LNP Deputy Leader Tim Mander has warned ABS engineering construction data released today* shows Queensland’s construction industry continues to crumble under Labor.
The data revealed trend engineering construction work done fell for the third consecutive quarter in the months to December last year.
“Construction has dropped by $368 million since March 2018, and a massive $7 billion in 6 years since the construction peak under the LNP,” Mr Mander said.
“A strong construction industry means jobs for Queenslanders, but this is the third consecutive quarter that the value of engineering construction work has dropped.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk has no plan to support the 234,000 Queenslanders** working in the construction industry.
“The vital infrastructure that Queenslanders need just isn’t being built under Labor.
“Business confidence has plunged as a direct result of the Palaszczuk Labor Government’s high taxes, and it’s showing in less business investment and less construction.”
Mr Mander said the ABS release today was just the latest report to prove Queensland’s economy is in dire straits.
“Building approvals have also plummeted more than 35 per cent from the same time last year,” Mr Mander said.
"Fewer building approvals equals less construction, which means fewer jobs for more than 151,000 Queenslanders currently in the unemployment queue.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk has no plan to support Queensland businesses, which is why it’s currently rated as the worst government in Australia amongst small to medium sized businesses.
“The Palaszczuk Labor Government’s only plan for Queensland is taxes, debt and unemployment.
“Only the LNP has a plan to secure the future of Queensland’s economy and provide the services and infrastructure that Queenslanders need.”
*https://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/DetailsPage/8762.0Dec%202018?OpenDocument
**https://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/DetailsPage/6291.0.55.003Nov%202018?OpenDocument
