Queenslanders are being denied justice under the Palaszczuk Labor Government, with revelations of major court backlogs and delays to the state’s justice system.
Shadow Attorney-General Ian Walker said comments by a Supreme Court judge today proved Labor couldn’t be trusted to keep criminals off the streets or keep Queenslanders safe.
“The Palaszczuk Government wants to roll out the red carpet to criminal gangs, voted to wind back the LNP’s tough youth justice laws and now we’re hearing there are major backlogs and delays in Queensland courts,” Mr Walker said.
“This is not the first time the judiciary has raised concerns about problems in Queensland’s courts system and unless this asleep at the wheel government acts now, we fear it won’t be the last.
“Any delays and backlogs mean justice is being denied and Queenslanders need a government committed to getting criminals off our streets and through the courts faster – they’re not getting that with Annastacia Palaszczuk and Yvette D’Ath.”
Mr Walker said Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath had spent months reviewing legislation while the justice system was being brought to its knees.
“Labor is incapable of managing the state’s justice system and Queenslanders are paying the price,” he said.
“It’s time Yvette D’Ath stopped dithering about with reviews and started working to ensure the safety of Queenslanders.”
Background:
Recent issues raised in Cairns – http://www.cairnspost.com.au/news/cairns/cairns-judge-raises-concerns-over-case-backlog/news-story/bcc774c6e5084a68ca6f02cbfb7837b0
Recent issues raised at Gold Coast – http://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/crime-court/outgoing-gold-coast-judge-pushes-citys-mps-to-end-magistrate-shortage/news-story/7cf6d32f7c7510f8c87001def935bd02
Clearance rate from 2016/17 Department of Justice Service Delivery Statement:
Supreme Court trial division (criminal) 85% (target 100%)
District Court criminal law 90% (target 100%)
https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/s3-media-budget/pdfs/budget+papers/bp5/bp5-djag-2016-17.pdf
The Palaszczuk Labor Government is hoping Queenslanders will forget its chequered track record with major tourism projects with the release of a 56-page glossy Asia tourism strategy that promises no new funding and just four paragraphs on how to deliver it.
Shadow Tourism Minister Jon Krause said that while spruiking the Government’s tourism credentials for the cameras, Minister Kate Jones neglected to mention the job creating projects Labor had failed to generate.
“Labor’s latest tourism pitch is nothing but a glossy brochure full of ideas with no plan on how to deliver them,” Mr Krause said.
“Only when we get to page 54 do we find four short paragraphs on how Labor plans to deliver its “vision” which has no new funding, no real commitments and is big on rhetoric and not much else.
“It’s ironic to read one of Labor’s vague strategies is to ‘prioritise infrastructure and investment’ to meet tourism demands less than a week after we learnt Aquis had pulled out of its multi-billion dollar integrated resort plan because of inaction from this Government.
“The Aquis project would have created thousands of jobs for local people, and the flow-on effect for small businesses and the region would have been monumental.
“How embarrassing for Treasurer Curtis Pitt that a project of this scale, in his own backyard, has been mothballed? It is a clear vote of no confidence in him and the Government.
“This is the same Mr Pitt who said only this week he talks to Queenslanders every day and was acutely aware of how tough the regions are doing - perhaps he should have spoken to Aquis.”
Mr Krause said it was strange Ms Jones chose Cairns to make her big announcement, given the Government’s persistent scaremongering over the reef, which has threatened a multi-million dollar industry and thousands of associated jobs – with some tourism operators even demanding an apology from Labor.
“Labor has single-handedly scared off tourists with its extreme statements about the reef in order to appease its Green puppet masters,” Mr Krause said.
“I have spoken with a number of tourism operators who are sick of the Palaszczuk Labor Government constantly talking down the reef.
“This week the Treasurer was put on notice by the State’s peak business body, yet again, announcements such as this one proves that this Government is all talk and no action.
