As more Queenslanders hit the road for holidays, LNP Leader Deb Frecklington has announced another major road infrastructure and safety plan.
Ms Frecklington said in addition to the visionary long-term duplication upgrade of the Bruce Highway, the LNP will also provide a $50 million boost to build new and upgrade driver reviver rest stops to support driver safety and prevent fatigue.
“Queensland is losing the war on reducing the road toll,” Ms Frecklington said.
“We can’t just talk about road safety, we have to build the infrastructure for motorists to use.
“Building a better Bruce Highway is not only a visionary project to future proof regional economies, but it will encourage more drive tourism which will be even more vital while international borders are closed.
“It could be the difference between businesses keeping their doors open.”
The LNP’s investment comes on the back of a shocking increasing in the road toll this year, with a spike of almost 20% compared to last year and well above the five-year average.
126 fatalities have been recorded on the Bruce Highway between 2014-2018.
Fatigue is one of the leading causes of road crashes.
The LNP’s plan will not only save lives and improve safety, but also support over 150 construction jobs across regional Queensland.
Ms Frecklington said the program would be established in partnership with local Councils along the Bruce Highway to determine the best locations.
“As an initial priority, the LNP will conduct a state-wide audit of existing driver reviver rest stops to determine the best location for additional sites, while increasing maintenance at existing stops,” Ms Frecklington said.
“This latest LNP road safety boost will not only support local motorists and road users but also encourage the drive tourism market as well.”
LNP Shadow Transport Minister Steve Minnikin said the quality of our road infrastructure, including roadside rest areas is important to provide a safe and enjoyable driving experience.
“There are only two current stops between Mackay and Rockhampton, and 12 between Cairns and Gympie,” Mr Minnikin said.
“Increased signage would also be part of the LNP’s plan.”
Queensland Trucking Association CEO Gary Mahon supports the LNP’s plan and said the QTA is always pleased to work on increasing the number of rest areas and providing good basic standards for truck drivers as they go about the vital service they undertake for all our Queensland communities.
“We all want to get home safe from work and it is critical that the long-distance truck drivers have a decent opportunity to rest and manage their fatigue,” Mr Mahon said.
Caravanning Queensland Trade CEO Jason Plant said he supports any initiative designed to improve road safety, for all road users.
“Rest stops provide road users with the ability to manage their fatigue when travelling long distances throughout Queensland,” Mr Plant said.
“We encourage all road users to pre-plan their rest stops and fatigue management.”
Map of current stops - https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/holiday-travel/stops/map
An LNP Government will hire an additional 3350 teachers and 760 teacher aides across Queensland over the next four years in a major education boost for Queensland schools.
The $1.05 billion commitment is part of the LNP’s plan to build a stronger economy and secure our children’s future.
LNP Leader Deb Frecklington said investing in schools and providing a world-class education to Queensland kids was a key part of the LNP’s economic plan to get Queensland working again.
“The LNP will invest in education and get back to basics in schools as part of our economic recovery plan,” Ms Frecklington said.
“Our plan to build a stronger economy means we can invest more in our schools and employ more teachers and teacher aides.
“Queensland kids need a secure economic future and that won’t happen without a comprehensive plan to boost education.
“Investing in education will support local families and lay the foundation for our kids to get ahead in life.
“The LNP’s plan will mean a better education for our kids which will secure our children’s future.”
LNP Shadow Minister for Education Jarrod Bleijie said the major education announcement is on the back of the LNP’s plan to get back to basics by decluttering the curriculum, air conditioning every state school classroom, introducing a phonics screen check to boost reading and continuing the Independent Public Schools program.
“Recent reports of looming teacher shortages in areas like Mackay and Cairns are a sign of Labor’s education failures,” Mr Bleijie said.
“We want to encourage more school leavers to become teachers and take on more mature-age recruits as well.
“The lure of secure employment should be attractive particularly in a recession.
“Only the LNP has a comprehensive plan to provide a world-class education across Queensland.”
