April 7, 2014
The State Government plans to hold a “Strong Choices Community Forum” in Kingaroy on April 30 to discuss how to reduce Queensland’s $80 billion debt but interested participants must register online beforehand and consent to a security check if they wish to take part.
The government says it has three choices to reduce the debt: increase taxes, cut services or sell/lease assets.
Treasurer Tim Nicholls said today the government was making $4 billion of interest repayments every year.
He was now “opening the floor to all Queenslanders” to have their say on the best way to pay down the debt.
Mr Nicholls said following the first round of community consultations with civic leaders in regional towns and cities across Queensland, he would now conduct a series of open community forums and online “virtual town halls”.
“Our government is standing by our commitment to be open and honest about the Strong Choices Queenslanders face to pay down the accumulated debt of the last 10 years, and fund the roads, rail, schools and hospitals Queensland will need into the future,” Mr Nicholls said.
“I’ve been listening to the views of community leaders at meetings around the State as to their priorities for their particular region, and now every Queenslander will have the opportunity to add their voice to the conversation.”
The union movement – which is opposing asset sales – has criticised the community consultations.
Speaking last month, ETU State Secretary Peter Simpson said the Treasurer was only interested in talking to those people who agreed with the LNP’s asset sales agenda.
Tickets for the Kingaroy forum will be allocated via a randomised ballot, which will be drawn 2-3 days before the event. All registered people will be notified of the outcome of the ballot via email, with successful participants provided with tickets and event details.
Successful participants will have 24 hours to RSVP to the confirmation to secure their place; photo identification will be required for entry to the event.
- To register, visit the Treasury website
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