To say I was disappointed with the State Budget would be an understatement. Revenue has never been higher, with a windfall of an additional $5 billion, but services have never been worse due to the mismanagement of this State Government. The Government does not and has not delivered on its promises to Queenslanders and Queenslanders can no longer trust this government. We know that the Palaszczuk Labor government has spent at least $423 million on the big four consulting firms in the last five years – that amounts to $234,000 every single day!
We have heard about the failures at Callide coal-fired power station and the fact the government misled the public about the impact this would have on electricity prices – now Queenslanders are literally paying the price. I welcome cost of living support, but a permanent solution is needed – a commitment to address energy prices with downward pressure on prices by implementing Maintenance Guarantees on Power Plants to ensure maintenance is not forgone to prop up the Government’s balance sheet.
Queenslanders and businesses are concerned about continual increases in cost of living, record high interest rates and now electricity. I want to the best for the Sunshine Coast and Queenslanders so we can enjoy where we live and not live in fear of the cost. The Sunshine Coast needs the right infrastructure to keep up with the growing population, this includes rail to Maroochydore; real housing solutions for both social and private rental accommodation; and increased funding to open the approximate 70 unused beds at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital and to stop the current ambulance ramping and blow-outs in waiting times for the elective surgery waitlist and specialist outpatient appointments.
The Treasurer has pocketed $60 billion more than he forecast in his first Budget less than three years ago, but there’s nothing to show for it due to wrong priorities. It’s time the Premier stopped wasting time and invested in the future of the Sunshine Coast and respected the hard-earned tax dollars of Queenslanders.
