McArdle reveals LNP job cuts policy: volunteers to staff mental health centres

Opposition health spokesman Mark McArdle has today revealed Lawrence Springborg’s plan to cut 12,000 jobs from vital public services will see untrained volunteers caring for the mentally ill.

Treasurer Andrew Fraser said the admission was a dire warning to all Queenslanders of what they could expect if Lawrence Springborg was elected on March 21.

"Today’s announcement is a shocking demonstration of how Lawrence Springborg’s $1 billion cut will obliterate essential public services and thousands of jobs.

"But it also shows Lawrence Springborg is a risk to all Queenslanders – he simply doesn’t understand the need to protect jobs and services.

"The mentally ill are amongst the most vulnerable in our community and rely on trained and experienced health workers to provide the support they need.

"Instead, Lawrence Springborg has admitted today the only way he will staff the new mental health facilities he has promised to build is to use volunteers who won’t get any training and will also be asked to manage patient medical records.

"This policy clearly shows his cuts simply don’t add up."

Contact (Treasurer’s office): 3224 6361 or 3224 5982