposals will be rolled out and when.

He said the document contained 57 election commitments that Labor took to the state election

“We all know the Palaszczuk Labor Government came to power without a plan and has been just making things up on then run,” Mr Springborg said.

“So if these proposals aren’t part of the government’s plan, the Premier needs to release a plan. Queenslanders deserve it.”

The Palaszczuk Labor Government has suffered its first legislative defeat, with the Queensland Parliament voting against a move to make key changes in the Work Health and Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015.

Shadow Attorney-General Ian Walker said Labor had tried to re-introduce an additional reporting requirement for employers, which would have resulted in more cumbersome red tape for businesses.

Mr Walker said the Palaszczuk Government’s amendment to the Bill would have forced employers to notify the regulator when a worker is absent for more than four days due to a workplace injury.

“This proposal was nothing more than utter duplication of a process that already exists,” Mr Walker said.

“There was no rhyme or reason for it. It was poor policy and the Queensland Parliament has today recognised that.”

Mr Walker said industry and business were against the proposal, but the Palaszczuk Government had refused to listen.

“The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ) described Labor’s amendment as an ‘attempt to slug small business with additional red tape’ and congratulated the MPs who voted it down,” he said.

“This requirement was actually abolished by the Bligh Labor Government in 2011. Its removal was described at the time by the now Member for Woodridge Cameron Dick as ‘significant reform’ that would ‘slash red tape’.

“Fast forward to 2014 and you have a desperate Palaszczuk Government, blinded by union influence, trying to pass legislation that isn’t in the best interest of Queenslanders.

“This is just another example of a Labor Government with no plan, making it up as it goes along.”

Mr Walker said the LNP would continue to stand up for small business, to ensure that Queenslanders had jobs now and into the future.

“Queensland would have been the only state in Australia to have this requirement written into law if Labor had been allowed to push this through,” he said.

“While today was a loss for the Palaszczuk Government, it was a win for Queenslanders and a win for common sense.”

Labor’s Fisheries Minister Bill Byrne has bowed to pressure from the LNP Opposition to increase compensation to commercial fishers who will be affected by the government’s knee-jerk net free fishing zone policy.

Shadow Fisheries Minister Deb Frecklington moved a Disallowance Motion in Parliament to hit the ‘pause’ button on Labor’s rushed process to implement three net-free zones in Cairns, Mackay and Rockhampton.

“It’s disappointing the motion was rejected because without it there had been no opportunity for anyone opposed to the new regulations to actually have their say,” Mrs Frecklington said.

“The government has not approached this from a scientific basis and the Minister has admitted so.

“This has the ability to take away the rights and livelihoods of commercial fishermen without any consultation or agreement.

“The LNP has stood up for the rights Queensland commercial fishermen, to give them the chance to finally have a voice about a decision on which they were never consulted.

“The Members who voted against the Disallowance Motion last night have taken away the livelihoods of 53 commercial fishing families with the stroke of their pens.

“They are also severely impacting the other small businesses associated with the commercial fishing sector such as the cold stores, transport, wholesalers, retail seafood shops and restaurants.”

Mrs Frecklington said that the LNP remains committed to ensuring that the fishing industry remains sustainable and any policy moving forward would be based on sound science, broad consultation, agreement and fair compensation.

“I have said all along the positions of recreational and commercial fishermen should not be mutually exclusive and that there is room for all in the net-free zones debate,” she said.

“However, the Labor Government have chosen to barrel through with this policy and in the process have created so much angst and anxiety for the commercial fishing sector.

“This type of disrespectful treatment typifies what Labor thinks of our primary producers.

“Queenslanders didn’t vote for our commercial fishers to be short changed by this Labor government.”

To view my speech in Parliament - please follow this link - http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/broadcast-chamber/archive?file=20151014_194003

The Palaszczuk Labor Government has again put its political survival ahead of integrity, by refusing to support a motion to allow the Parliament to reject a vote from disgraced Cook MP Billy Gordon.

Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg said the Labor Government had used its numbers on the floor of the Parliament to establish yet another protection racket, this time for itself.

“Despite the pattern of concerning behaviour reportedly displayed by the Member for Cook, the Palaszczuk Government has refused to act,” Mr Springborg said.

“Billy Gordon’s vote is what keeps Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s government in power and she has now made it clear that she will do anything to hold onto it.”

Mr Springborg said the Premier had called on the Member for Cook to resign in April, clearly indicating she did not consider him fit for the Parliament.

“Annastacia Palaszczuk had a real chance today to put the interest of Queenslanders ahead of her own and prove that she was a credible Premier,” he said.

“Sadly, Queenslanders have been left disappointed.