“As Queenslanders we have the greatest State in the world to sell to tourists – but we need a Government with a clear plan to deliver jobs for our tourism sector.”
Clueless Treasurer Curtis Pitt has admitted he doesn't know how his broken tax promise will work in a further blow to business confidence and investment in Queensland.
Shadow Treasurer Scott Emerson said Mr Pitt’s admission that the implementation of the foreign buyer’s property tax was as “clear as mud” was just latest bungle by the Treasurer.
“When the Treasurer revealed he was breaking an election promise and introducing the new tax in the budget he underestimated the impact of the tax hike by 3000 per cent,” Mr Emerson said.
“That was after he shamelessly walked away from an iron-clad promise not to put a job-destroying tax on the property sector.
“Now he’s admitted he has no idea how an exemption regime will work for the tax despite it due to come into effect in a matter of weeks on October 1.”
Mr Emerson said Mr Pitt’s latest bungle came in the same week as the state’s peak business group, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland, revealed many businesses have lost confidence in the Palaszczuk Government and believed it was anti-business.
He has also been left floundering after being caught out making a second sneaky raid on public servant’s superannuation funds by trying to change how retirement payouts were calculated.
“At a time when the Queensland economy desperately needs capable leadership, it is stuck with a clueless and hapless Treasurer who even Mr Pitt’s own Labor colleagues are describing as incapable and a deadweight,” Mr Emerson said.
Annastacia Palaszczuk must reveal if she is comfortable with Curtis Pitt managing Queensland’s finances after another business leader declared no confidence in her Treasurer today.
Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls said CCIQ was the latest in a long line of business groups in Queensland to slam Curtis Pitt’s handling of the Palaszczuk Government’s raid of public servants’ superannuation.
“The question that needs to be asked today is, is Annastacia Palaszczuk happy that CCIQ, the Property Council of Australia, Infrastructure Partnerships Australia and other key business groups have no confidence in her government?” Mr Nicholls said.
“These are groups that deliver the infrastructure that give Queenslanders jobs but those jobs are disappearing under Annastacia Palaszczuk and Curtis Pitt.
“If business has no confidence in this asleep at the wheel government, we’ll see no investment or jobs for Queenslanders. It’s that simple.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk must reveal to Queenslanders if Curtis Pitt will remain Treasurer.”
Mr Nicholls said public servants had woken up today still not knowing how much Curtis Pitt planned to raid from their superannuation payouts.
“First he froze government contributions to their superannuation, then he raided $4 billion from the fund that pays out their super and yesterday he tried to give himself the power to change their super payouts, all without consultation,” he said.
“Now, after he’s been caught out, he’s back flipped and plans to hand the same power to the Under-Treasurer.
“Curtis Pitt is either totally incompetent or down-right sneaky.”
The Together Union has sided with the LNP after learning ‘Pick Pocket Pitt’ was planning on dipping his fingers into the cookie jar once again and raiding public servants’ superannuation.
Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls said Treasurer Curtis Pitt’s latest raid on public servants’ superannuation was a slap in the face for nurses, teachers and police officers.
“Without any consultation, or without evening mentioning it in his introductory speech in parliament, we have another raid on public servants’ superannuation nest eggs,” Mr Nicholls said.
“There has also been no consultation with the unions, or the workers that Labor is supposed to look after.
“This is just another sneaky superannuation raid, on top of the $4 billion he has already fleeced, by a Treasurer who continues to pick-pocket other people’s money.”
Mr Nicholls said the Together Union has since come out and urged the parliament to vote down the proposed legislation.
“Queenslanders can be assured it’s bad policy given the unions have thrown their support behind the LNP,” he said.
“It’s remarkable in itself that Alex Scott has urged Labor MPs and Crossbench MPs to vote down the legislation.
“The LNP will fight against this sneaky raid and it’s something I will be discussing at Shadow Cabinet next week.”
The LNP Opposition has welcomed the State Government’s decision to order an independent review into Queensland’s Youth Detention Centres.
