The Labor Palaszczuk Government has a full-blown health crisis on its hands and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has absolutely no plan to fix it.
LNP Leader Deb Frecklington said the Labor Palaszczuk Government has reached a new low.
“There is a NO VACANCY sign on Queensland public hospitals thanks to Annastacia Palaszczuk and her embattled Health Minister Steven Miles,” Ms Frecklington said.
“What we are seeing in South East Queensland today is nothing short of a national embarrassment.
“The cancellation of elective surgery will especially effect people from the South Burnett, many of whom have already been waiting for up to a year or more for their surgery,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“I feel for those who have travelled to Toowoomba, Ipswich or Brisbane for their surgery this week, only to be told it’s been cancelled,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“We already know the wait lists times are blowing out, and now they’re going to have to wait even longer.”
“Instead of fixing our depleted health system, Labor is busy making up excuses.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk’s priorities are all wrong.
“She has wasted nearly half a million dollars of taxpayers’ money changing a hospital name in Brisbane, instead of fixing the health crisis.
“This is a direct result of poor planning, economic mismanagement and a health Minister who is clearly out of his depth.
“There has been crisis after crisis under the weak leadership of Annastacia Palaszczuk.
“The Premier should show real leadership and immediately sack Mr. Miles – for the sake of Queenslanders.
“Under Labor, hospitals are bursting at the seams, ramping has soared, regional maternity wards shut, and expectant mum’s in the bush have been handed third-world-style DIY birthing kits.”
Shadow Minister for Health Ros Bates renewed the LNP’s call for Steven Miles to be sacked.
“As a former Emergency Department nurse, I know how stressed the hardworking doctors, nurses and hospital staff would be trying to fix this mess,” Ms Bates said.
“Queensland deserves a world-class health system and an exceptional Health Minister – instead they’re receiving the exact opposite.
“In late 2011 Labor Premier Anna Bligh referred to Queensland Health as a ‘basket case’ and the same can be said of the Premier and her embattled Health Minister.
“Only the LNP is committed to investing in health, boosting bed numbers and equipping hospitals with the basic resources they’re desperately crying out for.
“Labor has ignored the health system for too long and now we’re paying the price for their neglect and inaction.”
Facts since Palaszczuk became Premier
Despite receiving record funding from the Federal Government - $2.2 billion more this year compared to the last year of the Rudd Labor Government)
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington and local Kilkivan businesswoman, Katy McCallum have secured a win for road safety in Kilkivan.
Mrs Frecklington said there will be significant improvements to line marking and the installation of new and larger directional signs through the main street of the town.
“Katy contacted me in January this year to share her concerns about the road safety issues she had experienced in Kilkivan,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“We had a meeting in early February in Kilkivan to discuss the problems and inspect the roads, in particular James Street, which has become a popular ‘rat running’ road for drivers trying to bypass the Wide Bay Highway through the main part of the township.
“Concerns were also raised about heavy vehicles ‘overshooting’ the 90 degree bend in the Wide Bay Highway in Kilkivan when travelling west, resulting in the heavy vehicles approaching the school zone area at high speeds.
“Following our meeting, I wrote to the Department of Transport and Main Roads, who took the issues to the Gympie Traffic Advisory Committee Meeting, and it was agreed that improvements needed to be made,” Deb said.
Katy McCallum said it is a huge win for Kilkivan and a big relief when it comes to road safety for both vehicles and pedestrians.
“Our businesses are on the main highway, and I have seen many near misses and heavy vehicles ‘racing each other’ down James Street. James Street also borders the main recreational park in Kilkivan and it’s a dangerous situation for families with young children playing in the vicinity,” Mrs McCallum said.
“When the fully loaded truck overshot the 90 degree bend on the Wide Bay Highway, it was 8.15am when our school children were walking to school. It was a very scary scenario, and the truck actually ran straight over the pedestrian crossing – it was just fortunate there were no kids on the crossing at that moment.
“These improvements to road markings and the installation of new signs will greatly improve the safety of traffic through our town. It’s overdue, but I’m really pleased to have been able to finally have these issues raised and to have created some change for our community.
