January 29, 2015
South Burnett Online invited each of the candidates in our two electorates – Nanango and Callide – to explain in their own words why we should vote for them at Saturday’s State election.
Here are their replies (published in ballot paper order):
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Nanango
- Love, Dean (Independent)
- Frecklington, Deb (LNP) – Sitting Member
- Ford, Jason (Palmer United Party)
- Newson, Grant (The Greens)
- Hollens-Riley, Liz (Australian Labor Party)
- Hopper, Ray (Katter’s Australian Party)
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Dean Love – Independent
“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” – Albert Einstein
At the last election there was a landslide swing to the LNP because the ALP had failed us. Now the LNP appear to have failed us and there is a mood to swing back to the ALP. But why persist in this insanity when there is another choice that doesn’t involve the lesser of two evils?
I’m Dean Love and I’m asking you to consider voting for me as an Independent. I have no corporate-subsidised campaign funds, no team of lawyers and no slick PR machine but as an independent, party politics and faceless men will not bind me. I will be free to vote on legislation and policy according to its merits. Whether it is from the Left or the Right side of the House.
I feel like the wolves have been at our door for decades. It seems that “the rich get richer and the poor get the picture” (Midnight Oil).
Well I for one am sick of watching the socio-economic disadvantage in our region go unchecked by parties that seem more concerned about the big end of town. So I’m making a stand against the wolves.
If I were elected I would:
- Pursue legislation that would hold politicians accountable for the things they promise to do and the things they promise not do. I would pursue a reduction in the wages of politicians.
- I would seek to repeal the legislation that has compromised the rights of Queenslanders.
- I would also seek to re-instate the funding for community services in the region and pursue greater funding for more mental health services in rural Queensland.
- I would also seek to create evidenced based criteria for policy development. Meaning that before a government could pass any legislation or introduce any policy they would need to provide the evidence to the people that proves this would be a good thing for the Queensland people.
- I would seek to create tax breaks and remove the red tape to small business in rural areas in order to boost the micro economies of small towns and regions.
But there is so much more to be done and I can’t do that if at the polling booth we all practice business as usual.
So at this election if you’re tired of the parties then you have an alternative. I do not pretend to have all the answers. I am just a little country mouse struggling to keep my family comfortable.
But I do believe I have the qualities needed to “stand against the wolves”.
At this election restore your democratic rights and vote for your Independent. The parties will never know what hit them.
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Deb Frecklington – LNP
Firstly, I wanted to thank you for putting you faith in me three years ago to represent you as the Member for Nanango.
This role is so rewarding and I have thoroughly enjoyed helping our community achieve so much. But there is so much more I want to do and that’s why I’m hoping you’ll support me again at this election.
And I’m really optimistic about the South Burnett. We have an amazingly diverse economy, with a strong agricultural sector, resource industry, innovative local businesspeople and beautiful tourist destinations. I’ve made it my goal to put our region back on the map – here’s just a few of the fantastic achievements we’ve had over the past three years:
- Improved local health services – We now have a rural generalist surgeon at Kingaroy Hospital, which means people don’t have the stress of having to travel away for general operations. The Kingaroy Dental Hospital waiting times have been reduced, and we’ve doubled the Patient Transport Subsidy Scheme.
- Small business now pays less for Workcover – Our LNP Government has reduced the average Workcover premium by up to 17 per cent, meaning Queensland now has the lowest average premiums, with the strongest safety net for workers in Australia.
- We have much-needed infrastructure – Like a new overtaking lane between Nanango and Yarraman, and $10 million to upgrade the Kingaroy Water Treatment Plant.
- Support for community groups – More than $10 million injected into local community groups like the Kingaroy Junior Speedway, South Burnett Little Athletics, Kingaroy Netball and Kumbia CWA.
- We have a better supported agriculture sector – The LNP’s commitment to our farm communities meant that one of our first actions was to reinstate a dedicated Department of Agriculture.
And I am very pleased that several more key changes have been made including:
- Introducing common sense vegetation laws which give farmers back their rights to manage their own vegetation
- New rolling leases for leaseholders giving greater security of tenure for graziers
- Forming an “Agriculture Energy Council” to tackle the issue of electricity costs in the ag sector
- Renewed support for agricultural research
If Labor should win, or happen to fall over the line with the help of minor parties and independents, agriculture will seriously suffer, because it is highly likely they would scrap the Department of Agriculture and we also know they will repeal the Vegetation Laws.
