Newman Government Wrongly Claims Gold Coast Projects

Media Release.

 

Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk says when the new Gold Coast University Hospital opens local residents should remember the Newman Government would not have built it.

 

“In its first 18 months Ministers in the Newman Government have made a habit of cutting the ribbons on major projects started by the former Labor Government which the LNP would never have built,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

 

“On the Gold Coast the Health Minister Lawrence Springborg will be claiming credit for the new $1.8 billion 750-bed Gold Coast University Hospital when it opens."

 

“Transport Minister Scott Emerson has already claimed credit for the light-rail project initiated by the former government even though the LNP was lukewarm on the project when in Opposition."

 

“The truth is the LNP has spent its first 18 months in office attacking the budget strategy Labor used in office to deliver big-ticket infrastructure projects like the GCUH and the light rail project."

 

“Projects like these not only provide essential services but also generate jobs. The GCUH generated more than 9,000 jobs over its construction starting in December 2008."

 

“Even after 18 months the Newman Government is yet to start a single major infrastructure project of its own."

 

“All it can point to is its new but unnecessary Executive Building in the Brisbane CBD which taxpayers will rent and never own."

 

“In 18 months there has been no major infrastructure project proposed by the Newman Government for the Gold Coast or any other region of our state.”

 

Ms Palaszczuk said the Newman Government’s neglect of infrastructure planning was featured in the Opposition Leader’s A-to-Z guide of the LNP’s first 18 months in office.

 

“The A-to-Z list also highlights the Newman Government’s broken promises on job creation and its failure to have the state heading towards a 4% jobless rate over six years,” she said.

 

“Labor left office with the state’s jobless rate at 5.5% seasonally adjusted and in August this year the rate was 6%."

 

“Under the LNP it has been hovering around that level — similar to the unemployment rates recorded during the global financial crisis."

 

“The A-to-Z list also notes the Newman Government’s numerous broken promises to cut the cost of living when in reality household bills have gone up and up.”