“From what I have seen, we've had such positive outcomes for Kilkivan in all the matters Deb has helped with. Every bit of assistance no matter how big or small that is given to Kilkivan contributes to a happy, thriving community and makes for a strong solid town for our children to grow up in, our elderly to retire in and our workers to have jobs in - thanks Deb," Katy said.
The following road safety changes will be implemented in coming months:
Photo: Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, with Kilkivan business own, Katy McCallum at the James Street intersection with the Wide Bay Highway. James Street will have ‘Local Traffic Only’ signs installed.
The news of a Darling Downs feedlot which was invaded by more than one hundred animal rights activists has created a serious biosecurity breach, which has sent shockwaves through Queensland’s agricultural community.
LNP Shadow Minister for Agriculture Tony Perrett slammed the Labor Palaszczuk Government for its continued inaction and inability to protect Queensland farmers from extremists.
Mr. Perrett said, under Annastacia Palaszczuk’s Government, we are seeing activists going well beyond protests to active criminal activity.
“They’re trespassing and terrorising farmers, their families and their animals,” Mr. Perrett said.
“We can’t allow this extreme minority to hold our hard-working Queensland farmers to ransom.
“While Minister Mark Furner can come out and criticise the activists, he continues to do nothing to strengthen or increase penalties for those who blatantly break the law.
“Nothing is being done to protect these lawful and legitimate Queensland farms from these activists who are willing to terrorise, in the face of this soft on crime Labor Government.
“Queensland farmers deserve a Minister ready to go in to bat for them, not just someone who will kowtow to Labor’s inner-city Brisbane animal activists.
“It’s time to strengthen our biosecurity regulations to protect our farmers and their businesses from malicious animal extremists.
“Labor must fix trespass laws to ensure they work and offer a deterrent to these thugs.
“Only Deb Frecklington and the Liberal National Party will stand up for Queensland farmers and deliver laws that protect them from lawless animal activists.”
LNP Member for Southern Downs James Lister also condemned the action.
“It makes me angry that these irresponsible green terrorists trespassed and terrorised the McNamee Family and their farm workers,” Mr. Lister said.
“Queenslanders everywhere stand with our farmers like the McNamee’s.”
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington has proudly presented a Local Hero grant to the Nanango State School P&C so they can continue to help assist families who may not be able to afford uniforms.
Mrs Frecklington presented the grant to Nanango SS P&C President, Leonie Legge, who applied for the grant on behalf of the school through the November 2018 Local Hero round.
“The Nanango SS P&C applied for the grant to help them support families with school uniforms, and other items such as stationery, bags and shoes,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“The need is ongoing and I’m glad to have been able to support this service and the work being done by the Nanango SS P&C team.
“The next round of my Local Hero Grants is now open with applications closing 31 March.
“The grants are up to $250 and I’m encouraging groups to get their applications in as soon as possible,” Deb said.
If you would like to apply, please go to the website at www.debfrecklington.com.au or contact the Nanango Electorate office on 4190 7100 for the guidelines.
Photo: Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, presented a Local Hero Grant Nanango SS P&C President, Leonie Legge, to help the P&C provide uniforms for families who cannot afford them.
Some of the most far reaching reforms to agricultural production and reef protection in Queensland's history will be decided from a Brisbane desktop, with the State Government failing to schedule any confirmed regional hearings on the proposed new laws.
LNP Environment spokesman David Crisafulli said the move would ensure new regions and new industries previously not covered by the legislation, wouldn't get the chance to put forward a reasoned case for the type of reform needed.
"The LNP wants to ensure a plan that protects the Great Barrier Reef, while protecting the rights of land owners," Mr Crisafulli said.
"Sadly, the government doesn't have the decency to front up in the coming week when hearings are supposed to be held and listen to the very communities these laws will impact.
"Wide-reaching laws are proposed to be enforced from Cape York to the Sunshine Coast but after promising a consultative road show the State Government haven’t even confirmed a single hearing outside of Brisbane.
"There is no reason to rush these changes and I’m calling on the Government to allow regional communities a say.
“We've got to get these changes right and that involves talking to the communities which are impacted.
