Raise Taxes, Cut Services Or Sell Assets?

April 7, 2014

Member for Callide and Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney has released feedback form asking Queenslanders to choose from three options for the future of the State: raise taxes and charges; reduce services; or investigate the sale or lease of government assets.

“The final report of the Commission of Audit advises that the Queensland Government has to prepare for the economic and fiscal challenges the State will face in coming decades,” Mr Seeney said.

“As it currently stands, the government is tackling the $80 billion debt left by the previous Labor Government.

“Queensland’s debt per capita is double the average debt of other States and costs us all $450,000 an hour in interest payments alone.

“Economic growth alone, whilst important, will not provide the revenue government will need to meet debt requirements and the expectations of Queenslanders for facilities and services. Nor will simply reducing government spending.

“This State Government is committed to an open dialogue with residents about the choices before us. It’s the sort of conversation that this easier to put off or avoid altogether, but we cannot bury our heads in the sand on this issue.

“We must all start looking at our options.

“Predominantly, these options are increasing taxes and charges, reducing services, investigating the lease or sale of government assets to recycle funds into infrastructure and debt repayment.

“I encourage you to have your say on how Queensland should fund its future and tackle the $80 billion debt left by the former Labor Government. Please consider these options and provide your comments. Your feedback is paramount in tackling this issue.”