Shadow Attorney-General Ian Walker has sought an urgent briefing on the issues that have been raised at the State’s detention centres.
“It’s important that the treatment of children in our State’s youth detention centres meets community expectations,” Mr Walker said.
“The Opposition would like to be consulted on the terms of reference and the appointment of those who will be undertaking the review.
“We believe this review needs to be independent and transparent to reassure Queenslanders that there are no issues in these centres.
“Any complaints raised must be independently and thoroughly investigated.
“We understand the sensitivities around this issue, which is why we want to work with the Government to ensure that the structure of the inquiry will get to the truth of the matters raised.”
OPPOSITION Leader Tim Nicholls used his visit to MSF Sugar in Maryborough to praise the industry for working together to ensure it remained prosperous moving forward.
Mr Nicholls said the LNP had worked closely with producers, millers and other key stakeholders to help strengthen this vital industry.
“Maryborough was one of the first cane growing areas in Queensland and has become synonymous with the sugar industry,” Mr Nicholls said.
“The LNP has always recognised the value of the sugar industry to the state’s economy, especially to regional communities such as Maryborough and Bundaberg.”
Deputy Leader Deb Frecklington said the sugar industry was the latest in a long list of sectors neglected under the Palaszczuk Labor Government.
“It is wonderful to be back in Maryborough, it is a region I have visited several times while in government and in Opposition,” Ms Frecklington said.
“Labor seems hell bent on destroying the state’s agricultural sector with its stance on vegetation management and its industry destroying fisheries policy to name but a few.
“Agriculture is one of the backbones of this state and instead of trying to destroy it, Labor should start supporting it.
“Maybe Minister Donaldson should start putting this region, and others across the state, first instead of bowing down to Green puppet masters in Brisbane.”
Burnett MP Stephen Bennett said he was looking forward to showing Tim and Deb around the region and discussing issues affecting his electorate, especially surrounding flood mitigation.
“The Palaszczuk Government has provided nothing to support new infrastructure in Bundaberg or Burnett since being elected,” Mr Bennett said.
“Despite comprehensive community consultation, recommendations and funding for flood mitigation projects, the Palaszczuk Government ordered another review, putting a halt to 18 projects in the process.
“The community is concerned the Palaszczuk Government has committed nothing towards flood mitigation, especially as we move towards the warmer months.
“It has caused great uncertainty for local businesses and seen insurance premiums continue to rise.”
The LNP Opposition today did what the Palaszczuk Government won’t by calling for a Commission of Inquiry into the re-emergence of black lung disease among Queensland coal miners.
Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls today moved a motion in State Parliament for an inquiry to be established within 30 days in a bid to push the Palaszczuk Government into action and finally give much-needed answers to those suffering from the disease – however Labor voted it down.
“This is a disappointing result for Queensland coal miners and their families and exposes Labor’s supposed commitment to workers as pure rhetoric,” Mr Nicholls said.
“A Commission of Inquiry would have had far-reaching powers to determine why this disease has re-emerged in Queensland, but instead Labor chose the soft option, denying sufferers and their families real answers.
“This was the perfect opportunity for the Premier and her Mines Minister to finally act in the best interests of those suffering from this terrible disease, but instead they failed Queensland coal miners and their families.
“What is Labor and its union mates hiding by not wanting to shine a light on such a serious issue?”
Mr Nicholls said it was also disappointing that Member for Mirani Jim Pearce and Member for Bundamba Jo-Ann Miller failed to support the motion, despite claiming they were strong advocates for coal miners’ rights.
“Despite continued media reports warning of the re-emergence of pneumoconiosis or coal miner’s black lung disease in Queensland, Labor continues to bury its head in the sand,” he said.
“It’s clear this Government has learnt nothing from its past mistakes, instead delivering another kick in the guts to those suffering from this disease and the families that care for them.
“The LNP will continue to shine a light on this debilitating disease until sufferers finally get the answers they deserve.”
