LIBERALS AND NATIONALS TO CUT NORTH QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE

Natural Resources and Water Minister and Minister Assisting the Premier in North Queensland Craig Wallace today called on the Leader of the Opposition to “come clean” about their plot for public sector jobs and services in North Queensland.

“The Leader of the Opposition says he’s going to reduce the size of the public service,” Mr Wallace said.

“The Liberal and National Party don’t understand that our front line staff are vital to ensuring service for Queenslanders. They don’t realise that when you cut people – you cut services.

“Government services are not a plaything for the opposition to have fun mucking around with.

These front line staff and the services they provide are important to Queenslanders.”

Minister Wallace said the Natural Resources and Water front line staff in Townsville provided vital services for the local community.

“We have 106 NRW staff servicing the Townsville area, providing face to face services for local residents.

“Staff from land and vegetation services who ensure the sustainability of land and vegetation, through resource allocation and monitoring in the office and out on the field.

“Staff who provide indigenous services to increase Indigenous land ownership and access to land, participation in natural resource management, protection of Indigenous cultural heritage and Indigenous interests through negotiated and mediated outcomes.

“Water Services staff managing the regions water resources to ensure the water needs of industry and the community, watching over North Queensland’s Rivers, wetlands and groundwater systems.

“Staff providing land valuations and registering land dealings and maintaining a state wide register of land ownership.

“The Leader of the Opposition’s flighty new plot to cut staff across the state will lead to utter chaos in our important front-line services for North Queenslanders.

“The Bligh Government’s ‘Towards Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland’ sets out this Government’s agenda to improve the lifestyle for all Queenslanders.

“The Bligh Government is improving services for Queenslanders and we recognise the importance of our front line staff,” Mr Wallace said.

Minister Wallace said it was time for the Opposition to come clean about their plot for public sector jobs and services.

“Where is the Oppositions policy? This is yet another example of the Opposition having an opinion on everything and a solution for nothing,” Mr Wallace said.

“They cut public services, we build public services.”

Media contact: Minister Wallace’s office, 3896 3688.