So what is the LNP’s plan for an even Stronger Queensland? The LNP has some great new initiatives as part of our strong plan for Queenslanders including:
- Rewarding safe young drivers – We’ll provide a free, three-year driver’s licence to every young driver under 25 years who doesn’t incur a demerit point or commit a traffic offence in their first three years.
- $20 million Drive Tourism Roads Package – Providing new and upgraded rest areas, new directional signage and road safety upgrades along our key drive tourism routes.
- More doctors and nurses – We’ll provide an additional 2650 doctors, nurses and frontline health staff across Queensland. It’s our aim to continue to reduce waiting lists, and get people their surgery on time.
- Doubling the apprenticeship pledge – The Queensland Apprenticeship Pledge provides employers with up to $6000 for each additional apprentice they take on. We’re going to double our commitment to 12,000 apprentices, to give even more young Queenslanders the skills and training they need to succeed, while helping business employ the people needed to expand and grow.
- Addressing mental health in the South Burnett – Locally, one of my major goals, if re-elected, is to secure funding for a South Burnett Clubhouse to provide people struggling with mental illness with a chance to reconnect with the community. This is a passion of mine – to provide better mental health services for people in regional communities. And the Kingaroy Clubhouse will do just that – this model of care has a proven track record providing a clinical intervention service that assists people who experience mental ill health.
I am extremely proud of what we have done so far and I will continue to be a strong voice, looking out for opportunities to help our region advance. Only the LNP Government is supporting people who want to live, work and raise their families in regional areas. I hope that you will put your faith in myself and the LNP to continue our hard work in helping to make the Nanango Electorate even stronger.
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Jason Ford – Palmer United Party
I live and work in the Nanango Electorate. My wife is a local and both of our children were born in the region.
After working as a qualified chef, I studied for a teaching degree and have been a full-time teacher with TAFE for 15 years, delivering training to every corner of the electorate. I’m a food columnist for various newspapers and a published author.
I believe that government exists to serve society, and not their own vested interests. I also hold the opinion that we need less political ideology and more innovative and courageous ideas
I joined Palmer United because service to the community is the party’s most fundamental principle.
Palmer United is a party of diversity where like-minded people from all walks of life and disaffected political persuasion have joined together to force change within the political landscape.
The Nanango electorate powers the engine that drives the Queensland economy.
Electricity generation, mining, water distribution, and the agricultural food supply flows from our region and provides the State’s East Coast with the most essential of services.
Yet regionally, the cost of living, electricity, water and fuel have increased under the LNP. So has unemployment.
Palmer United supports the uptake of solar, and will restructure the power industry to reduce the cost of electricity. The current government doesn’t want to do this, because the more they charge you for electricity, the more valuable the power assets are ahead of their plans to sell them.
PUP will abolish payroll tax, to encourage businesses to set up home in Queensland with the confidence to employ more workers and therefore supercharging our economy.
A Palmer United government would provide young Queenslanders with a First Farm Owners Grant, similar to a First Home Owners Grant.
Funds would be made available to provide reduced interest loans for the first five years to assist in setting up a viable farming business.
Zonal taxation would be reintroduced, with adjusted tax to reward people who chose to live further inland. This would provide incentives for nurses, teachers and medical specialists to live in rural and regional communities for the long term.
Creative policies such as these will create a State where all Australians want to live, work and conduct business.
It will stimulate the economy to fund our schools, hospitals and the front line services we all need.
Successive ALP and LNP governments have ignored our region; they only seem to care about Brisbane.
Both major parties have been obsessed with selling our State assets, even though everyone is pleading with them not to.
I don’t want my children to find the cupboard empty next time there is some kind of economic crisis. It has taken 150 years of hard work and sacrifice of countless generations to accumulate our assets, and now the Newman government just wants to flog them off for short- term gain.
The major parties have derailed our state. Board the PUP train for a better alternative and Vote 1 for me and the Palmer United Party.
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Grant Newson – The Greens
It’s the big question everybody keeps asking, “Why should I vote for The Greens?”
The Greens have been expanding their policies and have an ever-increasing number of representatives in Parliament.
Queensland has been dragged back 30 years with the current draconian dictatorship we have. Bring it back to the 21st century.
