Tuesday, 31 March 2020
Queensland is missing out on crucial legislation to combat coronavirus and make communities safer through Labor’s refusal to hold Parliament.
LNP Leader Deb Frecklington said Queensland Parliament was meant to sit today but Labor had handed the Speaker of Parliament – appointed by Labor – the sole power to close down Parliament.
“Parliament should have been sitting today with appropriate precautions so we can fix Labor’s soft youth crime laws,” Ms Frecklington said.
“Crime doesn’t stop because of coronavirus and neither should the Parliament.
“Crucial laws to prevent tenants from being evicted for the next six months should also have been on the table in Parliament this week.
“Queenslanders must be able to keep a roof over their heads during this health crisis.
“Retirement village operators have also been loud and clear on the need for changes to legislation to be able to respond to the coronavirus and enforce social distancing to protect the health and wellbeing of their residents.
“These measures could be in place today but the Palaszczuk Labor Government is missing in action.”
Ms Frecklington said sending Queenslanders to the polls on Saturday but calling off Parliament today was a double standard and anti-democratic.
“The Premier needs to open Parliament and let us fix Labor’s youth crime crisis, protect tenants from being evicted and improve the health and safety of the elderly,” Ms Frecklington said.
“The LNP is ready to do whatever it takes to ensure the government can continue to sit with appropriate precautions to pass the laws Queensland needs right now.”
