The Morrison LNP Government’s GST changes could see almost $1 billion ripped out of Queensland’s roads, schools and hospitals in just one year.
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui today said that the LNP’s attempts to change the GST would devastate frontline services in Cairns.
“All we want is Queensland’s fair share but instead we’re getting Canberra’s cuts,” Ms Lui said.
“Less GST for Queensland could mean cutting 158 teachers, 158 nurses, 95 police officers and 36 firefighters in Cairns alone.
“It would mean less money for our local roads, schools and hospitals.
“I know that our community won’t stand for that. We deserve the same frontline services as people in Sydney or Canberra.
“Unfortunately, Warren Entsch has been completely silent on this issue. Does he really think that Queensland should be dudded?
“It’s clear he is just Scott Morrison’s voice in Cairns not our voice in Canberra.
“GST is meant to be distributed fairly to ensure all Australians have access to high quality services – regardless of where they live.
“But as Australia’s most decentralised State it’s clear that under the changes regional Queenslanders would be at a disadvantage.
“Politicians from Sydney and Canberra don’t understand Cairns, they don’t understand Queensland.
“All we want is the Federal Government to guarantee in legislation that Queensland will not be worse off under this proposal.
“I’m calling on Warren Entsch to do his job and stand up to Scott Morrison and tell him that we won’t stand for any more of his government’s cuts.”
Treasurers from around Australia met in Melbourne yesterday where the Federal Government made it clear they would try and force through legislation to change the GST distribution.
Modelling by the Victorian Government has shown that Queensland could stand to lose up to $1 billion in one year if Western Australia experiences another mining boom.
ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT: Cooke Electorate Office – 4223 1100
