Despite the Palaszczuk Labor government having it for months, drought-stricken communities are still being denied access to an independent review into Queensland’s drought program.
LNP Leader Deb Frecklington and Deputy Leader Tim Mander travelled to Toowoomba today for FarmFest and called on the Premier to make the report public immediately.
“The Palaszczuk Labor Government needs to stop sitting on this report,” Ms Frecklington said.
“It was completed in January, yet the Premier and her embattled Agriculture Minister Mark Furner won’t come clean.
“This arrogant Labor government has a culture of secrecy and cover-up’s.
“Mr Furner has form in hiding bad news, never forget he refused to release the Queensland Agricultural Training Colleges report for six months, before he callously announced the ag colleges closure under the cover of Christmas.
“An independent report into the effectiveness of Queensland’s drought programs shouldn’t be locked away.”
LNP Deputy Leader Tim Mander said communities deserve to know what’s in the report.
“This Labor government needs to be held to account and the LNP won’t stop fighting for farmers,” Mr Mander said.
“Failing to release the report creates uncertainty and that’s the last thing these farmers need.
“Labor is once again showing its true colours by turning their back on regional Queensland.
“The Palaszczuk Labor Government is anti-jobs and anti-regions.”
LNP Shadow Agriculture Minister Tony Perrett said regional Queenslanders are sick and tired of being treated like second-class citizens.
“This callous disregard for farmers and families battling the drought by the Palaszczuk Labor Government is a disgrace,” Mr Perrett said.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk is out of touch.
“65% of Queensland is drought-declared yet she refuses to release the report and explain why.”
