NEW LEVY/TAXES NOT NEEDED

The Queensland Party is opposed to the imposition of a new tax or levy on struggling business and communities.

Aidan McLindon, the Queensland Party Leader, has instead pointed out that the state could be assisted to rebuild after the devastating floods by pulling out of the unfair GST arrangement which will see Queensland lose nearly $2.5 billion. Mr McLindon added that the proceeds of any new mining tax, which will target industry in Queensland, should also be redirected back to the state.

The Queensland Party candidate for Cairns, DJ Hunt, has also insisted that Queensland is being forced to hand back too much of its GST revenue as part of the Commonwealth’s health takeover and that it was being used to subsidise other states when it could no longer afford to do so.

“Right now Queensland needs real assistance, not another tax or levy. It needs the State Government to be strong for Queensland during the recovery and it needs the Federal Government to stop using Queensland to subsidise other states,” said Mr Hunt.

End the Unfair GST Arrangement

As part of the Federal Government’s health takeover, Queensland is handing back over 40% of its GST revenue to Canberra, although it was widely reported states would give up only one-third of their GST funding. In fact, Queensland is the only state required to hand back this amount of GST revenue and its payment is set to increase to 43.6% in 2012. By contrast, New South Wales is only required to pay 30.2% of its GST allocation and Victoria must hand back 24.6% of its revenue. Tasmania’s payment is half of Queensland’s requirement at just 20% of its GST funding.

“The Queensland Government cannot afford to pay over 40% of its GST revenues back to the Commonwealth now, especially when all the other states are paying back smaller percentages,” said Mr McLindon.

“By ending this unfair arrangement, Queensland’s bottom line would be boosted by the $2.5 billion which it had lost to subsidise pork-barreling in other states, and it would regain control of its future.”

“It is unfair for Queensland to be subsidising the other states at any time, and especially so after these devastating floods. I call on the Prime Minister to end this unfair arrangement and for the Premier to look at securing assistance for our state today and into the future by insisting that Queensland is not gouged while it rebuilds.”

Instead Direct Funding to Queensland from the New Mining Tax

Mr McLindon pointed out that Queensland could also be helped by the ensuring that funds from any new mining tax were directed to help rebuild the state’s mining communities.

“I would cautiously support the mining tax, if it goes ahead as agreed with the mining industry prior to the federal election. Funds from this tax could then be used to help rebuild damaged infrastructure in Queensland. After all, it is only because the people of Queensland built the infrastructure that there is any industry to tax,” said Mr McLindon.

Mr Hunt added, “People struggling to get their livelihoods back on track, those who have lost everything they own, and businesses that are suffering can’t afford to pay another tax or levy if they’re not earning money. This is a simple, painless step the government could take that is financially responsible and goes a long way to achieving the same outcome.”

Source: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/states-extra-25-billion-loss-over-health-reforms-20101118-17z9f.html

 * WA refused to sign up to the GST deal as it left the state worse off.

Buy Queensland to help Queensland

The Queensland Party is proposing a “Buy 100% QLD” campaign to assist struggling farmers battling to cope with the effects of the flood.

“The best way to help the rural sector is to tap into the goodwill seen across our state in the last few weeks – Queenslanders have shown they want to help and now is the time to provide consumers with information that will let them know where their groceries are grown,” says Aidan McLindon, Leader of The Queensland Party.

The campaign would be similar to the “Australian Made” program, with Queensland farmers able to advertise under a banner that would be easily recognisable.

“Whether it’s ‘Buy QLD’, ‘Proudly QLD’, ‘QLD Made’, ‘Support a Queenslander’, ‘Produced in QLD’ or ‘Made in QLD’, a campaign giving hope to Queensland’s business and industry sector must get underway immediately.”

“It is all well and good to ask the big retailers to support the Queensland farmer, but the government needs to back this up by actively pursuing a “Buy 100% QLD” campaign, otherwise it is simply an empty gesture.”

“It would be better for the Queensland Government to fund the peak agricultural and funding bodies to develop a ‘Buy 100% QLD’ program. It would make it much easier for consumers to  support Queensland farmers if they could see a little Queensland sticker on their apples and oranges as they shop.”

“The floods might have devastated parts of Queensland but they have certainly shown that our spirit is stronger than ever, and this is just the type of program that will ensure Queensland continues to be positive in the face of disaster.”

Candidate for Barron River, Wendy Richardson and candidate for Cairns, D.J.Hunt, have welcomed the announcement and the positive impacts it will have for the Far North.

