BUDGET ANNOUNCEMENTS A MIXED BAG FOR CAIRNS

Here's the media release I put out on the response to the budget impacts for Cairns

The Queensland Party Candidate for Cairns Darren Hunt has welcomed the positive aspects of the state budget for the Cairns electorate but called for reforms to ensure potential savings can be directed to where they are needed the most.

Mr Hunt said "The budget really has presented a bit of a mixed bag of lollies for Cairns. Some sweet some sour. Although some things on a state wide level could be done better, I don’t agree that for Cairns it is all doom and gloom in this budget. Some of the budget allocations to local service providers in terms of independent living, women’s shelters, youth services and mental health are a very good outcome for Cairns and much needed.

“ I welcome any moves by the government that increase the budget allocation in terms of mental health funding in our area which has a huge impact on the community as a whole. The government should be congratulated for at least recognizing the current inadequacies of our mental health system and these increases are a good starting point that we can build on in the future.”

“Unfortunately there is a bit of borrowing from Peter to pay Paul on the housing front in that new home buyers get a $10,000 grant, whilst buying an existing home attracts an average $11,000 stamp duty bill. It’s a bit of a kick in the teeth when this tax was supposed to be phased out with the introduction of the GST. This will have the unintended consequence of making it harder for people struggling with debt to sell their house, as the stamp duty increase may deter buyers and investors resulting in more people losing their homes or having to suffer a significant loss. For those people who can’t afford their own home, rent is surely going to go up as a result.”

“There are some disappointing aspects of the budget for Cairns. The continuing rise of state debt and taxes is going to hurt those struggling with the cost of living already. Given the impacts the disaster season had on Far North Queensland it is very disappointing that there has been no commitment from the government for flood proofing the Bruce Highway, particularly between Ingham and Cardwell. Year after year we get cut off and still nothing gets done. This was a big opportunity for the government to show that the Far North matters but they missed the boat there again unfortunately.”

 “On a statewide basis the governments policing budget for example clearly misses the mark and highlights the government’s reliance on speed camera revenue, when one third of the police budget increase is for more speed cameras. They are addicted to the speed camera revenue and that $25million could be better spent on front line police, computers in police cars or it would fund 3 police helicopters. Road safety is an important issue but I think if the people of Cairns were given the choice they would rather see their front line police better equipped and resourced. The announcement of 150 police also does not even go close to the numbers of police leaving year after year let alone increase numbers.”

“Another glaring omission from the budget is the impact that the end of the 3 year moratorium on council job losses imposed as a result of forced council amalgamations is going to have. That scheme was designed wholly and solely to put back the issue when the government was copping a lot of heat so they would not have to fund the costs of severance packages etc and face anger from the union movement on job losses. Now they are going to wipe their hands of the mess they created and rate payers are going to be left holding the can again whilst the council cops the flak when staff get their marching orders. ”

“I also have grave concerns that given the ever increasing state debt that further asset sales are on the way. Both the government and LNP support public asset sales. The indications are there that the government is going to sell off more assets, with the electricity networks and prisons/prison services the likely targets and that is going to be disastrous for the people of Queensland. The Queensland Party opposes further public asset sales, particularly these two.”

“Anyone can sit back and whinge and whine about the budget, but the Queensland Party is the only party to put up policy alternatives for the public to consider and compare, such as payroll tax reform and reviews of some government department expenditure and waste. There are some positive outcomes here for Cairns, I just think we could do more. We need to make the best of what we’ve been given because that’s not going to change for 12months.”

“It’s time we looked harder at where savings and improvements can be made so that when we do have a real voice for regional Queensland in parliament, we can put up reasonable arguments as to why we should be given the funding we need and fight for a greater share to get what we deserve. As the Queensland Party candidate for Cairns that is what I will continue to do and provide alternatives for the voters of Cairns to consider.”