"It's a rushed hatchet job because they don't want to face the justified scrutiny from regional Queensland."
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington says red tape and Labor cuts are unfairly affecting Yarraman based butcher, Bradley Frohloff and his ability to put on a new apprentice.
Mrs Frecklington met with Mr Frohloff regarding the Labor Government’s decision to stop Toowoomba based businesses from accessing the Back to Work program.
“Mr Frohloff had hoped to employ a new young fellow to start as an apprentice at his butcher shop in Yarraman, but because he is based in the Toowoomba Regional Council area, he is not eligible to apply for assistance through the Back to Work program,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“Last year Annastacia Palaszczuk decided Toowoomba businesses shouldn’t be entitled to the program which is supposed to assist regional jobseekers and employers.
“The Back to Work program was initially intended for regional jobseekers, but the LNP successfully campaigned for it to be extended to southeast Queensland in 2017. However, in late 2018, Toowoomba was unfairly removed from the eligibility list.
“This leaves businesses such as Frohlies Meats in Yarraman unable to access the Back to Work program, even though they are in a regional town, and businesses on either side of them in Blackbutt and Nanango, can access this funding support.
“It means Mr Frohloff may not be able to put on this great young man who is keen to work and learn a trade. And, Mr Frohloff will not have the help of another staff member.
“It is completely unfair, unacceptable and it is obvious this decision has been made by a city-centric Labor Government who have no idea about regional Queensland,” Deb said.
Frohlies Meats owner and manager, Bradley Frohloff said they had thought long and hard about employing an apprentice and the Back to Work program incentives were important to their decision.
“We decided to go ahead and put on the young bloke based on the help we could receive through Back to Work,” Mr Frohloff said.
“We only re-opened and renovated the business early this year, so any support we thought we could get to kick-start our business would have helped.
“But, because we are in Yarraman, which is in the Toowoomba regional area, we can’t receive that support. There’s just no common sense in this decision,” Mr Frohloff said.
Photo: Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington with Yarraman butcher, Bradley Frohloff of Frohlies Meats.
The full extent of the crime crisis in Queensland has been laid bare in the latest report* finally released for 2017/2018.
LNP Leader Deb Frecklington said the latest figures showed violent crimes including assaults, robberies, break-ins and car thefts had all soared across the state since Annastacia Palaszczuk became Premier.
“Labor is soft on crime. The statistics are shocking and they don’t lie,” Ms Frecklington said.
“Today we finally see the full extent of the crime crisis in Queensland, and it’s seriously disturbing.
“It’s clear crime rates have skyrocketed under Labor and community safety has been put at risk.
“I feel for the victims of crime and their families who bear the human cost of Annastacia Palaszczuk’s crime crisis.
“Youth crime is out of control, with young offenders being responsible for 16.7% of all offences.
“Youth offenders were responsible for almost half of the reported robberies.”
LNP Shadow Minister for Police Trevor Watts said more investment was needed in the police budget.
“Labor have cut the police budget by $44 million this year and watered down laws tackling organised crime and youth justice,” Mr Watts said.
“Police can’t cope with the volume of crime caused by four years of a Palaszczuk Labor Government.
"Labor's record on crime is a disgrace and the police are over-stretched.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk needs to start putting community safety first by ensuring the police have the resources and laws they need to fight crime.”
* Report available at: http://www.qgso.qld.gov.au/products/reports/crime-report-qld/crime-report-qld-2017-18.pdf
Key facts and figures:
In last year – (2017/18)
LNP Shadow Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Lachlan Millar has called on Labor Minister Craig Crawford to stop hiding behind his Commissioner and take responsibility for his department.
It comes after Mr Crawford failed to address concerns and be across the details of his proposed restructure of rural fire brigades and the SES, within the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service.
Mr Millar said the Minister has been exposed through his inability to explain to his employees, volunteers and Queenslanders, whether Rural Fire brigades and SES groups will be worse off.
“Rural Fire brigades are being told their new funding will now be sourced out of the same regional QFES budget, but Minister Crawford claims this isn’t the case,” Mr Millar said.
