Thousands of Queenslanders have a say on Strong Choices in Virtual Town Halls

Thousands of Queenslanders are taking part in virtual town halls to discuss the Strong Choices the Government faces to pay down debt and fund the roads, rail, hospitals and schools a growing state needs.

Treasurer Tim Nicholls said more than 2,000 Queenslanders in Gladstone and the surrounding area had their say last night for more than an hour in the second 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.

“I had a lively discussion with people in the Gladstone area including pensioners, small business owners, students, community workers, employees of the Port, tradespeople and many more.

“People voiced a wide range of ideas and concerns, from more Government accountability for spending, improving the management of state-owned assets and how roads are upgraded, to funding for public housing and how spending is distributed across Queensland.

“It was clear the people of Gladstone welcomed the opportunity to participate from the comfort from their own homes and that they feel passionately about the strong choices we need to make. It was a welcome and constructive conversation.”

People who had registered to take part in the virtual town hall, as well as phone numbers selected at random were phoned across the regions last night, with people advised via radio and print advertising to expect a call in their region or city.

Later this week, people in the Wide Bay area and Mount Isa will have their turn to speak directly to the Treasurer when the virtual town hall comes to their area.

“I’ll also be back on the road with community forums this week, starting with North Lakes on Thursday night and continuing on to Townsville next week with meetings in Cairns and Logan to come,” Mr Nicholls said.

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

All Queenslanders can also make their voice heard by using the interactive People’s Budget website tool at www.StrongChoices.qld.gov.auor visit a local shopping centre information booth to use the People’s Budget tool and make a submission. 

[ENDS] 6 May 2014

Media contact: Anna Hilton 0408 191 192