- Sale of our assets – No. All Greens’ campaign incentives and aims are fully costed and funded without selling the farm.
- Full support for the Coopers Gap Wind farm project.
- Return of the solar incentives for all Queenslanders. $30 million in low-interest loans for households and $40 million in grants programs for social housing, low-income households and charities. This would encourage a jobs market in that industry.
- The Stage 3 expansion of New Hope at Acland – No.
- An open cut coal mine on the outskirts of Kingaroy on the old Cougar Energy site – No.
- Return the rights allowing people to object to having a mining or gas industry in their back yard.
- VLAD (wrongly called bikie laws) – Repeal them. Gone!
- The continual water wastage and contamination caused by CSG and mining activities needs to cease. We aim to place a guarantee on water supply for all, making sure it is clean, unpolluted and available for future generations.
- Target the ever-growing problem with rural mental health issues. Public hospitals are in need of massive refurbishments. Support for all services including extra help for aged & disabled along with their carers.
Do you want a blue dictatorship-style party who is owned and operated by big corporates and mining companies again? They have crossed the Separation of Powers boundaries and rigged the judicial system. They have taken away your freedom and rights, sacked thousands of hard-working Queenslanders, closed schools (with more cuts to come) and are a slave to the coal industry.
They condone being arrested for having a beer with your mates or wearing a funny T-Shirt? Who will they arrest next?
Or do you want a red party who Queensland kicked out decisively last election? They will return back to their old ways again. You know they will.
Do you want a yellow minor party who owns and operates fossil fuel industries, has a one-page policy and will govern only to benefit himself? Even their own party members bailed on this sinking ship.
Do you want a big hat party whose candidate cannot decide which electorate or party he likes each season? There is no hope for the future of Queensland if this happens.
How about a representative that lives in the electorate, works here and will be a voice wholly and solely for you. Not owned and paid for by multi-millionaires or be their Rupert-puppet.
I aim to return your freedom and rights, work with local Councils, community groups and local services to return some dignity, lower your cost of living and give hope for the future.
Put Greens #1 and Independent #2 and number the remaining rabble as you deem fit. But put the LNP last, that’s where they put you.
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Liz Hollens-Riley – Australian Labor Party
I genuinely believe that under the leadership of Annastacia Palaszczuk, the party can govern this State in a fair and transparent manner with proper representation of the people.
Pressure from members at the grassroots level has brought about changes within Queensland Labor.
I want people to be inspired by our policies and motivated by their local member and State leader and to become positively involved in politics. I don’t agree with everything the party’s ever done, but ousting this destructive LNP government is my priority at a time when I see people in the community having their future jeopardised by economic vandalism.
As your local State Member, I will represent all areas within the Nanango electorate.
My first job will be to apply for a percentage of the $4 million Business Development Fund to combat rising unemployment and create local jobs. By accelerating employment we will revitalise the Nanango electorate’s economy.
I will then look to boosting staffing levels at our hospitals, TAFEs, schools and our emergency services.
I shall apply for more funding for a reliable public transport link to Brisbane and Toowoomba, giving the area access to the Brisbane West Airport.
This electorate has traditionally been a National Party stronghold. This is no longer the case.
The demographic has shifted over time and now a more socially inclusive approach is needed to cater for a number of areas including our ageing population; mental health services and the young who are forced to leave home to find employment. These are just some of the local issues that need addressing.
I believe in protecting our environment and keeping our rural areas functioning by supporting farmers and other regional industries. We need to stand up and fight for our communities and maintain our liveable areas.
I have worked as a Risk Control Officer in the mining sector and have first-hand experience as a fly-in fly-out worker. We all know the pressures this can place on family life.
Unfortunately the availability of local jobs in rural communities is limited. We want viable communities across the State and we know how vital it is for Queenslanders to have access to secure jobs wherever they live.
I understand the continuing need for industry training and the importance of Technology and Further Education Centres. With a Labor government, students will have better access to jobs guidance and counselling services.
I have been encouraged by the support extended to me by the electors. I will work hard for them as their Member and I am passionate about the job. I will do my very best to deliver a FairGo4Nanango.
Thank you.
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Ray Hopper – Katter’s Australian Party
Having lived in the Nanango electorate most of my life it is great to be back at home.
I was schooled in this electorate, as were my children who are actually the 4th generation Hoppers to attend the Cooranga North State School.
