Cripps must outline which services will be slashed by the Nationals

Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace today called on National Party Shadow Minister Andrew Cripps to outline which services he intends to slash under the National Party’s promised three per cent budget cut.

Mr Wallace said: “As the National Party’s Shadow Minister for Natural Resources and Water (NRW), Mr Cripps should come clean and let Queenslanders know where he will drop the axe to achieve the savings promised by Lawrence Springborg.

“The National’s three per cent productivity dividend across government would result in a massive 12,000 job loss in Queensland and the cutting of vital services.

“Natural Resources and Water staff around Queensland provide vital services and assistance to our urban and regional communities, with close to 2500 NRW staff members involved in frontline service delivery across the state.

“To achieve the National Party’s promise Mr Cripps will be forced to make more than 200 NRW staff providing frontline services “de-necessary” or cut operational spending by $18 million a year.

“Mr Cripps needs to be open and honest with Queenslanders by clearly identifying what services within the portfolio would be impacted or whose jobs are at risk."

Mr Wallace said cutting $18 million a year off the budget or reducing staff numbers will severely impact on service delivery across Queensland.

“Natural Resources and Water staff provide crucial services for Queenslanders. These cuts will threaten services for homeowners looking to finalise the purchase of their new home and potentially create delays for Queenslanders seeking titles applications or permit applications for vegetation clearing.

“Without these staff, services for the community would be severely impacted," Mr Wallace said.

“It’s time for Mr Cripps to come forward and tell Queensland if he intends to stand by and watch Springborg slash Natural Resources and Water staff and services.”

Media contact: Minister Wallace’s office, 3896 3694.