“Mr Crawford needs to set the record straight on whether local rural fire and SES groups funding will be absorbed or affected by this restructure.
“The most disappointing part of this entire process has been the complete lack of consultation with the very groups this restructure will impact.
“Clearly the Minister thinks he is above due diligence.
“If Mr Crawford and the QFES bothered to consult and listen, they would realise this restructure isn’t what the rural fire brigades want or need.
“This is typical behaviour from the arrogant Palaszczuk Labor Government.
“They continually neglect the bush.
“Rural and regional Queenslanders who volunteer for fire brigades deserve a seat at the decision-making table about the future of their brigades.
“The proposed restructure of the QFES will strip the Rural Fire Service Assistance Commissioner and SES Assistant Commissioner of responsibility.
“Dedicated budgets for every Rural Fire Service Queensland region will also be absorbed into the QFES regional budgets.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk’s priorities are all wrong and her embattled Minister Craig Crawford needs to take some responsibility for this mess.”
* https://rfbaq.org/qfes-regionalisation-discussion-with-minister
LNP Shadow Minister for Emergency Services and Volunteers Lachlan Millar has warned forced changes to management and funding will be the death of the Rural Fire Service as we know it.
A proposed restructure of the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES) will strip the Rural Fire Service Assistant Commissioner and SES Assistant Commissioner of responsibility.
Dedicated budgets for every Rural Fire Service Queensland region will also be absorbed into the QFES regional budgets.
“The Rural Fire Service Queensland is a shining example of how to model and operate a successful volunteer-based firefighting service,” Mr Millar said.
“We have serious concerns about what these takeover measures will mean for our rural firies.
“The assistant commissioners for the rural fire brigade and SES will exist in name only and have no authority.
“There is no justification for Labor Minister Craig Crawford changing how rural fire brigades are managed and financed.
“This reeks of a Brisbane takeover of the bush, with city-based bureaucrats trying to get more control over rural and regional Queensland fire services and budgets.
“When the Rural Fire Brigade Association comes out so strongly against this aggressive takeover of rural fire in Queensland*- it’s time to listen.
“This is typical behaviour from this arrogant Palaszczuk Labor Government, which steals control from the regions and neglects the bush.
“Rural and regional Queenslanders who volunteer for service through rural fire brigades deserve a dedicated seat at the decision-making table within QFES.
“The Rural Fire Service Queensland deserves a level of autonomy to serve their communities to the best of their ability.
“Rural firies are best placed to protect their local communities and should be recognised and supported.”
* https://www.rfbaq.org/minister-visits-rfbaq?fbclid=IwAR1O6RTs7NBneJ-v0ZiK_UpqC1-p_q2mQ1KL33RC9hDfK-TGIlvt4q1_YU4
Labor Agriculture Minister Mark Furner has been sitting on an independent review in Queensland's drought program for more than 6 weeks* and has to date refused to release it to the public.
LNP Shadow Minister for Agriculture Tony Perrett is calling on the Minister to come clear on what was in the report and release it to the public.
"Queenslanders dealing with the ongoing drought deserve to know what is in this report," said Mr Perrett.
"While parts of North Queensland have benefited from significant rainfall, many rural and regional communities continue to suffer from the prolonged dry.
"An independent report into the effectiveness of Queensland's drought programs cannot be buried and hidden from the public.
"We cannot allow this culture of secrecy and arrogance continue from Minister Furner and Labor. He sat on the Queensland Agricultural Training Colleges (QATC) reports for 6 months just to announce its closure under the cover of Christmas.
"We know that in April local drought committees (LDC) typically meet and provide recommendations on their drought status to the Minster.
"Regions like the Central Highlands, Western Downs and Scenic Rim for example are all areas that are suffering from the prolonged dry but are not officially drought declared.
"Farmers in these regions are missing out on vital rebates and support that farmers in drought declared regions are entitled to access.
"It creates an extremely difficult situation for these farmers as they are still experiencing all the associated drought-related hardships.
"It's simply not good enough that the Western Downs region is still without a LDC after it was controversially dismissed by Minster Furner in September last year.**
"The Western Downs community can't be represented when this incompetent Minister has failed to even re-appoint the LDC.