Queensland drivers with an unblemished record behind the wheel will be rewarded for their safe driving, under new incentive scheme announced by LNP Leader Deb Frecklington today.
Road fatalities are almost 20% higher than this time last year, despite a massive reduction in traffic movement in the first half of this year.
Ms Frecklington said it is time for a new approach.
“If I’m elected Premier next month, I will reward safe driving in Queensland, with the release of a new 10-year gold driving licence,” Ms Frecklington said.
“There are many sanctions applied to drivers who infringe traffic laws, other than insurance, there are no incentives to recognise and reward safe driving behaviour.
“For those drivers who have not accumulated any demerit points in the 10-year period leading up to their licence renewal, they will be rewarded with a 10-year licence for the cost of the standard 5-year one.
“Rewarding safe driving will save lives, it is as simple as that.
“Slowing down on the road could save your life and now it can save money as well.
“We want to see less carnage on our roads and if this initiative only saves one life, than it’s worth it.”
LNP Shadow Transport Minister Steve Minnikin said the LNP won’t be scrapping existing penalties but we want to see more incentives for a good driving record.
“With a troubling increase in the road toll, it’s time for new measures to encourage safe driving,” Mr Minnikin said.
“There are approximately 2.8 million drivers between the age of 27 and 75 who potentially would be eligible to secure a 10-year gold licence.”
An LNP Government will unleash the space industry in Queensland and create hundreds of jobs by building a rocket launch site near Abbot Point, North Queensland.
LNP Leader Deb Frecklington said the $15 million investment to construct a government-owned orbital rocket launch site would provide 300 jobs – 100 jobs in construction and 200 secure jobs when anchor tenant Gilmour Space Technologies operates monthly launches.
Each additional tenant at the site is estimated to provide a further 100 jobs. The rocket launch site will be used by companies to send satellites and other cargo into orbit.
“Unleashing the space industry in Queensland is part of the LNP’s economic plan to create jobs and build new assets,” Ms Frecklington said.
“An LNP Government will seize this ambitious opportunity to make Queensland a smart state once again through space.
“High-tech and highly paid secure jobs are what this project is all about.
“This is part of the LNP’s plan to grow Queensland’s assets and rebuild a stronger economy to create secure jobs.
“Queensland has a comparative advantage over other states when it comes to space and an LNP Government will play a leadership role by investing in infrastructure.
“The rocket launch site will be an asset 100 per cent owned by the Queensland Government and open up new opportunities for our state.
“Our investment will create new markets for Queensland in industries like advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defence, mining, technology and tourism.
“Globally, space is a multi-trillion-dollar industry and the LNP’s investment will help make Queensland a major player.
“Queensland’s space economy has the potential to pour up to $6 billion into the state economy and support up to 6000 high-skilled jobs by 2036.
“Becoming a space state will help make Queensland the economic powerhouse of Australia once again.”
LNP MP for Burdekin Dale Last said building the rocket launch site was part of the LNP’s plan to supercharge the regions.
“The LNP’s $15 million investment will make the make North Queensland the space capital of Australia and drive new economic opportunities,” Mr Last said.
“The LNP is the only party with money on the table to build the space rocket launch site.
“If a launch facility isn’t built here, space business will be lost to other states or overseas.
“The people of North Queensland want investments that stimulate the economy and create jobs and that’s what an LNP Government will deliver.”
LNP Candidate for Whitsunday Amanda Camm said the project would create a new tourism and marketing opportunity in the region.
“Tourism businesses in the region are hurting like never before in this downturn,” Ms Camm said.
“Bold and ambitious projects like rocket launch site will create new tourism opportunities to help them rebound.
“Being able to witness live rocket launches here will be a major tourist drawcard.
“To see and feel the lift-off of rockets leaving Abbott Point for atmosphere is bucket-list experience.
“The LNP’s investment will lure more tourists and more businesses to North Queensland in the future.”