Ms Richardson said “We have seen firsthand the impacts on farmers and the economy in the Far North that floods and big chain supermarket buying practices has had. Farmers that were already struggling will be further pushed to breaking point if the big supermarkets rush to bring in imported fruit and vegetables, when the Tablelands and surrounding areas can meet these needs.”

Mr Hunt added “This initiative provides an opportunity for supermarkets and consumers to take real action to support Queenslanders. Not everyone can afford to give money to benefit concerts and telethons. But if they can contribute just by purchasing groceries that they need anyway, a lot of people will be able to take that step to help support their fellow Queenslanders. Supermarkets could set up their products where the Queensland produced items are showcased together and let consumers decide.”

Mr McLindon added that regardless of whether the “Buy 100% QLD” campaign was acted upon now, The Queensland Party would take it to the next election as a policy to strengthen industry and business in the state.

“These floods have made it perfectly clear that Queenslanders have a strong sense of pride and devotion to their state. While we are in a position to take advantage of international trade relationships, Queenslanders also like to know that there is strong industry in the state – there is a large part in all of us that likes buying things designed, made, grown or invented in Queensland.”

“More than ever, our farmers across the state need hope, and if the government can initiate a “Buy 100% QLD” campaign it will give those who have lost everything a stronger will to get back on their feet”.

PEOPLE POWER REQUIRED TO PRESSURE INSURANCE COMPANIES

The Queensland Party Candidate for Cairns D.J.HUNT has called for people power to force insurance companies to look after clients struggling with the flood crisis.

Mr Hunt said "This is a disaster on a scale not seen before and it is time for the community to band together. Insurance companies have built their empires and made millions of dollars in profits over the years and it is time to give some of that back at such a vulnerable time.”

Mr Hunt’s statements came after it has been revealed that some insurance companies are not covering those decimated by the recent Queensland floods while other companies are in the same circumstances.

“It is time we work together and embarrass these companies into doing the right thing. Companies like Suncorp should be supported if they are doing the right thing. Those that aren’t covering Queenslanders in the same circumstance where companies like Suncorp are should be named and shamed. If they won’t come to the party then we should show our disdain and every single Queenslander should transfer their coverage to the companies that are doing the right thing and boycott those that won’t. ” Mr Hunt said.

Mr Hunt stated “If the insurance companies want to trot out the old protecting their shareholders line then let them come out and say it so Queenslanders can decide whether they want to support millionaire investors or battlers struggling with the loss of everything they own.”

LABOR’S SOFT ON CRIME LEGACY EXPOSED

The Queensland Party Candidate for Cairns D.J.HUNT has labeled the government’s soft on crime approach a disgrace in light of recent attacks in Cairns.

Mr Hunt said "The large number of bashings being reported in the Cairns media on a now daily basis is a direct result of Labor’s soft on crime approach and a national disgrace. Our international reputation as a safe and friendly location is being tarnished and residents are scared to even leave their homes.”

Mr Hunt, a former Far North police officer, has called on the government to explain why they have failed to keep up with the number of police required to effectively police our state.

Mr Hunt stated “People can’t even walk the streets anymore as witnessed by the shocking attacks, rapes and murders in this city in recent weeks. Calls for surveillance cameras are pointless if we don’t have an adequately staffed and resourced police force to respond or, more importantly, deter crime in our city.”

“While I was speaking to the people of Cairns on Saturday the recurring theme raised with us was the call for real law and order. People were telling me they’re too scared to leave their homes and that is a direct result of Labor’s soft on crime approach. We need to put the welfare of victims and safety of our community as a priority instead of pandering to thugs who have no regard for the law or the community in which they live.” Mr Hunt said

Mr Hunt stated “The Queensland Party is committed to real law and order by addressing deterrence, rehabilitation and protection of the community. The people of Cairns are going to keep picking up the paper and turning on the news to hear about another bashing, rape or murder in this city because Labor is soft on crime and won’t provide us the police we need and they should be condemned for allowing that to happen. ”

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GIVES LABOR WAKE UP CALL

The Queensland Party Candidate for Cairns D.J. Hunt has called on the state Labor Government to review  the location of the proposed cultural precinct in light of calls to protect vital port operating areas by the Federal government.

Mr Hunt said "The Federal government is calling on authorities to provide planning for the strategic use of ports with the predictions that port operations will triple in the next few years. The Federal government can clearly see what their state counterparts can not. And that is that the land available for direct port related activities is a finite resource that needs to be protected.”  