The LNP Opposition has called for a Commission of Inquiry into the re-emergence of black lung disease to ensure coal miners and their families get the answers they deserve about the Palaszczuk Government’s handling of this serious issue.
In a motion in Queensland Parliament today, Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls moved for the inquiry to be established within 30 days to give coal miners who had suffered through the disease confidence that the Palaszczuk Government will learn from past mistakes.
Annastacia Palaszczuk and her Mines Minister Anthony Lynham have previously ignored calls for a Royal Commission into black lung from their own MP Jo-Ann Miller and from unions.
“The Palaszczuk Labor Government’s botched handling of this issue has been far from comprehensive and the LNP is calling for a Commission of Inquiry to be established as a matter of urgency,” Mr Nicholls said.
“Labor’s rejection of a Royal Commission into the disease was a kick in the guts for coal miners and shows the Palaszczuk Labor Government refuses to take this issue seriously.
“It’s not good enough for them to say they have the management of this disease under control, when we’re seeing more coal miners diagnosed. The government needs to act and act fast.
“The LNP is committed to ensuring those suffering through this terrible disease and their families get the answers they need and that we do everything we can to prevent further cases occurring.
“A Commission of Inquiry would provide the comprehensive and co-ordinated response needed to address the issue of black lung and its impacts on coal miners and their families.”
Mr Nicholls said Labor is divided on the issue, with Annastacia Palaszczuk and Anthony Lynham rejecting their own MP Jo-Ann Miller’s calls for more action to be taken.
“If the Palaszczuk Labor Government took this issue seriously they would leave petty politics at the door and act in the best interests of thousands workers from the coal mining sector,” he said.
Annastacia Palaszczuk’s embattled Child Safety Minister has refused to explain how many of the 51 child deaths known to her Department in the 2015/16 year occurred whilst waiting for action.
Shadow Minister for Child Safety Ros Bates said Shannon Fentiman was once again hiding behind reviews to avoid talking about the crisis unfolding under her watch when asked the simple question in State Parliament today*.
“What does the Minister have to hide by refusing to answer a question on such an important issue as child deaths known to her Department given the ongoing public scrutiny of this issue?” Ms Bates said.
“Ms Fentiman is deliberately avoiding parliamentary scrutiny as she ducks and weaves on child deaths and abuse case backlogs.
“Our hard working child safety staff are being stretched to breaking point with no help and no answers from this Labor Government.”
Ms Bates said the latest March 2016 data showed more than 11,700 children suspected of abuse were not seen in the required timeframe and a further 3200 children were sitting on the waiting list for the waiting list of suspected abuse.
“Too many of our most vulnerable children are being let down by a Labor Government that refuses to give our frontline child safety staff the resources and support they need to fix this crisis,” she said.
“The Minister is continuing to avoid taking any responsibility for the failures within her own portfolio.”
* Question from Shadow Child Safety Minister Ros Bates to Child Safety Minister Shannon Fentiman (State Parliament, Tuesday August 17, 2016):
“Of the 51 child deaths known to the Department in the last 12 months (15/16) how many other children died waiting for the department to take action?
Queenslanders who exercised their democratic right at the recent local government elections have been threatened with fines for failing to vote further highlighting the incompetence of Electoral Commission Queensland.
Shadow Attorney-General Ian Walker said Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath must reveal how many fines had been sent out, how many had been sent in error and how much the stuff-up had cost taxpayers.
He said electoral offices had been inundated with complaints from concerned people who had been threatened with the $58.50 fine.
“The whole system needs a complete overhaul because it’s become very clear the Commission is not up to the task,” Mr Walker said.
“How can Queenslanders have confidence their vote counted, when the people running the show say some people didn’t vote, when in fact they did?
“Highlighting how farcical the system has become, Buderim MP Steve Dickson even received a threatening letter for not voting in the local government election.