Background
Abbot Point has been assessed by the government as the ideal site for a launch pad on the basis that:
Abbot Point allows companies to launch satellites safely to more locations in space than any other place in Australia:
Queensland’s space industry already supports 2000 jobs and generates $760 million in annual revenue through industry services like satellite communications.
Gilmour Space Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_s0xJH07rM&feature=youtu.be
The LNP will provide the funding to develop a ‘step-out’ facility for people who are recovering from eating disorders if it forms the next state government.
LNP Member for Glass House Andrew Powell and LNP Shadow Treasurer Tim Mander announced $800,000 of support for the new endED facility today.
The Sunshine Coast-based charity is currently building Australia’s first dedicated residential treatment centre for people with eating disorders in the Mooloolah Valley, in partnership with Butterfly House.
The LNP’s commitment will enable the charity to purchase a Sunshine Coast property which will be equipped to help people recovering from eating disorders transition from the residential centre back into the community.
“There’s no question that more can be done to support people with eating disorders,” Mr Powell said.
“That’s why the work of endED is so important.
“Thanks to this amazing organisation, people with eating disorders are finally getting the support they need.
“I have been impressed and moved by this charity’s work and I’m very proud that the LNP is joining them in the fight against eating disorders.
“Eating disorders damage families and destroy lives. We need to do more to fight this problem – and the LNP will do more.”
Mr Mander said the funding would be guaranteed if the LNP wins the October 31 election.
“Covid-19 is dominating the headlines right now, but we cannot afford to ignore the other health threats that Queenslanders face – especially our young people,” Mr Mander said.
“The LNP understands the devastating impact that eating disorders can have and we will do all we can to help victims recover and stay strong.”
The arrogance and deceit at the heart of the Palaszczuk Labor Government have been exposed in today’s CCC report into the undeclared business interests of the Premier’s former chief-of-staff, David Barbagallo.
The report found that Barbagallo’s conduct broke the Ministerial Staff Act, the Declarations of Interests Directive, the Ministerial Staff Code of Conduct and the Queensland Ministerial Handbook.
The CCC concluded that the Premier’s right-hand man could have faced disciplinary proceedings if he had not resigned.
The report also revealed that the Premier misled MPs when she advised them that Barbagallo had sought advice from the Integrity Commissioner before a company he part-owned applied for a $267,500 grant from the Palaszczuk Labor Government.
LNP Deb Frecklington said the report was further proof of Labor’s shocking lack of integrity.
“Deputy Premier Jackie Trad was caught out over a secret property purchase and now Annastacia Palaszczuk’s hand-picked chief-of-staff has been caught out over secret business deals,” Ms Frecklington said.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk hand-picked David Barbagallo. This integrity scandal is her responsibility.
“The Premier should have thrown the book at Barbagallo, but instead she allowed him to get off scot-free by resigning two months after the scandal broke.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk also lied to MPs when she said Barbagallo had fully declared his business dealings and had sought Integrity Commissioner advice – neither of which is true.
“She must apologise to Parliament for her comments – and for bringing a proven liar into the heart of her government.
“Barbagallo’s interviews with the CCC showed astonishing arrogance and that those at the top of the Palaszczuk Labor Government believe they are above scrutiny.
“The grubby, arrogant culture of the Palaszczuk Labor Government is down to Annastacia Palaszczuk.
“The only way to end Labor’s integrity crisis is to get rid of this government.”
An LNP Government will create 140 manufacturing jobs and 300 construction jobs by backing a new factory in an area hit hard by unemployment.
LNP Leader Deb Frecklington said her party would invest $15m in the new factory in the Moreton Bay region if elected to government on October 31.
Packaging company Visy is assessing alternative sites in New South Wales and Victoria for its new plant – but says it will invest in Queensland if the LNP wins power.
Around 8600 people are unemployed in the north Moreton Bay region and around 1,100 manufacturing jobs have been lost locally in the last year.
