Treasurer Tim Nicholls has invited all Queenslanders to contribute to a “People’s Budget” to tell the State Government how they would tackle the once-in-a-generation threat of an $80 billion State debt. This excessive debt level is what destroyed the State’s AAA credit rating.
The Strong Choices Campaign is an unprecedented solution to an unprecedented challenge.
We want to be honest with Queenslanders about the problems we all face as citizens of this State. We know these are not easy Choices. Strong Choices are now necessary to reduce the $80 billion debt, and the $4 billion annual interest burden it places on all Queenslanders.
To pay down unsustainable debt, the possible options include: increasing taxes; reducing services; or selling or leasing some government assets
That’s why this Government has decided to undertake public consultation to give Queenslanders a direct role in tackling the $80 billion debt problem.
Queenslanders can go online at www.StrongChoices.qld.gov.au or visit a local shopping centre information booth in coming weeks to use the People’s Budget Tool and make a submission. Copies of paper surveys are also available from my office. Public submissions close on Monday 19 May 2014.
Registrations for community and online forums are open for people who would like more information before making a submission. You can register at www.treasury.qld.gov.au/communityforums.