“Given Steve’s son was a candidate, I know for sure he didn’t forget to vote.”
Mr Walker said Ms D’Ath needed to assure Queenslanders she would fix the state’s busted voting system.
He said the Commission had undertaken an extensive review following the local government election exposing the gaps in its performance but Ms D’Ath had chosen to “review the review” which is the Palaszczuk Government’s fix for everything.
“Ms D’Ath must assure Queenslanders the Commission is up to the task of conducting future elections,” he said.
“How many other people are out there who voted and have been hit with a please explain?”
Queensland Treasurer Curtis Pitt has finally admitted his $4 billion raid on public servants superannuation was never recommended by the State Actuary.
Shadow Treasurer Scott Emerson said in State Parliament today Curtis “Captain Risky” Pitt was forced to concede that State Actuary Wayne Cannon only ever recommended a $2 billion repatriation, half of what Labor ultimately gouged from the superannuation fund.
“Curtis Pitt was finally forced to come clean after the damning testimony of the State Actuary during budget estimates hearings,” Mr Emerson said.
“Today in Parliament he admitted there was never a recommendation for his $4 billion raid which was the centrepiece of his budget of raids, rip-offs and write-downs.”
Mr Pitt said regarding the $4 billon that “Mr Cannon advised this was not a recommendation…. there was no recommendation.”
“It’s alarming the government ignored the State Actuary’s independent recommendation and was playing Russian Roulette with public servants’ super,” Mr Emerson said.
"This was a reckless act of a desperate Government that could end up costing every taxpayer in Queensland and has substantially weakened the position of the superannuation fund.
"Despite facing serious fiscal challenges in government, the LNP never contemplated raiding the superannuation entitlements of hardworking Queenslanders.
“Queenslanders deserve better than a do-nothing Government incapable of delivering a sustainable long-term economic plan for Queensland.”
Child sex abuse survivors in Queensland are one step closer to justice after the State Government today introduced legislation in Parliament to remove the limitation period on child sex abuse claims, after the LNP announced the policy last month.
Mr Nicholls said while the Palaszczuk Government’s Bill was a step in the right direction, it failed to recognise and empower all survivors of child sexual abuse.
“I’m pleased the LNP’s announcement galvanised the Government into action by prioritising justice for survivors, many of whom haven’t been in a position to speak out until now,” Mr Nicholls said.
“By lifting the limitation period we will be removing a significant barrier for survivors seeking justice in their own time.
“While the LNP welcomes this legislation, we were concerned to learn that the government’s reforms would only extend to those survivors who had suffered abuse in institutions.
“This means those who suffered at the hands of family members or strangers would still be powerless due to existing limitations.
“By dictating who can and can’t have their day in court, Labor is effectively creating two classes of victims, which is plainly unfair.
“To address this, the LNP will be moving amendments to the Bill to broaden its scope and ensure all child sex abuse survivors can take advantage of the new laws.”
Mr Nicholls said Labor’s legislation also didn’t allow survivors who had already made a claim in the past from taking further civil action now.
“In some cases, survivors were pressured into accepting inadequate settlements for physical or psychological injuries sustained from the abuse, because of previous time limitations,” he said.
“We will put forward amendments that provide the opportunity for settlement agreements to be voided by the Court, where appropriate, to allow survivors to have their proper day in Court.
“The LNP has a strong record of standing up for victims of crime, having established the Child Protection Commission of Inquiry to chart a roadmap for the future of child protection.
“We also increased funding to victims advocate groups and enabled victims to read victim impact statements in court for the first time in Queensland.
“I urge the Premier and the Government to vote in favour of these amendments to ensure all victims of child sexual abuse have a voice.”
The asleep at the wheel Palaszczuk Labor Government must tell Queenslanders how much its taxi industry compensation package will cost Queensland taxpayers, the LNP Opposition said today.
Shadow Transport Minister Andrew Powell said Labor’s unfunded compensation package now brought the transport department’s budget black hole to $430 million.