“Only the LNP has a plan to stimulate the economy, create a decade of secure jobs and drag Queensland out of recession,” Ms Frecklington said.
“Queensland’s manufacturing industry has lost thousands of jobs under Annastacia Palaszczuk and the job losses will continue if Labor wins the next election.
“The LNP believes in investing for growth and unleashing Queensland industry.
“While Labor lavishes $15m on the AFL to host a single footy game, the LNP will invest the same sum to create lasting jobs for Queensland manufacturing workers.
“The contrast between the LNP and Labor couldn’t be clearer.
“Only the LNP has a plan that will deliver a stronger economy and secure jobs.”
Visy already employs 950 Queenslanders at factories across the state and will invest $135m in the new corrugated box factory.
The company said construction of the new factory could begin in mid-2021 with the support of an incoming LNP Government.
LNP Shadow Minister for Manufacturing Andrew Powell said Queensland manufacturing was in sharp decline under Labor, with 6,500 jobs in the sector lost in the last 12 months.
“Like the rest of the economy, manufacturing has been held back by Labor’s nine new taxes and economic incompetence,” Mr Powell said.
“The Palaszczuk Labor Government would rather spend taxpayers’ dollars on supporting the AFL and Hollywood than invest in well-paid, secure blue-collar jobs.
“The LNP will create jobs by building the New Bradfield Scheme and new road infrastructure, delivering cheaper electricity, cutting red-tape and guaranteeing no new taxes.
“The LNP will also back manufacturing with a $20m Built-in-Queensland initiative and a new Queensland Skills Council to improve training.
“Only the LNP has a plan to stimulate the economy, create a decade of secure jobs and drag Queensland out of recession.”
A damning Auditor-General report released today serves as another reminder of Labor’s endless digital disasters that continue to rip-off Queensland taxpayers.
LNP Shadow Minister for Health Ros Bates said it was clear Labor hadn’t learnt a thing a decade after their failed $1.25 billion health payroll debacle.
“This is yet another shocking example of Labor’s wasteful spending,” Ms Bates said.
“The damning findings in the report are in addition to the $527 million in IT project blowouts under Labor.
“This is money that could have been spent on providing better health services.
“Wasting taxpayers’ money renaming hospitals and ongoing IT failures shows Labor’s priorities are all wrong.
“It’s clear health IT projects and Labor just don’t mix, and Queensland taxpayers continue to get ripped off.
“The LNP will treat taxpayer’s money with respect and stop Labor’s wasteful spending.
“The LNP will build a firewall that ensures Labor’s digital disasters are never repeated.
“We will insist that the Chief Information Officer works with government departments to produce mandatory project criteria.
“Departments will be compelled to provide more information about their decisions and conduct regular health checks as projects are rolled out.
“The Chief Information Officer will investigate project failures and ensure that lessons are learned.
“We will keep technology budgets on track and in the black.
“Every dollar Labor wastes is a dollar that can’t be spent providing better health services or supporting jobs.”
What the report found:
Link: https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Documents/TableOffice/TabledPapers/2020/5620T1666.pdf
The LNP has called on Annastacia Palaszczuk to match their plan to tackle crime in Townsville and keep the community safe.
LNP Deputy Leader Tim Mander said an LNP Government would provide an additional 60 permanent police officers in Townsville, fund a dedicated police helicopter and implement tougher laws to combat youth crime.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk must match the LNP’s comprehensive plan because their attempts to deal with the crimewave have been too little, too late,” Mr Mander said.
“Labor’s MPs in Townsville zero credibility when it comes to crime.
“They have sat on their hands for five years and surrendered Townsville’s streets to criminals.
“Labor are soft on crime - always have been, always will be.
“There’s only one way to bring a stop to the crimewave and that’s by changing the government on October 31.
“The LNP has a comprehensive plan to cut crime and protect the community.
“Only the LNP has a plan to build a stronger economy and create secure jobs in Townsville.