“By continuing to accept the Member for Cook’s vote, Premier Palaszczuk has made him one of the most powerful people in the state.”

The Opposition moved a motion to amend voting procedures that would have enabled both the Government and Opposition to take into consideration the Member for Cook’s vote before casting their own, effectively cancelling his vote. The motion was defeated.

“The LNP doesn’t believe that individuals with the kind of track record displayed by Billy Gordon deserve to wield that kind of power and influence,” Mr Springborg said.

“That’s not what Queenslanders voted for.”

The LNP Opposition is seeking a bipartisan approach to improving the lives of Queenslanders suffering from mental health disorders by harmonising two bills currently before Parliament.

Shadow Minister for Health Mark McArdle said it is crucial politics is left at the door when dealing with such an important issue as mental health.

“Currently there are two bills before Parliament, one introduced by the LNP in April and the other introduced by Labor in September,” Mr McArdle said.

“Both bills aim to improve and maintain the health and wellbeing of persons with a mental illness and ensure Queenslanders are supported through evidence based clinical practice.

“In the Minister’s speech introducing the government bill into the house he said, the ‘bills have many reform directions in common’.

“Given the Minister’s comments, it makes sense to present one single Mental Health bill supported by all sides of politics.

“The LNP has written to the Minister for Health and the Chair of the Parliamentary Health and Ambulance Services Committee Leanne Linard calling for one, unified bill on Mental Health.

“In the letter we have requested an extension of the reporting time to allow for this process to occur.

“We are also open to work with the government on any differences within the bills, proposing for any issue to be set aside and worked through individually to form a set of consensus clauses.”

Mr McArdle said one bill, being supported by all sides of politics sends a clear message that mental health is a clinical area where a great deal of bipartisanship exists.

“By working together we can deliver a bill that improves the lives of the nearly 20 per cent of Queenslanders affected by a mental disorder each year,” he said.

The Palaszczuk Labor Government is gearing up for its latest attack on the health system after reports doctors will be replaced with union bosses on Queensland’s Hospital Boards.

Shadow Health Minister Mark McArdle said while touring hospitals around Queensland over the last few weeks, many people had raised concerns about Labor’s intention to sideline the health boards.

“Hospital and health boards must be independent to ensure decisions are in the best interests of Queensland patients,” Mr McArdle said.

“The Boards are comprised of local people with local knowledge.

“Under the LNP, we introduced a policy dictating all boards must have one doctor and one nurse.

“Feedback from health staff reveal Labor plans to use unions as its main ‘governing’ body with the boards no longer being independent and merely a partner.

“This revelation will cause outrage in Queensland communities and is nothing more than a blatant political move threatening the integrity and independence of the boards.

“It also demonstrates how far-reaching the unfettered power union bosses have over Labor Ministers.”

Mr McArdle said these latest reports follow on from an already questionable decision made by the Health Minister.

“Only a few weeks ago, the Minister chose not to reinstate a doctor on the Central Queensland Hospital and Health Services Board,” he said.

“This makes Central Queensland the only health board in Queensland without a doctor as a member.

“Now it seems the Minister, under the guidance of his union mates, wants total total control over the decisions each hospital board makes.

“The Health Minister has put the demands of his union bosses ahead of what is best for Queensland patients.”

Mr McArdle said it is crucial Health Boards have the right mix of medical and clinical knowledge.

“Any move to remove vital expertise from health boards is fraught with danger for patients,” he said.

“Queenslanders didn’t vote for this.”

Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg has thanked the hundreds of Queenslanders who took part in Safer Families, Better Communities marches and rallies against domestic and family violence.

Mr Springborg, who marched alongside Lord Mayor Graham Quirk in Brisbane today, commended the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) for organising the initiative.

“The only way we are going to be successful in tackling the scourge of domestic violence is by working together, across all levels of government, all states and all communities,” he said.

“That’s why it was fantastic to see councils from across Queensland unite to take a stand against this insidious crime and it was a privilege to be part of the event.”

Mr Springborg was also joined by the Member for Aspley and Shadow Minister for Communities Tracy Davis, Member for Mount Ommaney Tarnya Smith, Member for Clayfield Tim Nicholls and Member for Moggill Christian Rowan.

He said the LNP was committed to working with all levels of government to end domestic violence.

“The LNP Government initiated the Taskforce chaired by Quentin Bryce, which produced the Not Now, Not Ever report and we have given our full bipartisan support to the Queensland Government’s response to the 140 recommendations,” he said.

“We are also working hard to find other ways to improve the safety of people at risk of domestic violence through preventative measures.

