Liberal National Party Leader Deb Frecklington kicked off her "War on Labor Taxes" campaign today with a visit to Followmont Transport, Queensland’s largest family-owned transport company.
Ms Frecklington said she will fight Labor’s half-a-billion tax grab across Queensland from now until the State Budget in June.
"Annastacia Palaszczuk unveiled four new taxes just two days before the last election and, when asked in Parliament to rule out more new taxes or tax hikes, she wouldn’t do it," Ms Frecklington said.
"Not to mention the $15 billion in tax revenue Bill Shorten will suck of out Queenslanders should he become Prime Minister – more than $6000 per Queenslander.
"Businesses like Followmont pay massive payroll taxes to the Palaszczuk Government and would be hit hard by any increase in this state-based levy.
"Labor are like leeches when it comes to tax – they can’t resist sucking the lifeblood out of the economy."
Labor’s four new state-based taxes include:
"If Labor was prepared to sneak out four new taxes on the eve of an election there’s nothing to stop them increasing payroll tax, mining royalties and introducing a new waste levy," Ms Frecklington said.
"Employers need a cast-iron guarantee they won’t be whacked again, but the Premier and her Treasurer won’t give them one.
"I’ll fight Labor’s taxes across Queensland and all the way to the next election to protect jobs, struggling families and businesses."
Liberal National Party Leader Deb Frecklington has said she welcomed Labor finally adopting the LNP’s policy of consulting with the building industry on the controversial subbie payment legislation.
"Labor’s incompetent Mick de Brenni has been forced to adopt the LNP’s policy of consultation on his own subbie payment policy," Ms Frecklington said.
"Last year the LNP called for an implementation panel of stakeholders to resolve issues with the project bank accounts before they were rolled out to private sector projects.
"Labor pushed through subbie legislation without working with any stakeholders including Master Builders.
"Now just weeks before the project bank accounts come into force we see Labor finally consulting with the building industry.
"I’m pleased to see Labor adopt our policy of consulting with the building industry after months of inaction."
Labor continues to trade green votes for mining jobs in Queensland showing just how duplicitous they really are.
Federal Labor Leader Bill Shorten has been caught out vowing to kill off the Carmichael coalmine despite the mine passing seven year of stringent testing including by Annastacia Palaszczuk’s Government.
Annastacia Palaszczuk was once this project’s biggest fan, even putting together a secret royalty deal for the company.
Now Annastacia Palaszczuk says her and Bill Shorten’s stance on Adani is exactly the same.
If both Labor leaders are on the same page does that mean Bill Shorten supports the secret royalty deal stitched up by Queensland Labor for Adani and does it mean Annastacia Palaszczuk supports Bill Shorten’s threats to move the goalposts on an already approved project?
The uncertainty, flip flopping and mixed messages by lazy Labor is putting Queensland’s reputation at risk.
We have the highest unemployment in the country already and the way Labor are hell bent on destroying Queensland jobs doesn’t bode well for the state’s economic future.
The Adani project has been approved, the company now needs to simply get on with building the mine and creating jobs for Queensland.
And Annastacia Palaszczuk needs to come clean with Queenslanders – does she support Queensland jobs or Bill Shorten?
A new report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has again highlighted the hurt and impact of domestic and family violence across Australia.
LNP Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Stephen Bennett said it was clear more needed to be done, at all levels, to increase awareness and protect victims.
"As a father and grandfather, I find it shocking and saddening that one in six girls and one in nine boys will experience some form of violence or abuse before the age of 15," Mr Bennett said.
"While many men are also being victimised, it’s made abundantly clear in the report women are at greater risk of family, domestic and sexual violence.
"Indigenous Australians, especially women, are particularly vulnerable.
"The report shows that for a two year period, one woman a week was being killed at the hands of a current or former partner.
"That’s why I’m so proud of LNP laws passed through the Parliament last year which better protected the community by toughening bail rules for DV offenders, fitting them with trackers and introducing urgent appeals rights for victims."
Mr Bennett said it was incumbent on all levels and sides of government to take action on this important issue.
