Queensland Competition Authority releases industry assistance report

Published Friday, 07 August, 2015 at 05:57 PM

Treasurer, Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships
The Honourable Curtis Pitt

The Queensland Competition Authority has released its final report into industry assistance in Queensland.

Treasurer Curtis Pitt said the State Government would now consider the report and its recommendations.

However, Mr Pitt has ruled out scrapping a wide range of assistance measures that promote economic uplift, particularly in regional Queensland.

“The policy direction favoured by the former LNP Government will not be pursued by the Palaszczuk Government,” he said.

“The State Government clearly has a role to play in helping to facilitate jobs, growth and investment through targeted industry assistance.

“We have no intention of implementing any recommendations in the report that would stifle growth opportunities or leave regional Queensland worse off.”

Mr Pitt said the State Government would continue its drought assistance programs as required to help alleviate hardship for thousands of Queenslanders.

“Drought assistance is an economic lifeline for our farmers and primary producers, and we’ll keep our existing programs in place as large parts of the State remain drought-affected,” he said.

“The longstanding Uniform Tariff Policy will also remain in place, ensuring regional Queenslanders pay the same amount for electricity as residents in the south east.

“The existing cap on workers’ compensation premiums will also stay, to ensure the costs paid by businesses are fair and reasonable.

“We’re also continuing with the Great Start Grant that supports our construction industry and ensures first home buyers get a helping hand into the housing market. “

Mr Pitt said the Palaszczuk Government was proud to be providing vital industry assistance for drought-affected farmers in regional Queensland.

“Farmers in Banana Shire, Gladstone, the Fraser Coast, Bundaberg, North Burnett and Gympie have recently been given a reprieve on their Ergon Energy bills,” he said.

“Ergon has waived the fixed charge component of electricity bills for more than 1,500 accounts for farmers since April 30.

“This is yet another sign that the Palaszczuk Government is delivering for rural and regional Queensland.

“Our regions are the engine room for economic growth and we’ll continue to promote growth and jobs in communities throughout Queensland.”

To view the QCA Final Report in Industry Assistance in Queensland, go to www.qca.org.au

Media contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548