Full house for first Brisbane Strong Choices Community Forum

Treasurer Tim Nicholls is expecting a full house at Brisbane’s first Strong Choices Community Forum tomorrow in Mount Gravatt, with locals seizing the opportunity to join the conversation on securing Queensland’s future.

Mr Nicholls said he was looking forward to lively debate and discussion at the forums, which are another way Queenslanders can have their say about the best way to address the State’s $80 billion debt issue.

“We want to hear from Queenslanders from every walk of life about their priorities and how they would like us to tackle the big debt and interest problem,” Mr Nicholls said.

“In just 24 hours after its launch, the Strong Choices website saw over 45,000 visitors, and with more than 80 per cent of these people participating in the People’s Budget submission it’s clear that Queenslanders are keen to get involved and have their views on future priorities heard.

“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 ten years of mismanagement and waste from the previous Labor Government. 

“To pay down debt, Queenslanders face three choices – significantly increased taxes, reduced services or the sale or lease of some assets. 

“Right now, the yearly $4 billion interest bill we pay to banks and overseas interests is dead money.” 

Mr Nicholls said an automated ballot process had been used to allocate tickets to the event, which was over-subscribed, with priority given to representatives from the immediate area.

“These community forums are an opportunity for locals to ask questions and give us their feedback, which is why the registration and ballot process ensures preference is given to local people, businesses and community groups,” he said.

Queenslanders can get involved, learn more and have their say on the Strong Choices the State faces in a number of different ways including:

o   Making a submission via the People’s Budget Interactive Tool online www.StrongChoices.qld.gov.au.

o   Registering for a community forum or a town hall teleconference at www.treasury.qld.gov.au.

o   Visiting an information booth at your local shopping centre.

[Ends] 14 April 2014                                                

Media Contact: Anna Hilton 0408 191 192