The calls from the Federal government to provide master plans for port operators have impacts in terms of the proposed location for the Cairns cultural precinct and should be grounds to review the proposed location.

“The claims that the proposal has been seen by the Federal minister and this somehow gives them blanket approval to proceed is nonsense. A lot of the parties involved that support the current location only do so due to the bullying and threats by the Member for Cairns that the funding will be withdrawn if it does not go where she says.” Mr Hunt said.

“Cairns MP Desley Boyle should look at the commitment from the Federal government who are supporting the project regardless of where it goes. Mayor Schier has a vision for this precinct and the benefits it will bring to our area but at least she is prepared to listen and look at the arguments. We have seen this type of bullying over and over in Queensland with Traveston dam, public asset sales and now the cultural precinct.”  He said.

Mr Hunt stated “There is a need to have enough vision for our city past the next election and make sure that we get this right. We do not want to hinder our future development and growth in terms of port operations because we did not have the courage to stand up to the threats and bullying of the state government. The solution is simple. Take away the threats and intimidation and debate the issue on its merits. I would ask this one simple question. If Desley Boyle gave a similar commitment that the Federal government has to support the precinct wherever it goes, would we put it there?”

QUEENSLAND PARTY CALLS FOR FAR NORTH TO BE TRIAL ZONE FOR SOLAR CITY

The Queensland Party Candidate for Cairns D.J.HUNT has called on the Far North to be used as a trial zone for renewable energy sources to power a city.

Mr Hunt said "Recent studies have shown that Queensland is better placed than anywhere else in the world to harness commercially viable solar power generation. It makes sense that this should be located in areas that are going to get the most exposure to the sun to generate a viable and economical power source. As a result of the geographical location that makes Far North Queensland the perfect place to trial this concept”.

Mr Hunt’s statements came after details were released of the report compiled in association with former US president Bill Clinton’s Climate foundation that found Queensland was perfectly positioned to deploy large scale solar plants.

“The Tablelands Regional council for example has already recently given its backing to renewable energy production in the area. There are huge tracts of land in the Tablelands area that are not viable for primary production due to soil, climate, topography etc. that would be perfect for this process. You would be able to power a town the size of Mareeba or Atherton from renewable power and feed the rest back into the grid so that those environmentally minded consumers wanting to pay the extra for green sources of power have a viable option.” Mr Hunt said.

Mr Hunt stated “By conducting scaled trials with proven methods, instead of schemes like those that failed in Cloncurry, it could then be assessed if that location would be sufficient to supply power to a major city like Cairns and how the process can be replicated for other areas. With hydro power generation in the area already the infrastructure costs are reduced because transmission lines etc are already in place.”

“It makes perfect sense for this trial to be conducted in the Far North bringing infrastructure, jobs and a diversified economy to the region which we desperately need." Mr Hunt said

Labor's new fishing tax

QUEENSLAND PARTY HIGHLIGHTS LABORS TAX BY STEALTH

The Queensland Party Candidate for Cairns D.J.HUNT has condemned the Queensland Labor government for trying to introduce a tax by stealth and cripple struggling Far North businesses by introducing a $90 license fee for fishing.

Mr Hunt said "This is another example of the financially and ideas bankrupt Labor government trying to squeeze money out of battlers by introducing a tax by stealth. This idea to slug fishers $90 is nothing but a revenue raising stunt that will cost people their livelihood and further reduce the options for Queenslanders to enjoy our great outdoors.”

Mr Hunt’s statements came after the Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin announced steps to address concerns raised about snapper numbers with one proposal being a fee for recreational anglers.

Mr Hunt said “They don’t even know who’s going to enforce these stupid rules. If mum and dad want to take their 5 year old son or daughter down to the wharf to throw in a hand line with a piece of bread on it, does the 5 year old have to pay the $90? How would slugging that 5 year old child, that would be lucky to catch a toad fish, $90 save one extra snapper?”

“This has huge implications for the Far North which has long been a fishing tourism destination. This places at risk the livelihoods of tour operators, charter operators, recreational businesses, fishing and tackle shops, fuel suppliers etc. The list goes on.”Mr Hunt said

“In these tough times the last thing the Far North needs is another new tax by stealth that will cripple our local businesses or worse send them to the wall. If it’s really about managing our fish stocks let’s talk about that issue. The fact is, it’s nothing but revenue raising plain and simple and Labor should be condemned for it. ” Mr Hunt stated.