For 20 years I owned and operated a dairy farm in this electorate where I witnessed the disaster of dairy industry deregulation.
When politicians are free to make such disastrous decisions I decided there needed to be real people in government with real experience to challenge them. This propelled me into government and for the past five terms I have represented the seat of Darling Downs and Condamine in State Parliament.
My wife, Jen, and I purchased a grazing property at Harlin near Kilcoy in the Electorate of Nanango where we live and with your support I will continue to fight.
The dictatorial-style leadership of Newman and broken promises made in the previous State Election forced me to leave the LNP.
At that election I went to 32,000 voters along with the leaders of the LNP promising Acland Stage 3 would not go ahead if the LNP were voted in. At the same time they promised to protect prime agricultural land.
Wthin months of their landslide victory, the LNP not only broke both those promises but closed rural State schools, sacked frontline health workers and sold off land belonging to Agricultural Colleges in the electorate.
I had no choice but to fall on my sword. I will not lie to my voters.
The demise of the National Party in the midst of its merger with the Liberal Party has seen a steady eroding of the rights of landholders in favour of big business, particularly mining.
Katter’s Australian Party is a voice that will be heard and represent ordinary people like us. This election is about the KAP obtaining the balance of power so I can protect the things that are important to you.
I will immediately stop the sale of assets, your assets. I will reverse the decision on Stage 3 of Acland coal mine.
I am sick of the way the LNP look after their big mates in mining, banking and electricity providers.
My most exciting policy is to roll the QRAA (Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority) into a State Bank. This will be a not-for-profit bank where farmers and small business can borrow money as low as 3 per cent. That is how you grow an economy and create jobs.
We need to create hope and opportunity in this electorate and look after those with mental health issues and children with special needs.
The big parties have buying power so I ask for your vote on Saturday. Please don’t throw this chance away to bring balance to government.
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Callide
- Higginson, Michael (Independent)
- Bjelke-Petersen, John (Palmer United Party)
- Scott, Duncan (Independent)
- Ensby, Steve (Independent)
- Seeney, Jeff (LNP) – Sitting Member
- Martin, Graeme (Australian Labor Party)
- Schulz, Erich (The Greens)
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Michael Higginson – Independent
G’day everyone. The reason I am standing for election as your representative in Callide is because I believe our party political system is broken.
All our problems stem from that. We need to fix it. The only people who can do that are Independents.
I have never met an adult who hasn’t said to me “oh, all politicians are the same”. That is a sad reflection on the truth. However, I believe what they mean in full is “party politicians”.
My aim is to truly represent the people and I am running on the principle: “make no promises you cannot keep, tell no lies”. I come with clean hands and no political baggage. I owe no favours.
My name is Michael Higginson. I am Number One on the ballot paper for Callide. I am 66 years of age, married with three adult children. I am a former Infantry Training Officer and Intelligence Officer having served in the CMF and later Army Reserve from 1968-1978 with a short break in between.
I am a member of my local RSL Branch here in Gayndah and I have had 35 years experience in tourism, mainly in the backpackers industry.
I believe we need to remove political correctness in all its forms. We are losing our right to freedom of speech and it stifles proper debate on every single topic and issue. We need to be able to call a spade a spade.
Secondly, Independents are the cornerstone of our democracy. We need more good people to run as Independents. I’d rather be a servant of the people, than a puppet to a party.
Thirdly, rural towns need our help. They are shrinking all over Queensland and Australia.
We are selling out all that is meaningful in a “smash and grab” mentality inherent in the party political process. Mines don’t solve this – they come and they go, destroying the landscape and even the seascape.
We need to become sustainable in food production and support our farmers or we will end up feeding China and India and our people will starve.
I was born in Perth, have lived in every capital city in Australia, many provincial cities and many towns.
I know what is going on. My wife Maria and I have successfully and co-operatively co-parented our children whilst living apart for the last 22 years. This gives me huge insight into the issues facing real families in distress and living on bare minimums
There are many issues facing everyday Australians and everyday Queenslanders are no different really in the challenges as a people we all face.
I have been a Queenslander since 1979.
We must clean up the party political system which relies entirely on donations from self-interest groups, be they unions or corporations or wealthy individuals. Independents beholden to no one but the people in their electorates can reach consensus and will make a difference at this election. Mark my words.
