Virtual town hall teleconferences widen debt discussion

The first of four Strong Choices virtual town hall teleconferences will get underway this evening with residents of the Western Queensland and Darling Downs (see note) invited to take part.

Treasurer Tim Nicholls said the four teleconferences would give thousands of Queenslanders throughout the far reaches of the State an opportunity to participate in the Strong Choices discussion on paying down debt and funding future roads, hospitals and schools.

“We want to ensure that every Queenslander who wants to take part in this once in a generation challenge has the opportunity to do so,” Mr Nicholls said

“This is a challenge which affects us all regardless of where in the state we live.

“Our $80 billion accumulated debt with an interest bill of $4 billion a year is holding us back.

“Queensland is on the cusp of strong growth but we can’t seize the opportunities that growth presents while we have such a massive interest bill.

“The teleconferences are an innovative approach to consultation which makes it easy for people to just pick up the phone when it rings on a designated night and opt in or out.

“After brief instructions and using the telephone key pad people can indicate when they would like to ask me a question, just like being in person at a community hall and putting their hand up for the mic.

“Phone numbers will be chosen at random in selected regions.

“These Strong Choices teleconferences, in conjunction with the interactive People’s Budget website tool, the community forums, the shopping centre booths and advertising, represent unprecedented community consultation for an unprecedented challenge.”

The four Virtual Town Hall Teleconferences will occur at 6pm for:

• Western Queensland and Darling Downs on Monday 28 April
• Gladstone on Monday 5 May
• Hervey Bay on Tuesday 6 May
• Mt Isa on Wednesday 7 May

Queenslanders can go online at www.StrongChoices.qld.gov.au or visit a local shopping centre information booth to use the People’s Budget tool and make a submission. 

Registrations for community forums are still open for people who would like to take part. Register at www.treasury.qld.gov.au/communityforums.

[ENDS] 28 April 2014       

Media Contact: Treasurer’s Office 07 3719 7200 

Note: Regions are defined by the boundaries used by the ABS to designate statistical regions.