Virtual town hall gives more a say on Strong Choices

Treasurer Tim Nicholls has urged Queenslanders to make use of the virtual town hall option to take part in the discussion on the Strong Choices facing the Government to pay down debt and fund the roads, rail, hospitals and schools a growing state needs.

More than 8,000 Queenslanders from the Darling Downs, Central West, South West and Fitzroy participated last night in the first Strong Choices virtual town hall meeting.

“The virtual town hall brought together people from all walks of life to have their say on how to tackle the $80 billion debt and $4 billion yearly interest bill,” Mr Nicholls said.

“The Government faces three choices – significantly increased taxes, reduced services or the sale or lease of some assets – and last night’s teleconference was a great way to discuss those choices with even more Queenslanders,” Mr Nicholls said.

“I fielded questions on the Queensland debt from miners, mothers, cattle station owners and pensioners to small rural business people and many more.

“It was clear people welcomed the opportunity to participate in the discussion the Government is having with Queenslanders and that people care about the challenge we are facing.

“Phone numbers were selected at random across the regions and people were advised via radio and print advertising to expect the call last night in their region or city.

“We did have a late start due to a minor technical glitch but that didn’t stop people from having their say for more than an hour and a half.

“Next week, people in Gladstone, Hervey Bay and Mt Isa will have the opportunity to participate when the virtual town hall comes to their area.

“I’m also back on the road and had face to face meetings with community leaders in Mackay and Rockhampton today and tomorrow I’ll be holding public forums in Kingaroy and Highfields near Toowoomba.

“The Strong Choices campaign has attracted more than 130,000 unique website visits and almost 29,000 completed submissions so there’s no doubt Queenslanders want to have their say on these important choices.”

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

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. 

[ENDS] 29 April 2014

 Media Contact: Treasurer’s Office 07 3719 7200