Queenslanders will be able to log onto the Strong Choices website and watch our debt levels accumulate in real time compared to the other Australian states from today.
Treasurer Tim Nicholls said the unprecedented scale of the State’s debt, which now drains $4 billion in interest repayments every year, was being realised by huge numbers of Queenslanders who have been making Strong Choices submissions, attending community forums and participating in virtual town hall meetings to have their say on our unprecedented debt problem.
“Since beginning the Strong Choices conversation with Queenslanders, more than 40,000 Queenslanders have used the People’s Budget tool to make their submission and the Strong Choices website has received more than 178,000 unique visits and 844,000 page views,” Mr Nicholls said.
“Now Queenslanders will have another tool to inform themselves about the unprecedented scale of the State’s accumulated debt problem and compare Queensland’s debt and interest levels to every other state in the nation.
“They can watch our $450,000 an hour in dead interest repayments accumulate in real time, as they consider how they would reduce the debt and their priorities for the Government’s plan to securely fund our future.
“Our Government has big plans to build the social and economic infrastructure necessary for Queensland’s growing population, like roads, hospitals, dams, schools and railway lines.
“But to turn those plans into reality, we first have to deal with a State debt accumulated over the last ten years of mismanagement and waste from the previous Labor Government.
“Securing Queensland’s future is a serious business, and it can be difficult to comprehend the sheer scale of the budget process, with all that must be taken into account when making economic choices.
“Queenslanders can go online and view the new infographic at www.StrongChoices.qld.gov.au or visit a local shopping centre information booth until 19 May to use the People’s Budget tool and make a submission.
“Additionally, registrations for community and virtual town hall forums are still open for people who would like to take part. Register at www.treasury.qld.gov.au/communityforums.”