"The Western Downs community should not have to suffer because of this Minister's inability to do his job."
Currently, 58.1 per cent of Queensland is drought-declared. This includes 23 council areas and five part-council areas. There are 175 Individually Droughted Properties declared in a further 19 shires.
*Queensland Drought Program review statement: http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2018/9/19/have-your-say-on-the-future-of-queenslands-drought-program & https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/droughtprogramreview
**Western Downs drought statement: http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2018/9/19/western-downs-regional-council-partially-drought-declared
With temperature records set to be smashed today, the LNP is urging Annastacia Palaszczuk to think again and introduce air-conditioning in every Queensland state school classroom.
The LNP is committed to delivering air-conditioning in all state schools if elected in October 2020.
LNP Leader Deb Frecklington said this week’s severe heatwave would be unbearable for students and teachers in schools without air-conditioning.
Temperatures are today expected to reach 36C in Brisbane and 39C in Ipswich, Gatton and Chinchilla.
“Little kids can’t learn if they’re stuck in a sweltering classroom,” Ms Frecklington said.
“I feel sorry for the students and teachers who will be trying to work in unbearable conditions over the next few days.
“While Annastacia Palaszczuk and her Cabinet work in air-conditioned comfort, our school kids and their teachers will be feeling the heat.
“Labor needs to follow the LNP’s lead and commit to air-conditioning our state schools.
“Kids concentrate better in air-conditioned classrooms. It’s simple – cool kids are smart kids.”
P&Cs Queensland and the Queensland Teachers Union both back air-conditioning state schools.
“It’s time for Annastacia Palaszczuk to give our sweltering kids a break,” Ms Frecklington said.
“If Labor won’t do it, I promise parents that the LNP will.”
LNP Shadow Education Minister Jarrod Bleijie said air-conditioning would improve educational standards.
“Kids find it easier to concentrate in cooler temperatures and they are less likely to become tired and disruptive,” Mr Bleijie said.
“If we want our kids to be the smartest in the nation, we must air-condition every state school.”
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington says the new competition grade floor recently installed at Kilcoy Gymnastics is an important asset for the community.
Mrs Frecklington recently caught up with Club Coordinators, Alana Searle and Maryjane Parker to check out the new floor and hear how it is benefitting local gymnasts.
“It is fantastic to see the new competition grade, 86 square meter floor in place. I know the Club had several ups and downs trying to purchase the new floor, so to see it installed and available is such great news,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“The Kilcoy Gymnastics Club is going from strength to strength and now Kilcoy gymnasts can finally train on a competition grade floor which is the standard required to help them learn and compete at their best.
“Importantly, having access to this excellent gymnastic equipment in regional areas like Kilcoy is such a positive result and I congratulate the Club on their determination and ongoing plans to encourage and grow participation in gymnastics,” Deb said.
Funding for the new Kilcoy Gymnastics Floor was secured through Round 95 of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund program.
Round 101 of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund will open in mid-April and closes 31 May 2019.
Deb said she is keen to encourage local community groups to consider applying for a Gambling Community Benefit Fund grant to help achieve their goals.
“These are great grants of up to $35,000 which can really give groups the ability to consider the purchase of new infrastructure, or undertake facility improvements. It is certainly worthwhile putting in an application and giving it a go,” Deb said.
For more information please contact the Nanango Electorate Office on 4190 7100, or head to https://www.justice.qld.gov.au/corporate/initiatives/community-grants
Photo: Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington checks out the new competition grade floor with Kilcoy Gymnastics Club coordinators, Maryjane Parker (right) and Alana Searle (left).
LNP Leader Deb Frecklington is welcoming the formation of an industry group after significant delays from Labor on the Queensland cattle tick line review.
“The LNP supports any action to improve biosecurity and help our farmers and graziers,” Ms Frecklington said.
“Since the new cattle tick line was implemented in 2016, we’ve been calling for an extensive review to ensure it is properly policed and resourced.
“The Palaszczuk Labor Government promised the cattle tick line would be reviewed but has delayed action time and time again.
