Liberal National Party could slug Queensland taxpayers an extra $15,000
Published Thursday, 09 October, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Treasurer
The Honourable Andrew Fraser
Queensland Treasurer Andrew Fraser has slammed the Liberal National Party for risking the state’s financial stability with $64.5 billion worth of uncosted promises.
Mr Fraser today released National Liberal Financial Commitments – commitments made by the opposition, which total approximately $64.5 billion across the forward estimates.
“Their commitments could require an additional $15,164 in tax per person,’’ Mr Fraser said.
“This document shows commitment by commitment, announcement by announcement, the impact of Opposition commitments across the forward estimates.
“If the commitments to date by the opposition were realised, the prosperity and economic security of the state would be under threat.’’
Mr Fraser said that in light of the current global financial turmoil, Governments everywhere had a responsibility to secure the economic stability of their region.
“A key part of my responsibilities is to hold the Opposition to account on their economic policies.
“I have always said I would be monitoring commitments made by the Liberal National Opposition - to assess the possible impacts on the state’s finances if Opposition commitments were implemented.
“As the alternative government, the Opposition has an obligation to the Parliament and to the people to disclose their policy agenda and the funding strategies that will deliver it.’’
Mr Fraser said that a review of the dossier demonstrated that it was not a well researched or costed policy platform.
“That’s because the Opposition don’t release proper policy – at best they release financial commentary.
“Frankly, this document shows just how easy it is to stand on the sidelines and jeer…than to play the full game on the field.
“In our first year in office, the Bligh Government has worked hard to ensure Queensland remains in a sound economic position to deliver our commitments to protect the lifestyle and prosperity of our State.
‘’This year we delivered a Budget with a record infrastructure spend, with a record injection into our health and hospital systems and fully funded tax reforms to stamp duty, land tax and payroll tax.
“We have provisioned an $809 million surplus, the second highest budgeted surplus in a decade to provide a buffer against uncertainty.’’
Mr Fraser said the uncosted, unfunded spending spree the dossier represented indicated that Queensland’s essential triple A rating, affirmed on Budget day by Standard and Poors, could be under threat under a Liberal National government.
“Put simply if the commitments by the Liberal National Party were realised the prosperity and economic security of the state would be under threat. This is not something Queenslanders need – now or any time in the future.
“If these commitments are not in fact their policy proposals – then what is?
“They need to come clean on exactly what they plan for the future of our state and our economy. If they say these commitments are not part of their plans then what is?
“I call on them to name the new or increased taxes they propose…and what projects and services they would cut.’’
Mr Fraser said that in times of economic uncertainty Queensland needed responsible economic leadership.
“This dossier outlines the damage the Opposition would do if they ever got the keys to the Treasury.
“It is time for the Liberal National Party to propose, not just oppose.
“It’s time for the them to put forward costed, responsible policies, not just a slick new logo.’’
Media Contact: Treasurer’s Office - Renee Mickelburgh 0458 357 539
Brendan Connell 0437 837 976
Mr Fraser today released National Liberal Financial Commitments – commitments made by the opposition, which total approximately $64.5 billion across the forward estimates.
“Their commitments could require an additional $15,164 in tax per person,’’ Mr Fraser said.
“This document shows commitment by commitment, announcement by announcement, the impact of Opposition commitments across the forward estimates.
“If the commitments to date by the opposition were realised, the prosperity and economic security of the state would be under threat.’’
Mr Fraser said that in light of the current global financial turmoil, Governments everywhere had a responsibility to secure the economic stability of their region.
“A key part of my responsibilities is to hold the Opposition to account on their economic policies.
“I have always said I would be monitoring commitments made by the Liberal National Opposition - to assess the possible impacts on the state’s finances if Opposition commitments were implemented.
“As the alternative government, the Opposition has an obligation to the Parliament and to the people to disclose their policy agenda and the funding strategies that will deliver it.’’
Mr Fraser said that a review of the dossier demonstrated that it was not a well researched or costed policy platform.
“That’s because the Opposition don’t release proper policy – at best they release financial commentary.
“Frankly, this document shows just how easy it is to stand on the sidelines and jeer…than to play the full game on the field.
“In our first year in office, the Bligh Government has worked hard to ensure Queensland remains in a sound economic position to deliver our commitments to protect the lifestyle and prosperity of our State.
‘’This year we delivered a Budget with a record infrastructure spend, with a record injection into our health and hospital systems and fully funded tax reforms to stamp duty, land tax and payroll tax.
“We have provisioned an $809 million surplus, the second highest budgeted surplus in a decade to provide a buffer against uncertainty.’’
Mr Fraser said the uncosted, unfunded spending spree the dossier represented indicated that Queensland’s essential triple A rating, affirmed on Budget day by Standard and Poors, could be under threat under a Liberal National government.
“Put simply if the commitments by the Liberal National Party were realised the prosperity and economic security of the state would be under threat. This is not something Queenslanders need – now or any time in the future.
“If these commitments are not in fact their policy proposals – then what is?
“They need to come clean on exactly what they plan for the future of our state and our economy. If they say these commitments are not part of their plans then what is?
“I call on them to name the new or increased taxes they propose…and what projects and services they would cut.’’
Mr Fraser said that in times of economic uncertainty Queensland needed responsible economic leadership.
“This dossier outlines the damage the Opposition would do if they ever got the keys to the Treasury.
“It is time for the Liberal National Party to propose, not just oppose.
“It’s time for the them to put forward costed, responsible policies, not just a slick new logo.’’
Media Contact: Treasurer’s Office - Renee Mickelburgh 0458 357 539
Brendan Connell 0437 837 976