As part of my approach I have co-ordinated a large swag of Independents from across Queensland onto an All Queensland Independents website. We are using electronic media to get our individual messages out there.
Do take a look at www.independentsqueensland.com. It will give you great confidence that not only will we accept power at this Election but we will be able to govern effectively, changing Australia politics forever. The remainder of Australia will follow.
Finally (and I have never asked before), may I have your vote? Higginson, first name on the ballot paper, mark Number One. Do what you will with the rest and may this election breathe some real fresh air into Queensland!
Thank you.
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John Bjelke-Petersen – Palmer United Party
I am standing for the Palmer United Party in the Callide electorate because I feel let down by both previous governments.
I am opposed to the sale of any assets and I don’t like being told you can have this in your electorate IF you vote for us and IF you agree we can sell the assets to pay for it.
What about our children and our grandchildren’s future? Everywhere I have travelled people are telling me they don’t want their assets sold – PUP won’t let that happen.
As a farmer and small business operator I know the difficulties of natural disasters such as flood and droughts. When living in Central Queensland I knew only too well the ravages of floods. Applying for grants and assistance in these situations should be made more straight forward instead of the red tape making it difficult.
We’ve been told red tape has been cut. Where? I don’t see any improvement in my businesses from any such cuts. Any improvements I see are from working longer and harder hours.
In the last three years I haven’t seen agriculture become one of the pillars of the economy. There is no change. Young people are not coming back on the farms – they can’t afford to.
Palmer United will introduce the “First Farm Buyer” grant to give young farmers the incentive and assistance needed to boost our agriculture production. We need these young people managing our farms.
As a father of four adult sons I fear that none of them will ever be able to afford to move back on the land and make ends meet.
Our young daughter is about to start her educational journey. I worry about her future job opportunities and what sort of State she will grow up in if all of our assets have been sold years before to foreign investors. I worry that she won’t be able to enjoy living on a farm, to drink fresh water and eat Australian-grown food.
These things have motivated me to put my hand up for the Callide electorate.
Safety and food security is needed. A PUP team will commit that CSG is halted until latest technologies from around the world are in place to ensure our water is safe from contamination and our rural sector is protected for the future.
There needs to be an independent monitoring process put in place to monitor all bores within these leases.
Palmer United will abolish payroll tax to get our economy going. Businesses will move from interstate and this will have a flow on effect on the economy, creating more jobs.
I have always worked hard within my community, within my church, service organisations and charities such as Cancer Council Qld.
I know what political life is like, the hours it demands, that you need to be passionate about the area you live in. I am ready to serve the people of the Callide electorate.
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Duncan Scott – Independent
Firstly thank you to those who supported me last time. This is my fifth election, three federally for Flynn, and my second for Callide. All as an independent candidate.
I am concerned for my children’s and my local rural community’s future. Small rural communities are what built this nation.
Without a viable primary industry, then there is no secondary manufacturing industry or service providing tertiary industry. If my local community is losing its small business and services then there is a very high chance so is your’s. All of us can see, but most ignore, the trend of the rich getting richer, while the poor getting poorer.
Being from a small dairy farm family in the small community of Wowan, achieving goals with little money is a way of life. I am still living on the farm but working in the forest industry.
Currently the great State of Queensland has been humbled, with our annual expenses being greater than our income.
My gut feeling is that worse is to come with coal and ore revenue dropping. Maybe now is not the time to leave the decision-making to those with quick tongues and soft hands.
I aim to promise things that I can control. No forward estimates six years in advance to make figures look better. If we are serious about reducing our debt then our elected representatives must lead by example.
Instead of having flash offices in their own right, I propose moving into existing Queensland government buildings, like the DPI centre in Biloela or Forestry Building in Mundubbera. Saving rent and getting back to the feeling we are all working together, side-by-side for Queensland.
I know firsthand how the morale of Queensland Government agencies dropped during the job cuts.
With last year only earning $37,000, I also feel that I could live off a lot less than the current pay cheques which the State politicians receive. So I propose to accept only half of the current MLA salary, with remainder fortnightly going to a State School in alphabetical order, meaning my local school of Wowan would be one of the last to receive any benefits. Consulting with the school’s P & C committee on the most urgent needs.