“That’s why Shadow Minister for Communities Tracy Davis has initiated a consultation process into a proposed scheme modelled on the United Kingdom’s Clare’s Law, which allows access to vital information about someone’s violent past and crimes.”

Ms Davis said the consultation process undertaken for Clare’s Law had gathered extremely valuable feedback from Queenslanders, based on their own personal experience of domestic violence.

“I commend these Queenslanders for their courage and assure them that their contributions will go a long way to helping other victims, potentially saving lives,” she said.

Clare’s Law was initially set up in the United Kingdom after a woman named Clare Wood was murdered by her former partner. In the course of the investigation it was discovered he had a violent past that had it been known by the victim or her family may have saved her life.

It means a person, their friends or family members who have a concern about his or her partner, would be able to make an application to the police for information on whether that person has a history of domestic violence or sexual offences.

Shadow Agriculture Minister Deb Frecklington has welcomed the opening of the latest round of drought concessional loan schemes and has thanked the Federal Government for their efforts in helping drought stricken families across Queensland.

Mrs Frecklington said the $333 million drought assistance package approved in the Federal Government’s budget to support farm families and businesses in hardship would go a long way to help in the recovery process.

“This much needed funding will allow our farmers to cope with one of the most horrific droughts Queensland has suffered in living memory,” she said.

“The assistance that will be provided by the Drought and Drought Recovery Concessional Loan Schemes cannot come soon enough to those who need a hand to get back on their feet.”

The release of the Federal Government’s agriculture white paper comes at a time when our agricultural sector desperately needs a strategy to recover and come back stronger than ever.

“With 80 per cent of Queensland drought-declared, the Federal Coalition’s approach acknowledges the plight of our farmers and lays a path for continued support and recovery,” Mrs Frecklington said.

“When you combine the Northern Australia White Paper and the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper, there is a lot to for the agricultural sector to be optimistic about.

“The Federal Government’s package of measures demonstrates the best combination of crisis funding such as mental health support for rural families, combined with long term planning.

“Federal Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce ought to be congratulated for standing up for Queensland farming families.”

Mrs Frecklington encouraged those suffering from the drought to apply for the scheme.

More information about the Federal Government’s drought assistance can be found at: www.agriculture.gov.au/assistance.

The Palaszczuk Labor Government is using Queenslanders as cash cows choosing to drive electricity prices up instead of managing its budget.

Deputy Opposition Leader John-Paul Langbroek said Queenslanders would be hit with unfair electricity bills for the next five years under a sneaky plan by Labor.

“Queenslanders deserve better from this Labor Government determined to use them to pay for its promises,” Mr Langbroek said.

“We know Labor doesn’t have a plan on how it will fund its election commitments, pay down debt or deliver quality services but the answer should not be to slug Queenslanders.

“What we are seeing from Labor is a calculated decision to raid the dividends from Energex and Ergon in order to prop up its budget.

“This is evident from the nearly $3.2 billion Labor is ripping out of energy suppliers and Queensland’s hip-pocket.

“It is disappointing to see Queenslanders footing the bill for Labor’s incompetence.”

Mr Langbroek said Queenslanders hadn’t voted for higher electricity prices at the election in January.

“Unlike Labor, the LNP worked hard to drive down the cost of living by removing $7 billion of expenditure from the electricity companies,” he said.

“These efforts were reflected in the Australian Energy Regulator’s draft determination for the 2015-2020 period to keep costs low.

“Now instead of network prices flattening over the next five years, Queensland households will have to endure massive price hikes for another five years.

“Queenslanders deserve better than this.”

Queensland farmers are set to be punished with more red tape, regulation and restrictions under the Palaszczuk Labor Government’s ‘big stick’ approach to Reef Management.

Shadow Environment Minister Stephen Bennett said Labor’s latest announcement of a ‘new’ targeted compliance program was just a reinvention of old policies that had failed to improve Reef health the last time they were rolled out.

Mr Bennett said the biggest threats to the Great Barrier Reef were cyclones, crown of thorns star fish and coral bleaching but the Palaszczuk Government was instead pointing the finger at Queensland farmers.

“All Queenslanders want the reef to be protected for future generations but Labor is going about it the wrong way,” he said.

“Instead of punishing farmers, the Palaszczuk Government should be working with them. That’s the only way we will see improvements in Reef water quality.”

Mr Bennett said the former LNP Government took more practical action than any previous Queensland Government to address issues affecting the Great Barrier Reef.

“We overturned the previous Bligh Labor Government’s decision to dump 38 million cubic metres of dredge spoil on the Great Barrier Reef at Abbot Point and were investing $35million each year towards the Reef,” he said.

“This action produced real results for the Reef and we were able to work together with the agriculture sector to ensure water quality continued to improve.”

