![\"Tarong](\"http:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/09\/powerstations.jpg\" "\\"Tarong")
<\/a>April 30, 2013<\/strong><\/p>\n The State Government has announced it will investigate selling off Stanwell, operators of the Tarong Power stations and Meandu Mine.<\/p>\n The government today released its response to the Independent Commission of Audit\u2019s Final Report.<\/p>\n Treasurer Tim Nicholls tabled in Parliament both the Commission\u2019s Final Report and the government\u2019s response to the report\u2019s 155 recommendations.<\/p>\n Mr Nicholls said the Commission of Audit had provided the State Government with a blueprint to meet the fiscal and economic challenges facing Queensland.<\/p>\n \u201cThe report makes it very clear that business as usual is not an option if we want to repair Queensland\u2019s parlous fiscal position,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Commission of Audit\u2019s modelling shows us that the economic growth rate over the next 40 years will be significantly lower than it has been over the last 25 years.<\/p>\n \u201cAt the same time the government is facing a growing demand for services with limited options for raising additional revenue.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is an issue that we must confront now if we are going to provide future generations with the same great opportunities we have enjoyed in the past here in Queensland.\u201d<\/p>\n Of the 155 recommendations made by the Independent Commission of Audit, the State Government has proposed to adopt 118 outright. A further 13 are noted, six not accepted and the remainder are “under consideration”.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Final Report makes recommendations on the sale of government businesses, but the government\u2019s position remains unchanged,\u201d Mr Nicholls said.<\/p>\n \u201cAn open and informed debate is required and the government will not sell these businesses without a mandate from the people of Queensland.”<\/p>\n Mr Nicholls said the government had ruled out selling off government-owned electricity transmission businesses.<\/p>\n \u201cHowever we will be investigating the possibility of divesting other businesses, including Stanwell, CS Energy, QIC, the Port of Gladstone and the Port of Townsville,” he said.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cUnlike the previous Bligh-Fraser Labor Government, which embarked on a fire sale of assets, the Newman Government will be guided by what is in the best interest of Queenslanders in any future decision.\u201d<\/p>\n Mr Nicholls said the report was about much more than government ownership, with only five of the Final Report\u2019s recommendations relating to the sale of government businesses.<\/p>\n He said the only way the government could expand and improve frontline services for Queenslanders was to fundamentally change the way services are delivered.<\/p>\n \u201cThe report recommends the government continue to provide core services such as policing, public safety, emergency and justice services,\u201d Mr Nicholls said.<\/p>\n \u201cIt also recommends the government work more closely with non-government providers to find the best and most cost-effective way to deliver other social services without compromising quality or service.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are Queenslanders who aren\u2019t getting the services they need because for decades the government hasn\u2019t changed the way it does business.<\/p>\n \u201cWe need to ensure that quality services are provided by the most efficient and effective provider, whether that is government or non-government.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Final Report also makes recommendations on changes to the way the public service is structured, organised and managed to be more flexible, responsive and efficient in supporting service delivery in a modern 21st century economy.<\/p>\n \u201cOur goal is to make Queensland\u2019s Public Service the best in all of Australia.<\/p>\n \u201cThe government\u2019s response is a plan for better services for Queenslanders, a better public service and restoring Queensland\u2019s financial health.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s about making Queensland the best State in Australia and about making this the best government in Australia.\u201d<\/p>\n Mr Nicholls said the State Government and its members wanted the people of Queensland to join with them and take part in the significant reform journey ahead.<\/p>\n \u201cIt will increase productivity, deliver better services and make sure Queensland is a Great State with Great Opportunity,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Download the Commission of Audit Report: Related articles:<\/strong><\/p>\n State Government has announced it will investigate selling Stanwell, operators of the Tarong power stations <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20,"featured_media":12086,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[5,3],"tags":[34],"yoast_head":"\n<\/a>
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