LNP Shadow Energy Minister Michael Hart has called on the Palaszczuk Labor Government to implement retail competition in regional Queensland in light of findings in today’s Queensland Competition Authority report.
The report revealed regional Queenslanders are paying around $89 more per quarter than southeast Queensland households.
“Today’s report highlights the benefits of competition in the southeast corner with customers being able to shop around for the most attractive offer,” Mr Hart said.
“Southeast Queenslanders have up to 20 retailers to choose from, but regional Queenslanders have just one.
“This means they are missing out on hundreds of dollars of savings.”
Mr Hart said the cheapest quarterly rate for a typical southeast household was $295 from Click Energy.
In comparison, regional Queensland customers on a standard contract for an equivalent bill were charged $384.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk needs to stop treating regional Queenslanders as second-class citizens and adopt the LNP’s policy of introducing competition into the regional electricity market,” Mr Hart said.
“Based on the experience in the southeast, introducing choice for customers in regional Queensland will reduce electricity bills by hundreds of dollars a year.
“If elected, the LNP will introduce retail competition into the regional electricity market and end Labor’s divide between the southeast and the rest of Queensland.
“Under our plan regional Queenslanders can shop around and save hundreds of dollars a year.”
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington has congratulated the Nanango Show Society and Nanango Historical Society for giving a new lease of life to two historic buildings originally located at the Nanango Hospital.
Mrs Frecklington said she had worked with groups during 2016 to secure the two buildings, after they were marked for demolition by Queensland Health.
“Ros Gregor from the Historical Society called me when they learnt the buildings were being removed. I agreed with them that it was important to preserve this piece of Nanango’s history and I was pleased to assist,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“Following negotiations between myself and the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service District, the buildings were moved to the Showgrounds, where they have been lovingly renovated and start their new life as much-needed facilities for the community.
“I’d also like to acknowledge Mr Les Schloss, after whom the buildings have been named. This is a fitting recognition of the many, many years Les has volunteered in the community, in particular with the Show Society, and I congratulate him on this honour,” Deb said.
Photo: Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, with Ros Gregor and Les Schloss at the official opening of the Les Schloss Meeting Rooms and Office at the Nanango Showgrounds.
The publication of hard-working Queensland farmers’ personal details by animal extremists on an online ‘attack map’ is a disgrace and should be roundly condemned, the LNP said today.
The ironically-named 'Aussie Farms' website identifies hundreds of family farms involved in livestock production and lists the personal details of farmers.
Liberal National Party Shadow Agriculture Minister Tony Perrett has called on the state and federal governments to do everything in their power to protect Queensland farmers from the industrial sabotage, privacy breaches and trespassing encouraged by the website.
“This website is simply a 'hit-list' for animal activists,” Mr Perrett said.
“It enables extremists looking for their next target and encourages trespassing, biosecurity breaches and acts of industrial sabotage.
“Let me be very clear – people have a right to protest, but no one is above the law.
“It is simply unacceptable that a fringe group which believes animals should not be owned by humans is trying to terrorise farmers. Their activities endanger both humans and animals.
“This has all gone too far. It's time to draw a line in the sand. Queensland farmers should not be held to ransom for a fringe animal extremist groups.
“We cannot allow this militant and extreme minority to hold our hard-working farmers and Queenslanders working through the agricultural supply chain to ransom.
“If the Palaszczuk Labor Government supports farmers, it will take action and move laws that protect farmers’ privacy and the rights of businesses contributing to our regional economy.
“It’s time to support our farmers and hold these fringe activists to account.”
National Farmers’ Federation advice: What if your property is on the map?
If your property is shown on the Farm Map there are further steps you can take to protect your privacy.
We recommend using the following 3 steps:
1. CHECK if your name and address features on the ‘Aussie Farms’ map. To view the map, go to www.map.aussiefarms.org.au
2. REQUEST directly for Aussie Farms to remove your details. For Aussie Farms’ contact details, go to www.aussiefarms.org.au/about#contact
3. COMPLAIN formally to the Australian Information Commissioner. To lodge a complaint, go to www.oaic.gov.au/individuals/how-do-i-make-a-privacy-complaint
We are hopeful that if the Commissioner receives enough complaints, action might be taken.
For a large impact PLEASE SHARE the above 3-step action plan with your network and across your social media platforms.
Importantly, if you find images or other media linked to your property that may be the result of trespassing by activists, you should promptly refer the page to the police, via Crime Stoppers.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, will be visiting Blackbutt and Nanango on Friday 18thth January and she is encouraging community members to come and have a chat!
“I wanted to kick off 2019 with some Mobile Office to give people the opportunity to catch up with me and to discuss their issues,” Deb said.
“I’m keen to ensure I keep right up to date with matters affecting the community.
“The Blackbutt mobile Office will be at Les Muller Park and I’m then heading to Nanango where I’ll be at Reg McCallum Park. Bookings are essential so please call my office to lock in a time,” Deb said.
To make an appointment, please contact the Nanango Electorate Office on 4190 7100 or email nanango@parliament.qld.gov.au
The farming futures of Queensland students are under threat as Labor continues to run agriculture education into the ground, LNP Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington warned today.
“It’s an absolute disgrace that Labor has shut ag colleges and pulled funding from key ag education programs across the state,” Ms Frecklington said.
“It’s shameful that Annastacia Palaszczuk pulled $181,000 from the School to Industry Partnership Program (SIPP) and then splurged more than $100,000 on ‘brand research’ at TAFE Queensland.
“SIPP is a hands-on education program that showcases where food comes from and highlights agricultural job opportunities to school students.
“This successful program has been running for 15 years and is vital for farmers and Queensland kids.
“Instead of funding ag education, Labor has directed TAFE to splurge millions on Commonwealth Games tickets, hospitality expenses, international travel and golden handshakes.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk is out of touch and continues to make short-sighted decisions which puts the future of the industry at risk.
“It’s clear Labor couldn’t care less when it comes to helping young Queenslanders make a start in their ag careers.”
LNP Shadow Agriculture Minister Tony Perrett said other states had been expanding their ag education programs while Labor continues to make cuts in Queensland.
“Queensland’s ag industry won’t survive if it keeps getting kicked in the guts by Labor,” Mr Perrett said.
“NSW has implemented compulsory ag classes in high school and Tasmania has invested an additional $16 million into their school farms initiative.
“The SIPP cut supports Labor’s anti-farmer agenda and follows the introduction of the devastating vegetation management laws, cuts to biosecurity staff and the failure to deliver a proper cattle tick line review.
“Queensland is one of the biggest contributors to Australia’s prosperous ag industry but our future under threat with a Labor Government.
“Labor needs to sort out their priorities and restore funding to SIPP and other ag education programs.”
