The unprecedented action to trigger state-wide strikes is a last ditch effort by the Queensland racing industry strangled by Labor’s $367million racing tax.
“Once again the Queensland racing industry has been let down by the Annastacia Palaszczuk and her government,” LNP Leader Deb Frecklington said.
“This is a $1.2 billion industry that employs thousands of Queenslanders and provides enjoyment to many others.
“Stirling Hinchliffe failed as Transport Minister in the last term and he has now failed the Queensland racing industry.
“Labor need to be supporting the racing industry, but instead they’re taxing it out of existence.”
LNP Shadow Racing Minister John-Paul Langbroek said racing in Queensland directly employed some 10,000 people.
“Those people have a bleak future thanks to this greedy, short-sighted government,” Mr Langbroek said.
“We have been the only party to oppose the tax since day one because when it comes to Labor and taxes, you just can’t trust them.
“Racing stakeholders have been begging Labor to provide guaranteed income to the industry from the Point of Consumption Tax.
“It’s disgraceful that racing is only getting a one-off payment from a permanent tax on the industry.
“What needs to happen is that Labor needs to sit down and work out a better deal.
“This could all be averted tomorrow, if Jackie Trad and Stirling Hinchliffe had consulted and actually listened in the first place.”