There is a good chance if you are not hurting by the cost of living then you will do nothing about it. I know people will say it is a stunt because the chance of getting elected is very low, but being a farmer, former army reservist, and volunteer, it is in my nature. Ask those who know me well.
I hope to promote stronger local communities, with a do-it-ourselves attitude.
Our senior citizens are our greatest asset, while our children are our most vital asset. I still feel that as a general rule, small business is the best business.
I ask that everyone take a close look at all the candidates, not just the party name behind them. Make sure they are ready to lead by example.
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Steve Ensby – Independent
As we come closer to Election Day it is clear that integrity is the scarcest commodity of all in Queensland.
As allegations of multi-million dollar handshakes fly, as he Policy Aligned Independent for Callide, I confirm that I have stood firm on my policy of not accepting any political donations, no matter how tempting.
There can be no doubt that nearly all political donations of size, come with some level of appreciation or expectation, a wink and a nod so to speak.
There has been much talk about things like mass sackings, over accelerated mining, knee-jerk parliamentary reactions, deepening State debt and wasted opportunity, as there should be. Many in the community are now starting to question something far more concerning, the level of trust they have given to their local politician.
People have every right to be questioning the integrity of their elected officials, especially when they do not make good on their word.
Callide has borne the brunt of this disappointment with its elected official, the Hon Jeff Seeney MP.
“We must abandon the discredited level playing field concept” – Jeff Seeney MP, July 30, 1998 – maiden speech.
Still there is no local consumption policy for our own coal, gas and oil so that Queenslanders can benefit the most from their own resources.
“The key to that future is water” – Jeff Seeney MP, July 30, 1998 – maiden speech.
It is clear that the loosening of our states water and development laws, giving unfettered access to the great Artesian Basin was not for sustainable agriculture but rather for the draining of our aquifers for mining and CSG.
If elected again, Jeff Seeney MP’s approval for future mining projects could deplete this aquifer by as much as 1,354,000,000,000 litres of water, essentially leaving some towns and farms waterless.
“We will not accept that our future should be forfeited to powerful corporate giants” – Jeff Seeney MP, July 30, 1998 – maiden speech.
Not too long ago it would have been unimaginable that a conservative-valued government would embrace billion dollar support of an international mining company, especially one that intends to develop its own town complete with international fly-in fly-out workers.
“We will not accept that our families and our communities are expendable in the big picture politics of globalisation” – Jeff Seeney MP, July 30, 1998 – maiden speech.
How can it be that such good intentions have failed and died off to give way to corporate greed at any cost, even at the expense of our children’s health? Acland Stage 3 should never have been given permission to proceed.
Words are just ink on a page unless they are backed up with integrity and a commitment to the betterment of our community. We cannot risk the Palmer sideshow and whilst Callide remains an LNP safe-seat, our biggest resource will remain exportable minerals, not integrity, commitment or trust.
I will restore integrity to Queensland politics with a far-reaching Royal Commission and seek criminal prosecution for those who have betrayed our great State.
I cannot be bought and I will not sell out.
* * *
Jeff Seeney – LNP
I would ask that people consider my strong track record of delivering for the people of the South Burnett and Callide as they ponder how to vote on Saturday.
I respect that residents face serious decisions about the future of Queensland at this time and the government that is best to run it.
My record demonstrates I have delivered for country towns and country people.
Under the LNP, the South Burnett region over the past three years has received:
- More than $45 million in road, water and sewage infrastructure under the Royalties for the Regions program. A total of $15 million has been allocated to upgrade and seal the Monto-Mount Perry Road, $12 million for the Eidsvold-Theodore Road and $5.25 million for the D’Aguilar Highway. Kingaroy’s wastewater treatment plant has had a $10 million upgrade and Theodore’s plant has had a $2 million upgrade. A total of $2 million has also been provided to kick-start a great tourism initiative, the Kingaroy to Kilkivan rail trail.
- Freedom from the draconian Vegetation Management Act 1999 which was repealed giving landholders the freedom to carry out routine vegetation management without a permit and in accordance with self-assessable codes.
- Security of tenure for leasehold landowners, including graziers with forestry leases, and affordable pathways to freehold.
- Better health services as evidenced by hospital and dental waiting lists being slashed and hospitals improved at Biloela, Moura, Biggenden and Eidsvold and new medical practices opened at Theodore and Monto.
- Revitalised schools with autonomy for principals and better facilities through the government’s $300 million School Maintenance Backlog program.