"When you consider family violence has a national cost of $22 billion, on top of the hurt and pain it inflicts on many people’s lives, we can’t afford to stand still," he said.
"How many more of these types of reports do we need before we see some significant action on this issue?"
"Investment in prevention, providing better support networks and investigating law changes that get tougher on offenders and protect victims and their families all need to be looked at."
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Report can be accessed at this link:
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/domestic-violence/family-domestic-sexual-violence-in-australia-2018/contents/table-of-contents
"I warmly welcome Michael McCormack’s appointment as the new Leader of the National Party and Deputy Prime Minister.
"As Leader of the Liberal National Party in Queensland I have invited him to our state to discuss the issues that are relevant to us, particularly roads, dams and other vital infrastructure.
"I know the Deputy Prime Minister is a relentless advocate for regional Australia and I look forward to continuing to work with the Federal Government."
Liberal National Party Leader Deb Frecklington is promising to fight Labor’s half-a-billion tax grab across Queensland from now to the State Budget.
Labor unveiled four new taxes just two days before the election and employers fear higher payroll taxes and mining royalties are also in the pipeline, as well as a new waste levy.
Ms Frecklington will take her ‘War on Labor’s taxes’ to Queensland businesses set to be smashed for $500m by Annastacia Palaszczuk’s four confirmed new taxes.
"Labor are like vampires when it comes to tax – they can’t resist sucking the lifeblood out of the economy," Ms Frecklington said.
"Their new taxes will snare $500m but it seems that’s not enough for Labor.
"Employers need a cast-iron guarantee they won’t be whacked again, but the Premier and Treasurer won’t give them one.
"I’ll fight them across Queensland and all the way to the next election to protect jobs and struggling families."
Labor claims that the taxes will only hit the wealthy are ridiculous, Ms Frecklington said.
"These tax hikes will hit small businesses which rent premises from large landlords, as well as the construction and racing industries and car dealerships," Ms Frecklington said.
"Labor’s taxes will destroy jobs and hurt working families.
"Queensland now has the highest unemployment rate in Australia at 6.1 per cent.
"You can’t tax your way to growth, it’s as simple as that. When will Labor learn?"
Liberal National Party Leader Deb Frecklington has called on the Palaszczuk Government to follow the lead of South Australia’s Premier Jay Weatherill and introduce real-time fuel price monitoring in Queensland.
"The LNP understands that high fuel prices are hurting households and that’s why we’ve been pushing for real-time fuel price monitoring in Queensland for weeks," Ms Frecklington.
"We know it works, the RACQ knows it works and now even South Australia’s Labor Premier has said he’s on board.
"But the Palaszczuk Government still refuses to act because it’s an LNP idea. Their arrogance is causing drivers more pain at the pump.
"Things are getting bad when Queensland is being beaten to the punch by South Australia.
"They’ve snatched a State of Origin game from us and now this.
"The Government needs to get on with it and give Queensland drivers a break."
LNP Leader Deb Frecklington has demanded Labor takes action to claw back the massive $1.2bn Queensland is owed in unpaid fines.
"What kind of government is Annastacia Palaszczuk running where the police and transport department don’t think it’s their job to chase up fines on behalf of the taxpayer?" Ms Frecklington said.
"The Auditor-General has revealed the State Government has dropped the ball on debt recovery with $1.2 billion owed to taxpayers.*
"This is a lazy attitude which has bloomed under a lazy Labor government.
"People who think they can get away with not paying the fines they owe shouldn’t just get a slap on the wrist.
"These fines were issued for doing the wrong thing and this money is owed to taxpayers.
"What’s Annastacia Palaszczuk’s plan for dealing with her billion-dollar problem?
"The Auditor-General has made a number of recommendations, but does this do-nothing government intend on taking that advice?"
Facts from the Queensland Audit Office report into ‘Finalising unpaid fines’
Queensland Audit Office Report 10: 2017-18 "Finalising unpaid fines"
https://www.qao.qld.gov.au/reports-parliament/finalising-unpaid-fines
Liberal National Party Leader Deb Frecklington said today’s revelations that a senior Labor Minister did in fact use his private email to converse with his former union is a slap in the face for hard working Queensland taxpayers.