“A stronger economy means safer communities.”
Since Labor was elected in 2015, robbery has increased 163% in Townsville, armed robbery has increased 175%, unlawful use of motor vehicle has increased 97%, unlawful entry has increased 85% and assault has increased 40%.
“The people of Townsville have a right to feel safe in their homes and on the streets,” Mr Mander said.
“That’s not happening when young thugs are thumbing their nose at Labor’s soft laws, committing violent crime, car theft and drug use.
“The LNP’s commitment to 60 additional permanent police officers and a dedicated police helicopter will strengthen the front line against crime in Townsville.
“The LNP will give our hardworking police the laws and resources they need to do their job, put criminals behind bars and protect the public.
“There will be no more slaps on the wrist under the LNP. We will bring back true consequences for crime.”
LNP’s plan to crack down on youth crime
The LNP is listening to Queenslanders who want access to safe, secure and reliable jobs during these trying economic times.
A future Deb Frecklington LNP Government has tough anti-trespass laws that will protect workers and resource jobs from extremists who want to sabotage lawful resource businesses operating and employing locals.
LNP Shadow Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said that the LNP introduced the Criminal Code (Trespass Offences) Amendment Bill in 2019, in response to a surge in law-breaking actions by protesters threatening Queensland jobs.*
“The LNP’s tough new laws are all about protecting resource jobs,” Mr Last said.
“Under these laws it doesn’t matter if you are an individual, a group, or an organisation, you will face severe punishments for industrial sabotage.
“Hefty fines and lengthy jail time are the only way to stamp out this disruptive, pre-meditated and sophisticated criminal behaviour.
“These laws were endorsed by the state’s peak industry body - the Queensland Resources Council - who understand the need to protect businesses and resource jobs**.
“Parliament never got to debate the LNP’s tough new laws because the Palaszczuk Labor Government is anti-regions and anti-resources.
“Providing secure resource jobs and encouraging more investment is crucial to Queensland’s economic recovery and only the LNP has a plan to deliver.
“Local resource jobs cannot be put at risk under a weak Palaszczuk Labor Government that is beholden to extremists who seek to destroy our resources sector.
“The LNP is the only party determined to protect jobs in the resources and farming industries by delivering tough new laws and stronger penalties.
“Only a Deb Frecklington LNP Government has a plan to supercharge our regions to get Queensland working again and deliver a decade of secure jobs”.
*LNP Trespass:
Children in Maryborough will be prepared for a lifetime of learning through an LNP initiative aimed at encouraging a love of reading and boosting language skills.
LNP Leader Deb Frecklington joined the LNP’s Candidate for Maryborough Denis Chapman today to announce the 1000 Books Before School initiative.
The LNP will invest $100,000 in libraries and daycares across the Fraser Coast region to support parents, grandparents and carers to read 1000 books with their children before they begin school.
“Reading is one of the foundation skills kids need to ensure they can succeed at school,” Ms Frecklington said.
“Reading 1000 books with children before they enter the classroom will help prepare them for the lifetime of learning that lies ahead.
“Research shows the brain develops faster in the first five years than at any other stage.
“The LNP’s 1000 Books Before School program will encourage parents and carers to read together with their children and develop foundation skills in those early childhood years.
“The LNP’s initiative is aimed at giving thousands of kids in Maryborough the best start to schooling life.”
The 1000 Books Before School program will complement the LNP’s trial of phonics screening in Year 1 across 100 schools to boost literacy and ensure students don’t fall behind. Phonics screening checks work by assessing a child’s ability to identify and apply different sounds in basic words and can pick up if children have a reading difficulty.
“I want local kids to get the best chance in life and that’s starts with reading from a young age,” Mr Chapman said.
“Worryingly, NAPLAN results in Maryborough have gone backwards in all but one local state school in the last five years.
“We need to try new approaches because business as usual isn’t working.
“The 1000 Books Before School initiative will help build vocabulary and language skills in early childhood that are essential for learning to read.
