The disrespect Annastacia Palaszczuk’s Labor Government has for genuine consultation has been laid bare by holding a forum on vegetation management laws already rammed through Parliament.
Liberal National Party (LNP) Shadow Agriculture Minister Tony Perrett used a question without notice in Parliament today to ask about the Mansfield Electorate Environment Forum on May 10.
A letter from Labor Mansfield MP Corinne McMillan invited local residents to "make suggestions" on vegetation management laws (letter attached).
LNP Leader Deb Frecklington said the forum was another slap in the face for farmers.
"This arrogant Labor Government won’t sit down and talk with Queensland farmers on the vegetation management laws that directly affect them, but they are willing to talk to inner-city Brisbane residents," Ms Frecklington said.
"Any suggestions made at the community forum fell on deaf ears because the Palaszczuk Labor Government had already rammed their devastating vegetation management laws through Parliament a week earlier on May 3.
"The divide between city and country is only getting wider with a Labor Government focused on snapping up green votes in Brisbane to the detriment of Queensland’s farming communities."
Mr Perrett said farmers in regional Queensland deserved to be heard about laws that would directly affect them.
"It’s a disgrace that the laws were passed without listening to farmers and despite thousands of submissions," Mr Perrett said.
"This just shows the Labor Government puts its own interests first and asks the community later."
Mr Perrett said Labor Agriculture Minister Mark Furner did not comment on the forum or letter but unleashed an irrational attack on farmers over Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s reception at Beef Week.
