Media | Local News

Palaszczuk Labor Government last to move on economic stimulus

23rd March 2020

Annastacia Palaszczuk’s policy paralysis on economic stimulus must stop today.

LNP Leader Deb Frecklington said enough was enough; it was time for the Palaszczuk Government to stop doing nothing and start protecting Queensland jobs.

“The Victorian Government’s $1.7 billion stimulus package announced today further highlights the inaction by the Palaszczuk Labor Government,” Ms Frecklington said.

“The Palaszczuk government is now the only state government that is yet to announce a major stimulus package.

“Annastacia Palaszczuk and Jackie Trad are failing to listen to the chorus of business leaders calling for payroll tax exemptions to protect jobs.

“People with experience in business know that loans and deferred tax aren’t real stimulus, businesses have to pay back those loans and tax later.

“The LNP has been consistently calling for the Palaszczuk Government to exempt small and medium businesses from for payroll tax for at least 6 months.

“This would immediately help over 15,000 businesses to protect Queensland jobs.

“The LNP has also called for the Palaszczuk Government to speed up payments to government suppliers, fast-track $500 million of new road projects and freeze electricity, water and car registration fees and charges.

“The Morrison Government has announced two rounds of stimulus already and more will be announced as required.

“It is clear the LNP will act and do whatever it takes to protect jobs.”

LNP Shadow Treasurer and Deputy Leader Tim Mander called on the Palaszczuk Government to back the LNP’s stimulus package.

“This isn’t about politics, it’s about protecting Queensland jobs,” Mr Mander said.

“Businesses are looking for confidence and support from the Palaszczuk Government, but the silence is deafening.

“Queensland businesses need a government that will stand with them and do whatever it takes to protect jobs.

“Queensland has consistently had the highest unemployment rate in the nation and the most business bankruptcies.

“The Palaszczuk Government should have been first to act with the stimulus package, not the last.

“With almost 70 per cent of businesses saying Queensland is already in a recession and with thousands of jobs already being lost, the Palaszczuk Government must act immediately.

“Annastacia Palaszczuk’s inaction is turning a health crisis into a jobs crisis in Queensland.”

State by state comparison – Economic Stimulus:

State Stimulus package as proportion of budget

TAS -6.39%
NSW - 2.73%
VIC - 2.40%
ACT - 2.38%
WA - 1.86%
SA - 1.67%
NT - 1.03%
QLD - 0.05%