Breakaway Backbencher Puts Premier To The Test

Media Release.

Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk says concerns expressed by an LNP backbencher about the Newman Government’s Budget strategy require the Premier to say what value he puts on his own MPs and those who voted for them.

“First it was Vaughan Johnson and now Ted Malone. It is clear there is unrest within LNP ranks about the impact its Budget is having, especially in regional Queensland,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

On ABC Radio this morning the Member for Mirani, Ted Malone, questioned the whole basis of the Newman Government’s strategy by referring to the “rush” to implement mass sackings and savage cuts to frontline services.

Mr Malone said: “I just think there’s been quite a rush to implement some program and some directions that I don’t believe are in line with what the government is trying to achieve and I think that through myself and others, we need to be taking back to the Minister and Department some of the issues on the ground and try get some clear understanding on where the cuts should be made.”

Ms Palaszczuk said it was now up to the Premier to declare if he would listen to MPs like Mr Malone.

“This is shaping up as a true test of the Premier and is a clear indication of tensions over his leadership,” she said.

“Will the Premier listen to his own MPs who are raising concerns about the impact his sackings and funding cuts are having on their local communities, local families, and local business operators?” she said.

“Or will he continue to arrogantly ignore them?

“It is notable that it has been the more experienced regional MPs like Mr Malone and the Member for Gregory, Mr Johnson, who are speaking up against the LNP’s sackings and frontline cuts.

“The new MPs from the ‘Class of 2012’ appear to be a lost cause and have greatly disappointed those who voted for them.

“They sit in silence and say nothing and do nothing to protect their local communities.

“But longer-serving MPs know the impacts the government’s sackings and frontline cuts are having on local people and local economies.

“It is now for the Premier to say if he is prepared to listen to his MPs or if he will continue to ignore those who voted for him and continue to break election promises,” Ms Palaszczuk said.