Liberal National Party Leader Deb Frecklington has today revealed that Queensland Rail Drivers and Guards have been paid a whopping $41,591,647.06 million in overtime payments since Labor’s Rail Fail began in October 2016.
"It is staggering that almost a million dollars in taxpayer’s money is being spent every fortnight in overtime," Ms Frecklington said.
"Queenslanders are paying an obscene amount for overtime but services aren’t improving. 470 less services per week and we have gone from the best rail system in the country when the LNP was in Government to now the worst.
"Taxpayers money is being wasted hand over fist with Labor’s Rail Fail including $22,959,957.11 for taxis and buses replacing trains and show up to work payments for the Commonwealth Games of $1,483,750."
The startling overtime revelation comes as embattled Transport Minister Mark Bailey has been caught out over the amount of net new drivers being employed by Queensland Rail.
"Mark Bailey’s position is untenable," she said.
"If you thought the net increase of 36 of the 200 new drivers needed was bad enough, we have now learned that those 36 new drivers aren’t even driving trains.
"We have now learned that some of those 36 that Mark Bailey claimed to be fulltime drivers are actually tutor and train operation inspectors.
"Whether it is dodgy deals with the Unions via his private email or his constant fudging of the figures, Mark Bailey has proved time and time again he is not fit to be a Minister.
"I will keep saying it until I am blue in the face, Annastacia Palaszczuk must sack this Minister."
Please see the following Questions on Notice:
