LNP Shadow Health Minister Ros Bates:
“The creation of a new unit and hotline to deal with cross-border medical emergencies and specialist treatment confirms that Labor has failed patients.
“Labor can spin it how they like, this unit is an admission that patient care has suffered because of the Palaszczuk Labor Government’s incompetence.
“For weeks, Labor have blamed everyone else for the suffering of patients whose care has been impacted by its decisions.
“Queenslanders have been shocked to see celebrities waved through the border while seriously ill patients have been forced to seek treatment elsewhere.
“I hope that seriously ill patients on both sides of the border can now get treatment without delay and at the nearest suitable hospital.
“I’m disappointed that Annastacia Palaszczuk has still not apologised for her comment that Queensland hospitals are for only for Queenslanders.
“The Premier’s comment lacked compassion and common sense and she should acknowledge that.
“Our enemy is the virus – not other Australians.”
Statement from LNP Leader Deb Frecklington:
‘This is absolutely tragic.
‘My heart bleeds for the family and everything they have been put through.
‘When it comes to medical emergencies and border exemptions, the Premier needs to be more compassionate and consistent – not have one rule for the rich and another rule for everyday Australians.
‘At the end of the day we are all Australians and medical emergencies should be automatically exempt.’
The Queensland LNP has welcomed the common-sense decision of the Morrison Federal Government to reject the sale of Lion Dairy to a company with close ties to the Chinese Government.
LNP Shadow Minister for Agriculture Tony Perrett wrote to Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg earlier this year to request that the Federal Government reject the sale of Lion’s dairy and drinks business to the China Mengniu Dairy Company.
Mr Perrett commended the Federal Government for listening to Queenslanders who held legitimate concerns about major food processor brands being purchased by companies with close ties to the Chinese Government.
“As one of the largest dairy processors in the state, Queenslanders had every right to be concerned that this was just another example of a ‘fire sale’ of our essential and important food-processing assets,” Mr Perrett said.
“The wrong decision could have had serious implications for Queensland consumers and farmers.
“We did not believe the sale was in the national interest and this decision proves that.”
A new Coordinator-General role will be established by an LNP Government to kickstart major stimulus projects across the state and create jobs.
LNP Leader Deb Frecklington announced today she would establish an Economic Recovery Agency, which will be headed by the new Coordinator-General, charged with getting Queensland working again.
“Queenslanders want a plan to stimulate the economy and provide a decade of secure jobs, and that’s what the LNP will deliver,” Ms Frecklington said.
“Coronavirus has dealt Queensland the biggest economic blow in almost a century – greater than any fire, flood or cyclone we’ve ever seen.
“A coordinated economic reconstruction is needed to drag Queensland out of recession and create jobs.
“The economic recovery from a bushfire would have started within days, but Labor still has no plan and no Budget months after the coronavirus outbreak began.
“Just like how a reconstruction authority takes charge in a disaster, the LNP’s Economic Recovery Agency will lead Queensland’s economic reconstruction.
“Instead of rebuilding damaged infrastructure after a disaster, the LNP’s plan will deliver the New Bradfield Scheme and build new dams and roads to stimulate the economy.
“Our Economic Recovery Agency will be Queensland’s Department of Grunt for our economic recovery.
“The agency’s Coordinator-General will use the wide-ranging legislative powers available to them to implement the LNP’s economic plan.
“No more mucking around - this economic and jobs disaster needs an unprecedented response.
“Instead of Labor’s economic go slow, the LNP will launch a full-frontal assault to create jobs.
“We are in the middle of a jobs crisis and Queenslanders deserve a government with a plan to spearhead the economic recovery.
“I can’t sit back while 234,000 Queenslanders are out of work and the Palaszczuk government refuses to do anything about it.
“The LNP has an ambitious plan to build a stronger economy, drag Queensland out of recession and get Queensland working again.”
The first Coordinator-General was established in 1938 to create jobs in post-Depression times.
The Coordinator General in the Economic Recovery Agency doesn’t replace the existing Coordinator-General, who will be fully occupied fast-tracking approvals for major projects.
The LNP’s new Economic Recovery Agency will report to the Premier.
LNP Deputy Leader Tim Mander said the Palaszczuk Labor Government had no Budget and no plan for Queensland’s economic recovery.
“Before COVID, Queensland had the worst unemployment rate in the nation, highest number of bankruptcies and lowest business confidence under Labor ,” Mr Mander said.
“No Budget means Labor is flying blind through the biggest economic crisis in almost a century.
“A record 234,000 Queenslanders are out of work because the Palaszczuk Labor Government can’t manage the economy.
“Queensland has the worst unemployment rate in the nation under Annastacia Palaszczuk, but the LNP’s economic plan will create a decade of secure jobs.
“The only way to get Queensland working again is to change the government in October and vote for the LNP.”
The Economic Recovery Agency’s first 100-day action plan will be to coordinate:
The August Sensis Business Index* released today has revealed Queensland has the second highest proportion of small and medium sized businesses which believe the state government is working against them.
LNP Deputy Leader and Shadow Treasurer Tim Mander said that nearly one in five Queensland small and medium sized businesses believe that the Palaszczuk Labor Government works against small business.
“This is a major vote of no confidence in the Palaszczuk Labor Government,” Mr Mander said.
“The only other state to record a higher number is Victoria which is in the midst of a devastating stage 4 lockdown.
“Business confidence is at rock bottom levels under Annastacia Palaszczuk and it’s been that way for quite some time.
“Before coronavirus, Queensland had the worst unemployment rate in the nation and nothing has changed.
“More than 234,000 Queenslanders are unemployed, and the Palaszczuk Labor Government still doesn’t have an economic plan to create new jobs.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk was the last Premier to announce an economic stimulus package but was the first and only Premier to cancel her budget.
“No Budget means Labor is flying blind through the biggest economic crisis in almost a century.
“The LNP has an ambitious plan to stimulate the economy, create a decade of secure jobs and drag Queensland out of this recession.
“Our economic plan includes policies such as investing in road infrastructure to stimulate the economy, building the drought busting New Bradfield Scheme, building the Second M1, building dams to improve water and food security and a no new tax guarantee to support private sector investment.
“The LNP is the only party with economic leadership that Queensland needs.”
Yesterday’s horrendous unemployment figures, which showed Queensland had the worst unemployment rate in the nation, can’t be ignored.
LNP Leader Deb Frecklington has called on Annastacia Palaszczuk to stop the excuses and release a full State Budget.
“There are now more than 234,000 reasons why Annastacia Palaszczuk needs to deliver a full State Budget next month,” Ms Frecklington said.
“Yesterday’s jobs numbers are symptomatic of the weak economic leadership we’ve seen from the Palaszczuk Labor Government.
“These aren’t just numbers in a spreadsheet, they are real Queenslanders who are looking for a job and are scared about their future.
“Queenslanders want a plan to stimulate the economy and provide a decade of secure jobs, but the Palaszczuk Labor Government is the only state in the nation to scrap this year’s budget.
“The LNP has an ambitious plan to build a stronger economy, drag Queensland out of recession and get Queensland working again.
“My vision is to make Queensland the economic powerhouse of Australia again, the best place to get a job, get ahead and raise a family.
“The LNP will start work on the drought-busting New Bradfield Scheme, invest in dams, roads and rail infrastructure to create jobs and we will guarantee no new taxes.”
LNP Deputy Leader and Shadow Treasurer Tim Mander said Labor had no budget and no economic plan for Queensland.
“Queensland had the worst unemployment rate in the nation, highest number of bankruptcies and lowest business confidence under Labor ¬- and that was before COVID,” Mr Mander said.
“Failing to release a State Budget is yet another Labor cover-up when Queenslanders are desperate for an economic plan.
“Yesterday’s dire unemployment numbers were the result of Annastacia Palaszczuk’s weak economic leadership.
“For Labor to cancel a State Budget in an election year and in the middle of a recession is economically reckless.
“No budget means Labor is flying blind through the biggest economic crisis in almost a century.
“The only way to get Queensland working again is to change the government in October and vote for the LNP.”
The latest shocking rise in unemployment in Queensland shows the state urgently needs a plan to stimulate the economy and create jobs, LNP Leader Deb Frecklington said today.
New ABS figures show Queensland now has the highest unemployment rate in the nation (8.8%), with a record 234,800 Queenslanders officially out of work and on the jobless queue.
Almost 111,000 Queenslanders have lost their jobs in the last year – including 31,700 in the past month alone.
“Queensland had the nation’s highest average unemployment rate before the coronavirus began – as well as the highest number of bankruptcies and the lowest economic confidence,” Ms Frecklington said.
“The Palaszczuk Labor Government has no budget and no economic plan for Queensland.
“Labor are flying blind through the biggest economic crisis in almost a century.
“Only the LNP has a plan to stimulate the economy, create a decade of secure jobs and drag Queensland out of this recession.”
LNP Deputy Leader and Shadow Treasurer Tim Mander said only the LNP had a vision for Queensland’s future.
“Only one party can provide the economic leadership Queensland needs,” Mr Mander said.
“The LNP will start work on the drought-busting New Bradfield Scheme, invest in dams, roads and rail infrastructure to create jobs and we will guarantee no new taxes
“The LNP’s economic plan will create a decade of secure jobs and get Queensland working again.”
The Palaszczuk Labor Government has voted against the LNP’s plan to stimulate the economy, create a decade of secure jobs and drag Queensland out of recession.
LNP Leader Deb Frecklington moved a motion in Parliament today calling on Labor to support the LNP’s plan to get Queensland working again, in the absence of the Palaszczuk Labor Government that has no budget and no plan.
“More Queenslanders are unemployed than ever before and Labor doesn’t have a plan to fix it,” Ms Frecklington said.
“Queensland urgently needs a plan for our economic recovery, especially when more than 200,000 people are out of work.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk didn’t have a plan before the Coronavrius pandemic and they don’t have one now.
“Prior to COVID, Queensland had the nation’s highest unemployment, most bankruptcies and lowest business confidence.
“Businesses are battling to survive and workers are desperate to keep their jobs.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk has no budget and no plan.
“The foundations of the LNP’s plan for a stronger economy and secure jobs are investing for growth, unleashing Queensland industry, supercharging the regions and securing our children’s future.
“There is no bigger job-creator than the LNP’s plan to build the New Bradfield Scheme.
“This economic driver will be the largest water infrastructure project every built in Queensland and it will create thousands of jobs.
“Labor actually voted against a public sex offender register, helping parents protect their kids against serious sexual predators.
“Labor voted against 60 new police in Cairns and also Townsville while residents and business owners have been battling a crime wave.
“The LNP will spend more than a billion dollars on new road projects to bust congestion, we will build the second M1, fix the Bruce Highway and invest regional roads to create new jobs and ensure Queenslanders get home sooner and safer.
“If I were Premier I would back the resources industry to secure resource jobs, introduce retail competition in regional Queensland so locals can save $300 a year on their power bills and ensure there are no new taxes.
“The LNP has a plan to build dams, deliver water security and back farmers to grow the local food and fibre a growing state needs, with cheaper water costs.
“Only one party can provide the economic leadership that Queensland needs.
“Only the LNP has a vision for Queensland’s future.
“Our vision is to make Queensland Australia’s economic powerhouse again; the best place to get a job and get ahead and raise a family.
Motion – Labor voted against:
This house calls on the Palaszczuk Government to implement the ‘LNP Plan to Get Queensland Working’:
The Palaszczuk Labor Government is failing to protect Queensland workers from losing their jobs at Virgin Australia.
LNP Deputy Leader and Shadow Treasurer Tim Mander said the Palaszczuk Labor Government used $200m of taxpayers’ money to buy a stake in the airline, but reports today revealed up to 400 of roles could be cut in Virgin’s Brisbane operation.
“I feel for the hundreds of Queensland workers and their families who have been told they could be losing their jobs,” Mr Mander said.
“As a part-owner of Virgin Australia, the Palaszczuk Labor Government had a responsibility to ensure no Queenslander lost their job.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk made a decision to risk $200 million of taxpayers’ money when the Labor government didn’t need to.
“The loss of up 400 jobs in Queensland would mean Labor’s investment was not worth it.
“It defies belief Queensland taxpayers’ money could be used to pay the redundancy payouts for sacked Virgin Australia workers in Queensland.
“The LNP has always supported a second airline to protect Queensland jobs and deliver regional services.”
The LNP will introduce amendments into Parliament today to legislate a 10-year royalty guarantee.
LNP Deputy Leader and Shadow Treasurer Tim Mander said the LNP’s amendments would freeze royalties to provide industry with the certainty needed to unleash investment, create jobs and boost exports.
“I’m calling upon Annastacia Palaszczuk to back the LNP’s amendments that will help get Queensland working again,” Mr Mander said.
“The LNP’s 10-year royalty guarantee is part of our plan to stimulate the economy, create a decade of secure jobs and drag Queensland out of this recession.
“Before coronavirus, Queensland already had the nation’s highest unemployment, most bankruptcies and lowest businesses confidence.
“Queensland is a resources state and we need to provide industry with the confidence to invest, construct and create jobs.”
Mr Mander said under Labor, Queensland has fallen to 15th place on the Fraser Institute Annual Survey of Mining Companies investment attractiveness behind Western Australia (1st), South Australia (6th) and the Northern Territory (13th).
“Last year Annastacia Palaszczuk hiked petroleum royalties by 25 per cent, pushing the state into having the highest royalties in the nation,” Mr Mander said.
“All Queensland has got from five years of Labor is higher taxes, more debt and more unemployment.
“The LNP will start work on opening up new resource projects as a major new economic driver for Queensland, invest in new infrastructure to create more jobs and stimulate the economy and we will guarantee a 10-year royalty freeze.
“Our economic plan will create a decade of secure jobs to get Queensland working again.”
The Palaszczuk Labor Government has voted down the LNP’s plan to guarantee face-to-face monitoring of dangerous sex offenders in the community.
LNP Shadow Police Minister and former Queensland child protection police detective Dan Purdie moved a disallowance motion in Parliament, after Labor watered down supervision of serious sexual predators.
“Labor’s priorities are all wrong if they think it’s acceptable to cut supervision hours of these vile grubs,” Mr Purdie said.
“Corrective services officers may ‘remotely’ supervise offenders in the community under Labor’s coronavirus measures introduced in June.
“Serious sexual predators should not be on the loose and effectively unmonitored in the community.
“Repeat sex offenders need more monitoring, not less.
“Who can forget in May this year when Annastacia Palaszczuk was caught out trying to let prisoners out on parole early during the first full sitting week as part of its Justice and Other Legislation (COVID-19 Emergency Response) Amendment Bill 2020.
“It was a ‘get out of jail free’ card under the guise of Covid-19 that Labor backflipped on once it was exposed in the media.
“The LNP has a plan to get tough on these monsters and protect Queensland families.
“A Deb Frecklington LNP Government would introduce mandatory GPS tracking for life for repeat serious sex offenders, establish a public child sex offenders’ register and introduce Carly’s Law which will give police the tools they need to stop predators before they have a chance to groom children online.
“Every parent has a right to know if there is a paedophile in their suburb.
“There is nothing more important than keeping our kids safe.
“Only an LNP Government will introduce tough measures because every Queenslanders deserves to feel safe in their own suburb, no matter where they live.”
