Tuesday 12 March 2013

LNP Ministers Star In ‘Fee For Service’ Fundraisers


Media Release.

Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk says a series of “fee for service” fundraisers involving the payment of $11,000 for access to LNP Ministers highlights the need to protect the state’s anti-corruption bodies.
“The LNP is planning a series of six Regional Round Table fundraising dinners which will cost $11,000 for industry representatives to attend, with the first being held tonight at an undisclosed Brisbane venue with Agriculture Minister John McVeigh,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Leaked emails inviting timber industry representatives to attend the McVeigh fundraiser show the events will allow those who attend to shape government policy.
“This sort of activity is why we need to protect anti-corruption institutions such as the Crime and Misconduct Commission and the bi-partisan Parliamentary Crime and Misconduct Committee.”
Ms Palaszczuk said LNP Ministers would be the star attraction at the dinners which would be hosted by the LNP organisation.
“If they are designated as LNP activity, then under the Newman Government’s own guidelines the Premier and his Ministers will not be required to declare them in their published diaries.
“Following on the scandalous use of taxpayers’ funds to stage the launch of their health blueprint last month, the new series of dinners show the LNP views government policy as just another source of fundraising.
“If the LNP wants to discuss or develop policies it should do so openly, not behind closed doors by charging people to attend.
“The Premier has already abandoned the question-and-answer sessions at Community Cabinet meetings and has also scrapped the original plans for a series of ‘town hall’ meetings across the state.
“This new series of fundraisers shows the LNP is only interested in listening to those that can afford to buy their ear,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

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