"The private emails between the Electrical Trades Union boss and Labor’s former energy minister show Labor put the unions ahead of lower electricity prices," Ms Frecklington said.
"It’s clear the Palaszczuk Government and its Ministers are controlled and owned by the union bosses.
"Under Annastacia Palaszczuk its unions first, Queenslanders last.
"It is extraordinary that secret deals between the Electrical Trades Union and a senior Palaszczuk Government Minister directed a multi-billion company about wages and working conditions.
"Electricity users are paying for these additional union sweeteners and Labor doesn’t care.
Ms Frecklington said there may have not been enough evidence to charge Mark Bailey with corruption last year but today’s reports show he is deceitful at best.
"Last year, Mr Bailey told Parliament that he couldn’t help who contacted him* via his private email but today it has been revealed that he was actively writing to Union officials from his Mangocube account about official government business," she said.
"No matter which way you slice it, none of this email saga passes the pub test.
"This is taxpayers money Annastacia Palaszczuk’s Minister is using as his play thing to do dodgy deals with his union mates."
https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/hansard/2017/2017_02_28_WEEKLY.pdf
LNP Shadow Treasurer Tim Mander said promises from Deputy Premier Jackie Trad today that Labor had "no plans" to introduce new taxes in the 2018-19 State Budget would be viewed with derision by Queenslanders.
"Why can’t the Deputy Premier just guarantee Queenslanders they won’t be hit with any new or increased taxes instead of using weasel words like no plans," Mr. Mander said.
"It’s clear Labor can’t be trusted on this issue.
"Anastacia Palaszczuk promised no new or increased taxes in the last term of government and then broke that promise not once, but twice.*
"Former Treasurer Curtis Pitt, who was sacked despite the Premier giving him her full support, stood next to property industry leaders in 2015 ruling out an investment tax. A year later that tax was a main plank of Labor’s 2016-17 budget.
"And then in their last budget they introduced a new land tax."
Mr Mander said only last week the Premier was asked in Parliament to rule out any increases to taxes and she failed to do so.
"Once again the Premier and her Deputy Premier are saying two entirely different things," he said.
"Labor’s record on taxes shows they can’t be trusted - tax is in Labor’s DNA.
"The Palaszczuk Government can’t manage the budget and Queenslanders will always be left to pick up the tab."
Today in Bundaberg, Liberal National Party Leader Deb Frecklington hosted the third of four regional ICE forums.
Ms Frecklington said ICE was one of the most important issues facing Queenslanders and one she is passionate about as LNP Leader.
"ICE has infiltrated our small towns and cities, it is destroying families and attacking the very soul and fabric of our communities," Ms Frecklington said.
"At today’s forum, we heard from addicts, their families, community experts and everyday Queenslanders about the impacts this devastating drug is having on the Wide Bay community.
"Today we also shared the LNP’s comprehensive plan to tackle the scourge of ICE and sought feedback from the community.
"The LNP took a comprehensive ICE strategy to the last election, but we want to work with the community to make sure our plan addresses this complex and difficult issue. *
"There is nothing more heartbreaking than when a person from my community reaches out to tell me how ICE has devastated their family, extended family and livelihood.
"As LNP Leader I am committed to stopping this scourge and building stronger, healthier and happier communities."
The LNP’s comprehensive plan included four new drug and alcohol rehabilitation centres around the state, a boosted funding program for prevention services such as Lives Well Lived to target high-risk demographics as well as increased crime prevention and awareness, stronger enforcement and shutting down organised crime networks that supply drugs to our kids.
Liberal National Party Leader Deb Frecklington has once again called on Annastacia Palaszczuk to put politics aside and adopt the LNP’s fuel policy.
"I’m extremely concerned to hear reports that Queensland fuel prices will hit a record high next week," Ms Frecklington said.
"Queenslanders are already struggling with household budgets and high fuel prices are another hit to the hip pocket.
