Tuesday, May 19, 2020
In a devastating blow to Queensland’s economic future, the Palaszczuk Labor Government today confirmed it will be the only government in the country not to deliver a full Budget this year.
LNP Leader Deb Frecklington said the failure to deliver a full Budget was a damning indictment of Labor at a time when effective and transparent economic management was paramount.
“The economic fallout of coronavirus has made many Queenslanders fearful for their jobs and their future,” Ms Frecklington said.
“Queenslanders deserve certainty, but Labor has shown that it has no plan, no Budget and no integrity either.
“No Budget means Labor has no plan to build a strong Queensland economy and create more jobs.
“Queenslanders deserve to know how their taxes are spent and anything less is another Labor cover-up.
“In the middle of this chaos, Labor has been consumed by an integrity scandal that goes right to the heart of this government.
“The LNP called for a stimulus package more than two months ago and thousands of jobs have been destroyed while Labor sat on their hands and did nothing.”
The LNP called for:
- A $500 million fast tracked roads package
- Direct small business grants
- Payroll tax cuts for all businesses with an annual wage bill of $6.5 million – until the end of the year
- Freezing rego, water and power bills
- Direct isolation payments for people subject to directions from Queensland Health.
- Fully backling the LGAQ’s $608 million Battleplan for Queensland
- State government paying their small business suppliers much faster to provide cash flow and ensure the supply chains are viable.
LNP Deputy Leader Tim Mander said the absence of a full budget meant Labor was flying blind through the most severe economic crisis in a generation.
“No Budget is symptomatic of a bad government run by a weak Premier,” Mr Mander said.
“No Budget means there will be no Estimates process in Parliament and Annastacia Palaszczuk can hide from scrutiny.
“With the next election looming, Labor is choosing to avoid crucial financial checks and balances that hold the government to account.
“Good government would be able to deliver a full budget this year and respond to the coronavirus emergency. They are not mutually exclusive.
“This arrogant Labor government is fixated on themselves when they should be focussed on the economic future of Queenslanders.”