- A stabilised State Budget position through reined-in government expenditure, waste cut and a path to fiscal surplus to be achieved in 2015-2016 – the first time a Queensland Government has achieved a fiscal surplus in more than 10 years.
There’s much more I would like to achieve for Callide.
A second term would deliver the $375 million upgrade of the regional road network to create an inland highway that will bring economic growth to all the communities along the Burnett Highway, like Nanango, Gayndah and Eidsvold.
It would also deliver $500 million more for the Royalties for the Regions program and many more upgrades to our regional infrastructure.
Some of the LNP’s top priorities for a second term in government include:
- Delivering a strong, long-term economic plan and creating 209,000 new jobs over six years
- Reducing State debt by $25 billion and saving taxpayers $1.3 billion in interest payments annually
- Providing 12,000 new apprenticeships
- Introducing Australia’s first ever Wait Time Guarantee – ensuring residents will receive the surgery they require on time, every time
- And lowering the cost of living for families by reducing electricity prices by $577 for an average household over the next five years.
I encourage you to vote 1 for the LNP on Saturday. Only the LNP has a fully costed strong plan for Queensland. As a senior Minister in government, I can deliver for the South Burnett and Callide.
Don’t risk your future by voting for minor parties or independents. A hung parliament with Labor flopping over the line through preferences from minor parties would only bring chaos in Queensland.
Country towns and country people need strong representation in government, so vote 1 and keep me as your local member and support the LNP.
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Graeme Martin – Australian Labor Party
Labor will not sell our State assets. If our assets are gone they will be gone forever.
All of the Campbell Newman’s promises are based on the sale of these assets. Labor has a plan to tackle debt and not sell State assets in a irresponsible way.
If our electricity assets are sold, our power prices will continue to increase. We have all seen power price increases go through the roof and the situation will only get worse. Victoria’s power prices were deliberately inflated in the late 90s to maximise their sale value prior to being sold.
Labor will work to reverse the damage done by the LNP in terms of frontline service cuts to the health system, including sacking 1800 nurses. Labor’s Nursing Guarantee will invest $110 million over four years to ensure patient safety and quality health care, as well as legislate to ensure nurse-to-patient ratios based on safety.
Labor also will kick-start the careers of 4000 graduate nurses over four years in Queensland public hospitals.
For regional areas, Labor will make sure we get a fairer share of State Government funding to reinvigorate towns and cities outside of South-East Queensland – for me this is good news. Labor’s plan will ensure that all local government areas outside south-east Queensland will have a fair chance to build the transport, flood mitigation and community infrastructure they desperately need.
In terms of agriculture, in partnership with the private sector in rural communities, Labor will establish a Rural Job Agency to match skilled workers with the employers who require them and simplify the process for rural employers to engage local workers for short periods. The Rural Job Agency will allow rural employers the option to directly employ its labour-hire workers on a permanent basis.
This will facilitate training pathways to assist rural workers to gain the skills that local country industry needs, including apprenticeships and other post-secondary qualifications.
Labor has a plan to revitalise the rural sector and country towns. Labor understands that Queensland’s rural communities have small populations that are dispersed across vast areas. It is often very difficult for employers to find the workers they need.
Labor will take the necessary steps to underpin the growth of vibrant, resilient and sustainable agriculture, food, forestry and fishing industries in Queensland.
The combined impact of all of Labor policies on the agricultural sector will be considerable. They will lead to a more competitive, more productive, more innovative and more forward-thinking food production industry.
Other specific measures to be undertaken by Labor Government include a plan for three government-sponsored
food and agriculture trade missions a year to help Queensland producers seize opportunities in Asia and the Middle East.
As your representative for Callide, I will never vote for the privitisation of our assets. I will stand up to anyone wanting to cut the frontline services we rely on.
Only Labor will save our assets and reverse the cuts made to essential frontline services.
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Erich Schulz – The Greens
I am a fourth generation Queenslander. I was born in Brisbane and grew up in Rockhampton, attending Rockhampton Grammar.
In my gap year I worked for a few months at the abattoir at Lakes Creek. After finishing medical school in Brisbane, I returned to Rockhampton to work my first two years as a junior hospital doctor at Rockhampton Base Hospital. I now work as an anaesthetist in Brisbane where I live with my wife and three children.