"The LNP understands the pain of high fuel prices, which is why to ease the pressure on the household budget, we will bring in real time price monitoring.
"We asked the Premier in Parliament this week whether she would adopt the LNP’s real-time petrol price monitoring system the Premier gave an arrogant one-word answer – "no".
"NSW motorists are saving an average $6 per tank of fuel and hundreds of dollars a year thanks to real-time price monitoring but it seems Annastacia Palaszczuk isn’t interested in taking action to cut Queensland fuel prices.
"Unlike Labor, we understand household budgets are stretched and that every little bit helps.
"We’ve offered the Palaszczuk Government a solution that will save Queenslanders money but unfortunately they’re not interested."
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today ensured Queenslanders would continue to pay through the nose for petrol by refusing to force fuel companies to publish their prices in real time.
LNP Shadow Transport and Main Roads Minister Steve Minnikin said when asked in State Parliament today whether she would adopt the LNP’s real-time petrol price monitoring system the Premier gave an arrogant one-word answer – "no".
"NSW motorists are saving an average $6 per tank of fuel and hundreds of dollars a year thanks to real-time price monitoring but it seems Annastacia Palaszczuk isn’t interested in taking action to cut Queensland fuel prices," Mr Minnikin said. **
"LNP Leader Deb Frecklington has already promised that the LNP would force fuel companies to publish their prices in real-time under our Fight for Fairer Fuel plan.
"This data will be available to third parties who want to build apps that alert Queenslanders to the cheapest prices so that motorists can vote with their feet and put real pressure on operators that are ripping us off.
"Unlike Labor, we understand household budgets are stretched and that every little bit helps.
"We’ve offered the Palaszczuk Government a solution that will save Queenslanders money but unfortunately they’re not interested."
The Palaszczuk Government needs to step up and clarify how it will provide continuity of service, to ensure Queenslanders don't fall through the cracks as the transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) continues.
LNP Shadow Minister for Disability Services Dr Christian Rowan said many disability service providers were concerned about the future of state funding programs and how services to Queenslanders who need assistance, but aren't eligible for the NDIS, will be delivered.
"At a state level, the NDIS is funded, in large part, by redirected disability spending," Dr Rowan said.
"As the NDIS continues to rollout in Queensland funding to various disability support providers is progressively being reduced as more people receive approved plans.
"But not every individual that utilises these services will be eligible for the NDIS, and the removal of funding is having a real impact on these providers' ability to continue to deliver these services to the community."
Dr Rowan said continuity of service for people who aren't eligible for the NDIS was enshrined in the bilateral agreement signed between the Queensland and Commonwealth Governments.
"This is a very real issue in our community and it deserves the attention of Annastacia Palaszczuk and her Minister Coralee O’Rourke," he said.
"The NDIS is one of the largest social reforms in our nation's history. If properly implemented if will substantially improve the lives of people living with a disability.
"But we can't afford to leave anyone behind or worse off as a result of the way the NDIS is being implemented.
"Minister Coralee O'Rourke needs to take the lead and outline what she intends to do to help the groups and individuals worried about the future of their support programs."
Crime Stoppers is an independent community based volunteer organisation that aims to protect the community and keep Queenslanders safe.
Earlier this week they released their annual results and achievements over the last year.
On behalf of the LNP, I would like to congratulate Crime Stoppers for their efforts and commitment to community safety.
More than $8 million in drugs were taken off our streets thanks to tip offs and community information.
Drug crimes were overwhelmingly the key crime reported through to Crime Stoppers, accounting for two thirds of all crime types reported.
This is important and we think more can be done to use Crime Stoppers in the plan to combat the ICE epidemic.
That’s why Deb Frecklington committed $1 million for our Dob in a Dealer campaign as part of our comprehensive plan to take ICE off our streets.
It was an important part of restricting the supply and targeting the major drug distribution networks.
LNP Leader Deb Frecklington has committed that we will be part of the solution by helping those families struggling with addiction.