“At the end of the day, someone always pays under this Palaszczuk Labor Government,” Mr Powell said.
“Labor is taking Queenslanders for a ride – it can’t tell them where more than $330 million in fare and general departmental savings will come from and now it’s lumped an extra $100 million onto its transport black hole.
“Labor has spent nearly 12 months on a review into ride-sharing, finally we have a decision, but there’s no money in the budget to pay for it.
“Beleaguered Transport Ministers Jackie Trad and Stirling Hinchliffe have dithered and delayed, taxpayers want some certainty and it hasn’t been forthcoming from this government.
“In true form, this asleep at the wheel Labor government, led by Annastacia Palaszczuk, has only just released its plan after almost 12 months of reviewing.
“The LNP will properly and thoroughly review Labor’s policy, that’s what Queenslanders expect us to do.
“We don’t subscribe to Stirling Hinchliffe’s policy by press release mentality.”
Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls and Shadow Child Safety Minister Ros Bates have called for the Palaszczuk Government to commit to a coronial inquest into the circumstances surrounding the death of Caboolture toddler Mason Jet Lee.
Mr Nicholls said a coronial inquest would identify how the systems designed to protect Mason failed him, and make recommendations on how those systems can be improved to protect Queensland children.
“As more details come to light about the tragic last weeks and months of Mason’s life, we believe a coronial inquest is justified to identify in a public and transparent process the failings in our child safety system,” Mr Nicholls said.
“We have every respect for the court process underway to test the guilt or innocence of the three adults who have been charged.
“We believe, however, that an independent coronial inquest, held after the court case has been completed, is the best way to examine the systemic failures that may have played a role in little Mason falling through the cracks in the most tragic of ways.
“A coronial inquest would not be about establishing guilt or innocence of the adults involved, it’s about making recommendations in a public and transparent manner – recommendations that will help to ensure that other children do not suffer in the way Mason did.
“A recent Galaxy survey found 80 per cent of Queenslanders believed the child protection system was under pressure or in crisis – an independent coronial inquiry would help restore public confidence in our child protection system.
“We call on Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath to request a coronial inquiry, and it will then be up the Coroner to decide the best way forward.”
Ms Bates said Annastacia Palaszczuk and Shannon Fentiman’s internal reviews were one thing, but they lacked the openness and transparency of a coronial inquest.
“The Palaszczuk Government failed Mason, and while an inquest will not undo the government’s failing, it could prevent more vulnerable Queensland children from the suffering Mason endured,” she said.
“If the Government had acted sooner and actually seen Mason in the 48 hours leading up to his death, he may still be alive today.
“We believe a coronial inquest can have a lasting and positive impact on the system that is designed to protect our children.”
Vegetation management rates in Queensland have remained stable under laws put in place by the LNP and not blown out as claimed by the Palaszczuk Government.
Shadow Natural Resources Minister, Andrew Cripps, said the most recent Statewide Landcover and Trees Study (SLATS) report shows vegetation management activities in 2014-15 occurred on 296,000 hectares of Queensland, the same land area as the previous report.
“These figures debunk the Palaszczuk Government’s claim that clearing rates are out of control and show that farmers are sustainably managing vegetation on just 0.15 per cent of Queensland.
“Labor is also conveniently ignoring that 261,000 hectares of vegetation was cleared under Labor laws in 2012-13 – the very same laws they’re now claiming will protect the Reef.
“We urge Queenslanders to see through Labor’s manipulation of data and understand that farmers need to manage vegetation to protect pasture growth, build fences and feed livestock during drought.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk and Labor claim farmers are environmental vandals\, but they’re not. They look after their land to make sure it’s productive for future generations.
“Ms Trad and Mr Miles have again proven themselves incapable of being honest with Queenslanders about land management rates – fudging the figures to suit their own political agenda.”
Mr Cripps said Labor appeared to have included activities such as fodder harvesting and vegetation thinning as ‘broadscale land clearing’ in their latest analysis.
