April 14, 2014
The State Government today unveiled a “do-it-yourself” online tool so Queenslanders can design their own debt reduction strategy.
Treasurer Tim Nicholls said the launch of the interactive People’s Budget website tool was the next step in continuing the conversation with Queenslanders on how to pay down the $80 billion in debt accumulated over the past 10 years.
“We have called this the Strong Choices campaign because that’s what is now necessary to reduce the $80 billion debt and the $4 billion annual interest burden it places on all Queenslanders,” Mr Nicholls said.
“To pay down debt Queenslanders face three choices – significantly increased taxes, reduced services or the sale or lease of some assets. Right now, the $4 billion interest bill is dead money.
“Our government has big plans to build the social and economic infrastructure necessary for Queensland’s growing population, like roads, hospitals, dams, schools and railway lines.
“But to turn those plans into reality, we first have to deal with a State debt accumulated over the last 10 years of mismanagement and waste from the previous Labor Government.”
Mr Nicholls said from noon today until Monday, May 19, a $6 million advertising campaign would run throughout the State on television, radio, in print and online.
This would be combined with shopping centre information booths to encourage Queenslanders to make a submission to the Queensland Budget through the People’s Budget tool.
“The People’s Budget is another way we’re gathering feedback from across the State, along with the community forums, Virtual Town Hall meetings and round tables with community leaders, which I’ll continue to hold in cities and towns around Queensland in coming weeks,” he said.
“Queenslanders can go online at or visit a local shopping centre information booth in coming weeks to use the People’s Budget tool and make a submission.
“Additionally, registrations for community and online forums are still open for people who would like to take part. Register at www.treasury.qld.gov.au/communityforums”
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The Electrical Trades Union claimed today it had received “hundreds of reports from members and Not4Sale supporters” stating they had either been unable to register or had failed to win the “consultation lotto” just days out from the State Government’s consultation meetings.
ETU State Secretary Peter Simpson said the government-controlled processes were failing ordinary Queenslanders.
“First we had the hide and seek tour where he spoke to his mates in secret locations, now it’s the lotto tour, roll up roll up and no one gets a prize and to cap it off only the broad results will be published from his $6 million con job advertising and push poll,” he said.
“End the sham… have a referendum now, let the people speak.”
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