While Annastacia Palaszczuk has finally released a plan, there were some missed opportunities and obvious gaps.
This is one of them.
The Dob in a Dealer program has been trialled in Queensland and made an important contribution.
We would encourage Labor to put politics aside and continue with it.
"Today we mark the 10th anniversary of our apology to indigenous Australians, particularly the stolen generation and their families, for past injustices and harms.
"As we reflect on the significance of this apology we should not lose sight of the continued need to do better.
"The 10th Closing the Gap Report, released by the Prime Minister yesterday showed that, as a nation, we are on track to reach three of the seven original Closing the Gap targets.
"Progress has been made in a number of areas – the target to halve child mortality is on track and here in Queensland we are on track to meet the target of getting more young indigenous kids into early childhood education.
"But yesterday’s report also highlighted the need to work together to do more.
"As the Prime Minister highlighted state-by-state targets are needed to further empower local communities.
"The Prime Minister’s comments echo those from indigenous leader Warren Mundine who identified the need for state and territory leaders to take more of the lead in this space.
"Instead of picking fights with Canberra, the Palaszczuk Labor Government should be identifying what it plans to do to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
"Sadly, the Deputy Premier, the Minister responsible, hasn’t even publicly responded to the release of this important report.
"Since becoming Treasurer she’s publicly picked a number of fights with Canberra, but hasn’t released one media statement on indigenous issues.
"We need more focus from our state leaders if we are going to be able to Close the Gap that still exists in the delivery of services and outcomes in indigenous communities throughout Queensland."
"Another day, another complete bungle by Annastacia Palaszczuk and Labor that will impact the community safety of Queenslanders," Deb said.
"The transfer of 17-year-olds from adult prison facilities to youth detention was supposed to happen by November last year.
"Staff have been raising concerns over the transition plan for several months.
"We opposed the plan at the time because Labor’s transition was completely flawed – in essence there was no plan.
"Having a complete lack of policy certainty will also impact the rehabilitation of these young offenders.
"It’s out of that policy uncertainty that we have seen the crazy idea of youth bail houses, with young offenders on bail living in the community.
"It’s this type of band aid decision making that puts community safety at risk.
"Youth justice is a sensitive and complex policy area and its’ been three years of complete chaos under Annastacia Palaszczuk."
The Palaszczuk Government's decision to cut funding for the Indigenous Diabetes Eyes and Screening Van (IDEAS) is putting Indigenous Queenslanders health at risk.
LNP Shadow Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Dr Christian Rowan said Labor urgently needed to step up and restore funding, with patients' health being put at risk by the funding cut.
"This week on the 13th of February our nation recognises the significance of the National Apology which occurred on the same day ten years ago," Dr Rowan said.
"If Labor is committed to Closing the Gap they need to restore funding to the IDEAS Van.
"Since 2013 this van has travelled more than 200,000 kilometres and helped save or restore the eyesight of thousands of indigenous Queenslanders.
"But this good work is being put at risk by a heartless decision by Labor not to continue the van’s funding."
Dr Rowan said Annastacia Palaszczuk’s Health Minister had made it clear he had no intention of restoring funding.
"Jackie Trad is the Deputy Premier and Treasurer. She needs to step in and over-rule this callous decision," Dr Rowan said.
"The health budget is more than $16 billion. Surely there's room to set aside just a little bit of funding so that this van can continue helping indigenous Queenslanders.
"Cutting funding for this service will have a real impact on the ground, as highlighted by IWC General Manager Wayne Mulvany."**
** Wayne Mulvany quote: "Our community has been left hanging. Something needs to be done before the death knell sounds for this vital service..."
The LNP today challenged Labor to stop its anti-farmer crusade and dump plans to destroy common sense vegetation management laws and ‘choice in marketing’ legislation for cane farmers.
LNP Shadow Agriculture Minister Tony Perrett joined Shadow Natural Resources Minister Dale Last in the Burdekin to step up the fight for a ‘fair go’ for Queensland farmers.
"The election’s over but Labor’s still scapegoating and demonising hard-working farming families and their communities," Mr Last said.