“Labor has not disclosed how much vegetation was harvested for fodder in drought affected areas and given the report covers a period preceding recent rainfall in drought affected areas, this is important.
“We understand Labor’s figures may also include vegetation thinning which is the selective removal of some trees in a paddock to allow more sun for pasture growth for cattle. This practice deliberately maintains trees as ecosystems for native wildlife – yet Labor would have you believe its broadscale vegetation clearing,” he said.
“Labor has also not been honest about the fact that 62 per cent of all vegetation management activities in the 2014-15 report involved farming families managing regrowth on previously cleared land – a practice essential to maintain pasture to feed livestock.”
“We stand right beside farmers and graziers on this core agricultural issue and will continue to fight Labor’s unfair rollback of sensible vegetation management laws.”
There will be one extra clown at the Royal Queensland Show this year – Environment Minister Steven Miles – who thinks farmers in town for the EKKA shouldn’t take the opportunity to protest against the Palaszczuk Government’s proposed changes to vegetation management laws.
Shadow Minister for Natural Resources Andrew Cripps said in another galling display of how disconnected Labor is from regional Queensland, Mr Miles had criticised rural lobby group AgForce for organising a rally in Brisbane’s CBD this Thursday, because he thinks it ‘politicises’ the annual show event.
“This smacks of hypocrisy from Steven Miles – he’s more than happy for his mates in the union movement to march through the streets and rally outside the Queensland Parliament, but when landholders want to send a message to the Palaszczuk Government – it’s too political,” Mr Cripps said.
“Newsflash Mr Miles, the Royal Queensland Show has always been the week that ‘Country meets City’ in Brisbane and you can’t have EKKA without Queensland’s farmers - that shouldn’t mean landholders have to leave their opinions at the farm gate to be allowed into town.
“Clearly Labor is feeling the pressure from this campaign against their proposed changes to Queensland’s vegetation management laws – the groundswell of opposition to these amendments is gaining momentum and Steven Miles is getting desperate.
“While Minister Miles lashes out at farmers and landholders for wanting to have their say, surely Annastacia Palaszczuk needs to be asking herself why Queensland’s primary producers and the rural communities they support marching in the streets of Brisbane?
“The Palaszczuk Government is out-of-touch with regional Queensland and the EKKA is in fact the perfect platform for urban residents to hear a message loud and clear from the bush - Labor is threatening our livelihoods, our jobs, our industries and our communities.”
The Palaszczuk Labor Government’s fisheries ‘green paper’ threatens Queensland’s 1700 commercial fishers and the thousands of associated jobs in the state’s $500 million-plus seafood sector.
Shadow Fisheries Minister Dale Last said catch targets contained in the ‘green paper’ would mean cuts of between 40 and 50 per cent in commercial harvests.
He said it would result in the loss of hundreds of local jobs along the Queensland coast, with the biggest impact felt in Mooloolaba, Maryborough, Tin Can Bay, Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, Bowen and Innisfail.
“It’s a recipe for disaster for our commercial fishing sector and will lead to serious regional job losses and small business closures right along the coast,” Mr Last said.
“It would also lead to a surge in black-market fish and crab sales that would be virtually impossible to contain.”
Mr Last said the document was ‘dishonest’ because while it had been launched as discussion paper to progress management policy, it was clear many key decisions had been made.
“Minister Donaldson is at the bottom of the Cabinet pecking order and I doubt she’s had much input into the key issues, particularly the stated target change from having a sustainable catch that effectively leaves 30 – 40 per cent of fish stocks to a new target that leaves 60 per cent,” he said.
“I doubt the Minister has discussed this with the commercial fishing stakeholders and particularly commercial fishers and seafood businesses in her own electorate.
“The wording in the green paper clearly wants to downplay the true value of the wild caught fishery to the Queensland economy by only listing the landed value of the catch as $190m.*
“It widely recognised that its spinoff benefits to the broader community is more than $500 million annually.”