“While Labor stalled, cattle tick infestations continued to spread in the free zone.
“These delays showed the bush clearly isn’t a priority for the Palaszczuk Labor Government.
“The Palaszczuk Labor Government must take the shackles off this industry group and allow it to work effectively on behalf of farmers and graziers.
“We will continue to hold this government to account to ensure it’s not just another box-ticking exercise and positive outcomes for farmers are delivered.”
LNP Shadow Agriculture Minister Tony Perrett said Labor had broken a promise to review Queensland’s cattle tick line two years after its implementation.
“The LNP has maintained pressure on the Labor Government to deliver the promised cattle tick line review,” Mr Perrett said.
“As a grazier in the ‘ticky’ area, I understand the time lost and high cost associated with managing herds across the tick line.
“It’s crucial the government is proactive on this major biosecurity issue.
“The formation of an industry group is a positive step. Now we must ensure all affected landholders can have their say on the future of Queensland’s tick line.
“Effective tick management is an important part of ensuring a strong Queensland beef and dairy industry.”
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington has congratulated the Kingaroy Junior Cricket Club on their successful application to Round 98 of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund for new cricket nets for the Club.
Mrs Frecklington met with members of the Club to present a ‘big cheque’ for their grant of $34,500.
“Well done to the Kingaroy Junior Cricket Club Committee for receiving this grant and for their commitment to improving the facilities for our junior cricketers,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“The new training nets will be full size and will be replace the old nets onsite at Taabinga State School.
“They’ll make a big difference for the players and coaches and will help the Club encourage more players in the future. It’s expected the new nets will be in place and ready for the 2019/20 season.
“Cricket is a popular sport in the South Burnett, and we really do punch above our weight when it comes to cricketing representatives at State and National levels.
“This new infrastructure is great for Kingaroy and I look forward to hearing about even more of our young cricketers excelling in the sport,” Deb said.
Round 101 of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund will open in mid-April and closes 31 May 2019.
Deb said she is keen to encourage local community groups to consider applying for a Gambling Community Benefit Fund grant to help achieve their goals.
“These are great grants of up to $35,000 which can really give groups the ability to consider the purchase of new infrastructure, or undertake facility improvements. It is certainly worthwhile putting in an application and giving it a go,” Deb said.
For more information please contact the Nanango Electorate Office on 4190 7100, or head to https://www.justice.qld.gov.au/corporate/initiatives/community-grants
Photo: Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington presented a ‘big cheque’ to the value of $34,500 to the Kingaroy Junior Cricket Club to purchase new training nets. From l to r, Cameron Watson (President), Hayden Watson, Deb Frecklington, Charlotte Love and Jodie Love.
Our farmers are under siege and this Labor Government and its Agriculture Minister Mark Furner are missing in action.
In parliament I raised the issue of the animal activists and extremists plastering our farmers personal details, including their locations, on the ‘Aussie Farms’ website. The very same website that encourages members of the public to trespass on to our farms and terrorise farmers and their families for just doing their job and running their businesses.
Unfortunately, this Labor Government just continued to do what it’s done to date about the issue facing our farmers – nothing.
As a serial animal activist who illegally trespassed at a piggery and neighbouring chicken farm on the Sunshine Coast was handed a $200 fine– with no conviction recorded – this Government does nothing.
In December last year a gang of about 30 animal activists stormed the Mt. Cotton Golden Cockerel facility - shutting down and compromising production standards. Their ignorant actions cost more than $50,000 in business losses in the process. Again, this Government did nothing.
The Palaszczuk Labor Government and this incompetent Minister remains silent when it comes to protecting our farmers from extremists.
Queensland farmers deserve a Minister ready to go in to bat for them, not just someone who will kowtow to Labor’s inner-city animal activists.
It’s time to strengthen our biosecurity regulations to protect our farmers and their businesses from malicious animal extremists.
It’s time to strengthen and fix our trespass laws to ensure they work and offer a deterrent to these thugs.
Only the Deb Frecklington Liberal National Party will stand up for Queensland farmers and deliver laws that protect them from lawless animal activists.
Tony Perrett
LNP Shadow Minister for Agriculture
