Premier Caught Out Yet Again

A media release from Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk:

Premier Caught Out Yet Again

Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk says internal government documents provide further proof of the Premier’s inability to be open and upfront with Queenslanders.

“After breaking his word on job security and frontline services we now find the Premier's pet project to sell off public assets in the Brisbane CBD just to give himself a new Executive Building will come at a cost to taxpayers despite his previous claims,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Queensland Treasury Corporation advice contradicting the Premier's public statements reveals the LNP’s twisted priorities and a determination to look after their own comfort at any price as long as taxpayers foot the bill.

“The Premier needs to detail any impacts his pet project will have on the state’s finances.

“The Treasurer has not disowned the QTC advice but has instead tried to argue it is outdated just because responsibility for the Premier's pet project has shifted from one Minister to another.

“That swap of responsibility doesn't alter the advice which directly contradicts what the Premier has been saying about his new Executive Building supposedly coming at no cost to taxpayers.”

Ms Palaszczuk said the QTC advice also showed the Premier’s plans for his new Executive Building were based on slashing 20% of all government jobs in the CBD.

“Now we know why the Premier is so keen to sack people. Unless he gets rid of his own employees, he may not get his new Executive Building,” she said.

“People in regional Queensland will be especially upset to see their frontline jobs and services going while the Premier rewards himself with a new office in the Brisbane CBD.

“It shows yet again that the Brisbane- centric LNP government has turned its back on our regions.

“Lets’ not forget that the LNP’s Project X was rejected outright by the former government in favour of directing infrastructure spending to our regions.”

Ms Palaszczuk said the list of public assets to the sold by the LNP to fund the Premier’s new office included several heritage properties such as The Mansions and Harris Terrace, home to a number of not-for-profit organisations.

“What is the future for these historic buildings? What guarantees about their future can the Premier give, and even if he does, what faith can anyone put in his word?”