Friday, 10th July 2020
More concerns have been uncovered with the Palaszczuk Labor Government’s botched fire ant eradication program.
LNP Shadow Agriculture Minister Tony Perrett said it’s unbelievable that Labor have spent more than $100 million of taxpayers’ money on the program to eradicate fire ants, but the situation is only getting worse.
“The LNP raised the alarm on the botched fire ant eradication program for some time, only to be told by Labor that everything is fine,” Mr Perrett said.
“The Queensland Ombudsman is now conducting its own initiated investigation based on reports it has received from the public.
“This is yet another example of the Palaszczuk Labor Government’s mismanagement of taxpayers money.
“The LNP firmly believe in the mission of the eradication program, but wholeheartedly reject Labor’s botched implementation and ongoing mismanagement.
“Only a Deb Frecklington LNP Government we will get the fire ant program back on track, meet targets and make sure it is being delivering as intended.”
LNP Member for Scenic Rim Jon Krause said locals
raised the alarm with claims that the program is failing horribly.
“For a long time now there has been a feeling across my electorate that there’s
no urgency and no commitment from the program to do the job properly,” Mr
Krause said.
“I’ve been to fields where the ants should have been treated and eradicated
just to see nests everywhere.
“Fire ant eradication is a big deal for our local community and the Labor management of the program is failing us.
“Biosecurity Queensland and Labor Agriculture Minister Furner need to be held to account for overseeing this failed eradication program.”