"Our farmers understand their responsibilities to protect the environment and they’re doing a great job of reducing fertiliser and chemical run-off and keeping precious soil in their paddocks.
"Instead of constantly pandering to greenies, Labor should be supporting and praising the efforts of our farmers and particularly cane farmers for embracing best management practices that are protecting the reef."
Mr Perrett said the biggest fear in the bush was Labor and its threats to shut down regrowth management, fodder harvesting and high-value agricultural development.
"This is about allowing our farmers the right to properly manage their farms and their land," Mr Perrett said.
"Retrospective, onerous legislation with red tape and tree police will stifle farm production and destroy jobs right across regional Queensland," Mr Perrett warned.
"With much of the state still in drought, the last thing Labor should be threatening is the scrapping of sensible vegetation laws and sensible laws guaranteeing our cane farmers the right to a fair-go and choice in sugar marketing."
Mr Last and Mr Perrett said the LNP would stand firm on the existing laws that ensured choice in marketing against pressures from monopoly sugar milling companies and the rights for farmers to properly manage vegetation on their farms.
A new survey released today shows Queensland’s small and medium businesses have no confidence in the Palaszczuk Labor Government and its ability to deliver for them.
LNP Shadow Treasurer Tim Mander said the Sensis Business Index was just the latest in a series of independent reports that showed the Palaszczuk Government was hurting Queensland businesses.
"Not once since the Palaszczuk Government’s election has it been viewed positively by small and medium businesses in Queensland," Mr Mander said.
"A whopping 88 per cent of businesses say Labor’s policies are either holding them back or not helping them at all.
"A quarter of all businesses say Labor’s policies are working against them.
"Labor’s addiction to taxes is listed as a major impediment for business. This survey was taken before Labor revealed its four new secret taxes, which will no doubt drive down confidence as Queensland households and businesses are forced to pay more."
Mr Mander said regional businesses, in particular, were feeling less confident about the future than their city counterparts.
"Last quarter we saw falls in sales, prices and profitability. It’s clear looking at the survey businesses aren’t planning on making capital investments in their businesses over the coming year.
"The biggest risk to Queensland’s economy is a lazy Labor Government that addicted to taxing ordinary families and businesses.
"You can’t tax your way to growth and Labor is risking Queensland’s future by continuing to hike up taxes.
"Labor should listen to what our small business community is saying and look to introduce policies to help them instead of hitting them with unsustainable increases to fees and charges."
Statement from Liberal National Party Leader, Deb Frecklington
"We want to meet with stakeholders to discuss the pros and cons of banning the use of mobile phones during school hours.
"This is all about getting our kids more active and encouraging them to interact face to face, instead of behind screens.
"As a community we all need to help our kids develop social skills and understand the risks of online content.
"Mobile phones are the weapon of choice for bullies and there’s merit in discussing access to these devices during school hours."
Statement from LNP Shadow Education Minister, Jarrod Bleijie
"The Government has a role to play in getting our kids out from behind screens and interacting with each other and the world around them.
"As a father I understand the important role technology plays in education, but I’m concerned about phones being in the classroom."
Have you say at - https://lnpq.typeform.com/to/EHEet8
LNP Shadow Treasurer Tim Mander welcomed news of future tax-cuts for hard-working Australians, to be announced by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in Toowoomba today.
"This is a real point of difference between the LNP and Labor," Mr Mander said.
"Lazy labor pays for their budget mismanagement by reaching into your pocket.
"We understand that you can’t tax your way to growth and the best way to give people a helping hand is to provide a tax cut by better managing public finances.
"While Malcolm Turnbull is looking to give Queenslanders a tax break, Premier Palaszczuk has hit them with four new taxes.
"We know that Labor has even more secret taxes planned.
"Spending and taxing are in Labor’s DNA.
"Labor’s taxes destroy jobs, destroy confidence and destroy the Queensland way of life.
"You can’t tax your way to growth, it’s as simple as that.
"Lower taxes means more jobs, more business investment and more opportunities for Queenslanders."