“The LNP will invest $100,000 in the program here in Maryborough on resources for local libraries to be part of the program.
“Our campaign will instill a positive attitude toward reading and encourage cognitive development – not just reading but other forms of communication as well.
“The initiative will also bring families together to read and create fun memories.”
Reading for five to ten minutes every day helps kids develop communication skills and understand basic concepts like the correlation between sounds and letters. Learning to identify and read sight words is crucial for young children to become fluent readers.
The Palaszczuk Labor Government has failed to implement the recommendations of a review into the Queensland Shark Control Program released 12 months ago.
Following reports of another shark encounter yesterday, LNP Leader Deb Frecklington said Queenslanders deserved action.
“Labor are putting swimmers and tourism jobs at risk by failing to implement the recommendations of the review into Queensland’s shark control program,” Ms Frecklington said.
“These recommendations were made a year ago and should have already been implemented by Labor to ensure Queenslanders are as safe as possible in the water.
“Drones, aerial surveillance and SMART drumlines were recommended by the review, but Labor has failed to act.
“The report was handed to the government 364 days ago.
“Queensland’s shark control program should be constantly monitored to ensure it is properly resourced and effectively protects swimmers.
“The priority always needs to be swimmer safety and protecting local tourism jobs, promoting Queensland as a safe place.
“The LNP supports more drumlines, including SMART drumlines and aerial surveillance using drones to improve safety as part of a modern shark control program.”
The LNP has pledged $3 million for Surf Life Saving Queensland to ensure the volunteers in red and yellow can keep beachgoers safe this summer.
The commitment comes after the Palaszczuk Labor Government failed to negotiate a funding agreement with Surf Life Saving for the full financial year.
This will take the total funding for Surf Life Saving Queensland this year to $6.2 million, plus $4.5 million worth of direct investment in local surf clubs and equipment.
LNP Leader Deb Frecklington said the much-needed funding injection would secure the organisation’s finances so its volunteers could continue to patrol our beaches throughout the summer months.
“Labor is risking the lives of thousands of Queenslanders by failing to give Surf Life Saving Queensland the certainty it needs,” Ms Frecklington said.
“Labor have been reckless and sneaky by only committing to funding the SLSQ to the 31st of December which is half way through this season.
“The volunteer organisation relies heavily on fundraising activities, which have been hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak.
“This Queensland icon should have been able to rely on their government for support, but they’ve been hung out to dry by Labor.
“It would be a disaster if Labor cuts off funding for Surf Life Saving in the middle of summer when millions of Queenslanders head to the beach.
“We believe in supporting local surf lifesaving clubs because they protect the public and bring our communities together.
“An LNP Government will give Surf Life Saving Queensland the funds they need to continue their work through the peak summer period.
“We will also deliver a budget in the first 100 days of forming government and ensure Surf Lifesaving Queensland has a sustainable, multi-year funding agreement.”
Surf Life Saving Queensland’s current funding agreement expires on 31 December 2020.
LNP Shadow Minister for Volunteers Lachlan Millar said because Labor didn’t have a budget, organisations like Surf Life Saving Queensland had no certainty.
“Labor has no plan and no budget, and that means volunteer community organisations like Surf Life Saving Queensland have zero certainty about their future,” Mr Millar said.
“The funding uncertainty makes it really hard for volunteers to keep supporting their communities.
“The way Labor is treating our volunteers in red and yellow is shameful.
“This is another example of Labor’s wrong priorities.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk spent more than half a million dollars’ worth taxpayers’ money on coronavirus polling but can’t give Surf Life Saving Queensland funding certainty.
“Surf lifesaving clubs are the heart and soul of communities up and down Queensland’s coast.
“Unlike Labor, the LNP respects Surf Life Saving Queensland and will support their mission to patrol our beaches and keep people safe in the water.
“The LNP will step up and provide the funds our amazing surf lifesaving volunteers need to keep doing their job.”