Shadow Agriculture Minister Deb Frecklington said the last thing the sector needed was to be restricted by more red tape and regulation.

“Queensland farmers care about the environment and they care about the Reef,” Ms Frecklington said.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s decision to impose more regulation lacks common sense.

“If Labor was serious about improving the health of the Reef it would cooperate with famers and work on a solution together. A big stick won’t solve anything.”

Shadow Minister for Norther Development Andrew Cripps said this was proof that the Palaszczuk Labor Government was more interested in pandering to the Greens than working with farmers.

“For the last nine months, the Environment Minister has been looking for any excuse to impose more onerous regulation on the agriculture sector,” Mr Cripps said.

“Labor and the Greens have a long history of making pre-election preference deals in Queensland that result in Labor Government’s imposing burdensome legislation of farmers. Steven Miles is paying his debt.

“The Palaszczuk Government is taking us back to the bad old days and North Queensland farmers will be left to pay for it.

“This isn’t what Queenslanders voted for.”

LNP Shadow Agriculture Minister Deb Frecklington has called on Queenslanders to nominate influential women in agriculture for the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) Rural Women’s Award in the lead up to the UN’s International Day of Rural Women next Thursday, 15 October.

Ms Frecklington said many rural women faced enormous workloads and stress in dealing with some of Queensland’s worst ever drought conditions and International Rural Women’s Day was an opportunity to reflect on the growing leadership roles of women in agriculture.

“Women already hold many leading and influential positions in Queensland’s primary industries but there are many more with real commitment that I encourage to step out of the woodwork and be recognised for the important contributions they have made to the state’s agriculture sector,” Ms Frecklington said.

“The Rural Women’s Award is a great opportunity to develop leadership, make a difference and inspire others in the agriculture sector across Queensland.

Ms Frecklington said the award aimed to identify and support emerging women leaders with commitment and leadership potential to make a contribution to primary industries and rural communities.

She said women including Queensland Farmer’s Federation president Joanne Grainger, Queensland Seafood Industry Association chair Karen Collard, DAF director-general Beth Woods and Queensland Country Life editor Penelope Arthur, held some of the most senior positions in Queensland’s agriculture sector.

“I encourage any woman who aspires to make a difference to nominate for the Rural Women’s Award, and get cracking soon because applications close October 30.”

Each state and territory winner receives a $10,000 bursary to implement their Award vision. Each winner also has the opportunity to participate in the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) Company Directors Course.

For information on how to apply, phone 02 6271 4132 or email rwa@rirdc.gov.au

The LNP Opposition shares the concerns raised by AgForce that green groups are refusing to negotiate with famers in good faith about the future of Queensland’s vegetation management framework.

Shadow Minister for Natural Resources Andrew Cripps said AgForce’s statement about green groups believing they had Queensland Labor Ministers in their pocket was unfortunately, nothing new.

“The fact green groups feel they don’t need to negotiate in order to secure the roll back of the LNP’s 2013 reforms to the Vegetation Management Act (VMA) was to be expected,” Mr Cripps said.

“Look back at the hysterical behaviour of Labor MPs who locked in behind green activists in 2013 when the former LNP Government removed some of the more oppressive provisions in Labor’s VMA.

“Those Labor MPs are now Ministers like Deputy Premier Jackie Trad, who does the bidding of the greens in cabinet and Environment Minister, Steven Miles, who only won his seat on green preferences, after trailing the former LNP member by 10 per cent on primary votes.

“Labor made several commitments to the Greens in return for preferences at the last state election and their current behaviour should come as no surprise to AgForce, if you look back through history.

“Labor has conspired with the Greens at every state election since 1998, first to introduce the VMA in 1999 and then to turn the screws on landowners at every subsequent election, to make it harder and harder for them to sustainably manage vegetation on their properties.”

Mr Cripps said the LNP had consistently stood up for landholders over the last 15 years and in 2013, introduced a range of self-assessable codes that allowed landowners to manage regrowth.

“Since the election, Labor and the extreme greens have been getting the screwdrivers ready, while the Natural Resources Minister, is meekly promising consultation - the fix is in,” he said.

“A blistering letter from The Wilderness Society to the Premier in September, complains Labor has been too slow to repeal the LNP’s VMA changes, demanding a moratorium on vegetation management activities.

“The only thing holding Labor back has been the precarious numbers in the Queensland Parliament but that hasn’t stopped them from finding other ways to make life more difficult for landowners.

“Minister Lynham has announced a review of the state policy for vegetation management, which should be ringing alarm bells for all rural industries.

“This is on top of a series of vindictive and baseless investigations launched by Labor into approved and permitted activities on several properties.”