Revelations that the Palaszczuk Labor Government has failed to do any economic modelling on its impending border closure proves it has no plan to support businesses and protect jobs.
Annastacia Palaszczuk followed up her stunning admission today that ‘we haven’t done any specific modelling’ by saying ‘we will see how things go’.
LNP Leader Deb Frecklington said Annastacia Palaszczuk had failed to grasp the serious economic impact the border closure would cause Queenslanders.
“Queenslanders must be kept safe to protect lives and livelihoods and the LNP supports stronger action on borders,” Ms Frecklington said.
“No modelling shows Labor are flying blind through the biggest economic crisis in almost a century.
“It is shocking that the Palaszczuk Labor Government has failed to carry out its own economic modelling on the cost of the new border closure.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk also admitted today there was no extra financial support in the works for Queensland businesses.
“Closing the border without modelling and without a plan to support Queensland businesses is economically reckless.
“Many businesses were already on their knees and these new restrictions will hit our tourism and hospitality businesses hard.
“Labor can’t just rely on the Federal LNP Government to do the heavy economic lifting through Job Keeper.
“Labor clearly has no plan to get Queensland out of recession.
“Only the LNP has a plan to stimulate the economy, create a decade of secure jobs and drag Queensland out of this recession.”
Annastacia Palaszczuk has a responsibility to keep Queenslanders safe by preventing thousands of activists from protesting on the Story Bridge.
Allowing the protest to go ahead on Saturday would be reckless and irresponsible.
People have a right to protest – but not like this and not in the middle of a pandemic.
Allowing the mass protest to take place on the same day Annastacia Palaszczuk is shutting the border would be completely hypocritical.
Annastacia Palaszczuk must intervene and stop the protest to keep the rest of Queensland safe.
Every legal option possible must be exhausted because we can’t risk a second wave of coronavirus in Queensland.
The New South Wales government took legal action recently to successfully stop a protest in Sydney and Annastacia Palaszczuk should look at all legal options available to do the same here in Queensland.
Annastacia Palaszczuk must put lives and livelihoods first and stop this mass protest.
LNP Deputy Leader Tim Mander has called on Annastacia Palaszczuk to ensure thousands of activists don’t hold a mass protest this weekend on the Story Bridge.
“It’s the height of hypocrisy to close the border and urge people to social distance while allowing a mass protest to go ahead at the same time,” Mr Mander said.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk needs to show some leadership and intervene to keep the rest of Queensland safe.
“The Premier must explore every legal option possible to ensure these protests do not take place.
“The mass protest is reckless and irresponsible and flies in the face of the health advice.
“If the protest goes ahead, it would be a failure of leadership from Annastacia Palaszczuk.
“Asking protestors nicely not to gather doesn’t cut it – Annastacia Palaszczuk needs to come down like a tonne of bricks on them.
“A second wave of coronavirus in Queensland can’t be risked.
“Queenslanders must be kept safe to protect lives and livelihoods.”
Queenslanders must be kept safe to protect lives and livelihoods.
The LNP has always said the border controls are not set and forget.
As the situation in other states changes so should our response in Queensland.
In recent weeks it has become clear that the Palaszczuk Labor Government’s honour system at the border was not working.
The gaps in enforcement have put Queenslanders’ lives and livelihoods at risk.
The LNP supports stronger action on borders because we can’t risk a second wave.
The Palaszczuk Labor government’s honour system at the border is clearly not working.
We need to keep Queenslanders safe to protect lives and livelihoods.
A third person has now allegedly entered the state with coronavirus through Labor’s border controls.
The LNP is calling for mandatory maximum penalties for those who break the rules.
There should be mandatory testing before anyone leaves quarantine and no exemptions from hotel quarantine requirements, including celebrities.
We believe a reverse onus of proof should now be put on people entering Queensland where they must prove they have not been to a hotspot.
We can’t risk the lives and livelihoods of Queenslanders because of lax border controls.
