Newman drives down Capricornia business and services

Media Release.

Shadow Public Works Minister Bill Byrne says the Newman Government slash and burn mentality is now harming Capricornia car dealerships.

Mr Byrne said figures released by the LNP Government show they plan to cut Government vehicle orders by more than 90 per cent, from 4120 to maximum 400 vehicles a year.

“In 2011-12, 342 QFleet vehicles were ordered for Capricornia, but this year the LNP Government has said Capricornia will be lucky to have 34 cars ordered,” Mr Byrne said

“This latest slash and burn policy by the Newman Government will really hurt car dealers in the Capricornia region.

“Every vehicle ordered through QFleet is delivered by a local car dealer, boosting local business.

“The freeze on vehicles is a real blow to retail and consumer confidence in the Capricornia region,” he said.

Mr Byrne said these Government vehicles help workers provide frontline services for regional communities.

“The majority of these vehicles are used by Queensland Health doctors and nurses to provide out-patient health services such as maternal health visits,” he said.

“These vehicles are also used by child protection officers, road workers, primary industries officers and park rangers to provide regional Queenslanders with vital frontline services.

“Without appropriate vehicles these workers will find it increasingly difficult to continue to provide these frontline services in regional areas.”

Mr Byrne said the slashing of vehicles is the latest attack by the Newman Government on regional Queensland.

“The LNP Government have already sacked 14,000 government workers, many from regional areas, and cut frontline services in a false economy,” he said.

“When you take away pay packets, you also bring pain to the whole community – especially the small business in regional communities.

“People stop going to the local coffee shop, they no longer go to the local hairdresser and dry-cleaner, they are forced to cut back spending on things like a night at the movies or dinner at the local club.

“This is another false economy delivered by the Newman Government, which will cost regional Queenslanders in the long-term.”