Mr Last said Queensland was recognised as having some of the best, sustainably-managed fisheries in the world.
He said it was of great concern for the thousands who worked in the seafood industry from the boats, cold-stores and wholesalers to fish & chip shops and seafood restaurants that the Minister had provided no scientific data to support the catch target.
“The community has the right to know and understand the impact this policy will have on them,” Mr Last said.
“Consumers also have the right to know whether they will be forced to eat more imported seafood as a result of this policy.
“There is not a word in the green paper on its likely impact on the industry beyond the wharf and what it would mean to supplies of fresh, local-caught seafood.”
*Green Paper P12 – Major areas for reform
The Opposition is calling on the Palaszczuk Government to stop hiding behind reviews and secrecy and finally explain how the child protection system failed baby Mason Lee and many more like him.
Shadow Minister for Child Safety Ros Bates said the Minister needed to take responsibility for the system that failed little Mason and start acting on the growing crisis in investigation delays.
“Child abuse response times continue to blow out because Annastacia Palaszczuk and her Minister refuse to act immediately to provide extra resources to frontline child safety officers to protect at-risk children,” Ms Bates said.
“Shannon Fentiman cannot hide behind reviews. Behind every statistic is another potential Mason Lee, who was known to the Minister’s Department and presented to hospital with significant injuries, but was still allowed to return home.
“The Minister was briefed back in October 2015 of worrying response times and still has not deployed specialist investigation teams since being advised.
“Queenslanders have an expectation their Government is there to make a decision and do something.”
Ms Bates said the Opposition would not comment on the ongoing police investigation related to Mason Lee, but said the Government needed to explain how the child protection system failed him.
“Too many Queensland children are being left in dangerous situations for too long and we need immediate action to ensure our kids are protected,” Ms Bates said.
“Figures released last week reveal that, under Labor, 10 per cent of Queensland children deemed to be in the most danger are not being seen within the recommended 24 hour time period.
“Seventy-one per cent of children that are supposed to be checked on within 5 days are not being seen in that timeframe.
“Queensland's children in danger don’t need more reviews, they need action now before another child is lost because overworked frontline child safety workers can’t get to them.”
Ms Bates thanked Queensland Police for their dedication and perseverance in investigating the tragedy.
The State Opposition has called on Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to remove Planning Minister Jackie Trad from deciding the future of West End's West Village development because of a clear political conflict of interest.
Shadow Treasurer Scott Emerson said Ms Palaszczuk also needed to reveal whether she was informed her Deputy was set to jeopardise the $800 million residential and retail development on the old Peter’s Ice Cream factory site and put 3,400 jobs at risk by threatening to ‘call in’ the project.
“Jackie Trad previously conceded there was no state interest in this project after it was approved by the Brisbane City Council but now, fearing a Greens backlash in her South Brisbane seat, she is threatening to scrap it,” Mr Emerson said.
“Brisbane City Council approved the project after a rigorous public consultation process, construction has begun and now developers have had to down tools while Ms Trad rolls over to Greens threats.
“Ms Trad can make up all the reasons under the sun to stall West Village but it’s clear to Queenslanders this is all about preserving greens votes in her own seat at the next election rather than proper planning.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk needs to take a close look at the Ministerial Code of Conduct and what it says about Ministers making decisions on matters in which they have a vested political conflict of interest.”
Mr Emerson said if the Palaszczuk Labor Government was prepared to put its own political interests ahead of over 3,400 everyday construction and retail workers in this instance, what other important economic project would be next?
“Annastacia Palaszczuk must now say when she knew of and if she supported her Deputy’s sudden backflip, which the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ) says has shattered business confidence and threatened future jobs,” he said.
“This threat to ‘call in’ the West Village project is bad for jobs, bad for business and bad for Queensland at a time when our state faces a jobs crisis and is battling Tasmania for the economic wooden spoon.”