The Greens pay respects to Aboriginal elders past, present and emerging. As we move forward together we accept this always was, always will be, Aboriginal land. True reconciliation is based on mutual respect and understanding of history.
I am running for the Greens in Callide because I believe the people of Callide deserve the opportunity to vote for a party with integrity. At the last election over 800 people voted Green in Callide, and I am hoping even more will this time.
Many people are unhappy with the LNP government, but cannot vote Labor or vote to support a wealthy coal baron.
The Greens have been active in Queensland for 30 years, and have stood by their principles all that time. Although our vote continues to grow, few in Callide have been given the opportunity to find out what the Greens are really saying.
The Greens are a solid party with a positive vision for the future with a fair society and a diverse and healthy economy. All Greens policies are available at http://qld.greens.org.au.
Greens policy is based on integrity, respect for the law and good science.
Please have a read for yourself before believing what other people say about us.
If you are curious you are welcome to read more about me on my Facebook page.
The time is rapidly coming when the rest of the world will intervene to stop Queensland digging up its coal. The science is clear and world political machinery is slowly galvanising. The longer we wait to prepare for this transition the more expensive and damaging it will be.
So we must diversify the economy away from fossil fuels and put greater emphasis on agriculture, tourism, education and other sustainable industry.
Queensland has abundant sunshine and wide open spaces and should be leading the world in solar power. Yet both major parties happily accept multi-million dollar donations from the mining companies to advance coal mining.
Contrary to popular impressions, we support farmers producing our food and managing our natural resources.
The Greens have been consistent in respecting the rights of farmers to retain agricultural land for sustainable productive use. We have always been clear that our water is just too precious to frack.
You can trust the Greens to do what we say and stick to our principles. I urge you to make your vote count twice. Put Greens at number 1. This sends a signal to the LNP that you are not happy and want them to prepare Callide for a rapidly approaching future.
– Erich Schulz MBBS (UQ) MBA (QUT) FANZCA
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South Burnett Polling Booths
All polling booths will be open from 8:00am to 6:00pm on Saturday, January 31:
Callide Electorate
- Cherbourg Aboriginal Council Office, 22 Barambah Avenue
- Cloyna State School, 8 William Webber Road
- Durong Community Hall, 8940 Chinchilla Wondai Road
- Goomeri State School, 5 Munro Street
- Kilkivan State School, 6 Council Street
- Lower Wonga Hall, 7 Lower Wonga Road
- Mondure Community Hall, 12 McConnell Way
- Murgon PCYC Hall, 40 Macalister Street
- Proston State School, 94 Rodney Street
- Tansey Bowls Club, 28 Tansey Hall Road
- Tingoora State School, Main Street
- Wheatlands State School, Byee Road
- Widgee State School, 2156 Gympie-Woolooga Road
- Wondai QCWA Hall, 87 Mackenzie Street
- Woolooga State School, 23 Edwards Road
Nanango Electorate
- Blackbutt State School, Crofton Street
- Booie Hall, Booie Road
- Brooklands Rural Fire Brigade, Lord Street
- Coolabunia State School, cnr D’Aguilar Hwy and Mary Street
- Cooyar Public Hall
- Inverlaw Farmers Hall, 1136 Kingaroy-Burrandown Road
- Kingaroy Uniting Church Hall, Alford Street
- Kingaroy East – St John’s Lutheran School, 84 Ivy Street
- Kumbia State School, 22 Bell Street
- Maidenwell Hall, cnr Coomba Waterhole Rd & Poole St
- Nanango Sports Centre, Nanango State High School, 54 Elk Street
- Taabinga State School, Railway Terrace
- Wooroolin State School, 34 Frederick Street
- Yarraman State School, 17 John Street
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Proof Of Identity
Queensland voters must bring along some proof of identity when they vote at State elections.
Acceptable proofs of identity include:
- A current driver’s licence
- A current Australian passport
- A Commonwealth seniors health card, health care card, Medicare card, pensioner concession card or repatriation health card
- An adult proof of age card issued by the State
- A recent council rates notice, electricity account statement, gas account statement or water bill
- A recent account statement, current account card or current credit card issued by a financial institution
- A recent telephone bill or internet bill
- A recent Income Tax assessment notice
If someone is unable to provide Proof of Identity they may still be able to vote, but must first complete a declaration of their details at the polling booth.
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