Mulherin fails Mackay

Labor MP Tim Mulherin was failing his electorate of Mackay by rejecting plans for the city to host the first summit under the Newman Government’s Queensland Plan initiative, Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney said today.

 “I can’t believe the Member for Mackay wanted the first Queensland Plan summit to be held in Brisbane rather than his home town,” Mr Seeney said.

“Major events, conferences and summits provide a substantial economic boost to businesses in the towns and cities in which they are held, yet bizarrely Tim Mulherin doesn’t want those benefits for Mackay.

“I doubt any other community leaders within the Mackay region would share the Member for Mackay’s view that their city should not host this major conference.”

Mr Seeney said The Queensland Plan process would involve Queenslanders across the length and breadth of the State contributing their thoughts and ideas on the state’s future path.

“This is an inclusive, positive process yet Labor’s immediate response is to decry it, in Mr Mulherin’s case to the detriment of his city,” he said.

“It shows just how out of touch Labor remains. They stopped hearing Queenslanders years ago and Queenslanders stopped listening to them.

“Under the Beattie and Bligh Governments, Labor ignored the regions and Tim Mulherin’s comments show nothing’s changed now that they are in Opposition.

“Unlike Labor, the LNP is governing for all of the state and we want to hear from everyone in Queensland - from Coolangatta to the Cape - as we put together a plan for Queensland’s future.”

[ENDS] 26 February 2013

Media Contact: Deputy Premier's Office - 3224 4600