Friday 15 May, 2020
LNP Leader Deb Frecklington has welcomed the pre-selection of Fiona Gaske as the party’s candidate for the Pumicestone electorate.
Ms Frecklington said Fiona, a speech pathologist, had the skills and real-world experience to be an outstanding representative for the area if elected at the October 31 state election.
Ms Frecklington said Fiona’s focus would be on building a strong local economy and creating more jobs, as well as improving local education and health services.
“Fiona knows a strong economy is vital to provide the higher-paid jobs and better health and education services that Pumicestone needs,” Ms Frecklington said.
“The Pumicestone electorate has been left behind by Labor.
“Thanks to Annastacia Palaszczuk and Jackie Trad, the north Moreton Bay area has one of the highest unemployment rates in Queensland.
“Around 9000 local people were out of work before the coronavirus crisis struck and I fear that number is now growing daily.
“Only the LNP and Fiona Gaske have a plan to get Pumicestone working again.”
Ms Frecklington thanked serving LNP Member for Pumicestone Simone Wilson, who has announced she will stand down at the next election, for her contribution to the community.
“Simone is still working hard every day for the people of Pumicestone and I wish her all the very best for the future,” Ms Frecklington said.
Fiona lives on Bribie Island and her children attend school in Caboolture.
She was previously active in local government and served as the Deputy Mayor of Balonne Shire Council for four years, where she became a successful campaigner for local jobs and stronger communities.
“Pumicestone needs more jobs and it needs better health services too,” Ms Gaske said.
“Ambulances have to line up at Caboolture Hospital before patients can be seen because our doctors and nurses are over-stretched.
“In too many local schools NAPLAN results are going backwards.”
Ms Gaske said the LNP’s plan for Queensland would focus on creating a stronger economy and more jobs by building new infrastructure – including the New Bradfield Scheme and Bruce Highway upgrades – and guaranteeing that there will no new taxes under the LNP.
The LNP will improve results in local schools by de-cluttering the curriculum and ensuring teachers can focus on teaching students the key subjects of English, maths and science.
And the LNP will cut waiting times for Queensland patients by partnering with the private sector to slash surgery waiting lists and ensure patients are seen on time.
“Pumicestone’s economy was struggling long before coronavirus,” Ms Gaske said.
“Only an LNP Government will create the jobs and better health and education services this community needs. The LNP will get Pumicestone working again.”
