Campbell Newman is intent on doing “what’s right”.
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It’s why he says he unashamedly backs the government’s recommendations in regards to the commission of audit report, despite its apparent unpopularity.
Treasurer Tim Nicholls said the report was about setting Queensland’s course not only for the duration of this government – but those which come after it.
Who is in government beyond the next election in 2015 will widely depend on how this government manages to sell its plan.
And Mr Newman knows it.
“There's a heck of a lot of political risk in this for the government but we are doing it because it is the right thing for Queensland families,” Mr Newman said.
“I am concerned about what we are proposing because it is going to be a tough sell.
"There are 155 recommendations in this report. Over 75 per cent of them have been accepted outright and there are many tough, difficult decisions within those that themselves are going to be a challenge to for the government to communicate to the community.
“I just say to you there's a heck of a lot in this that we are going to have to work hard to explain to Queenslanders.”
Which brings Mr Newman back to doing what is right for the state long term.
“Why would a premier and a political team put up things that are difficult and unpalatable and unpopular if we weren't fair dinkum about doing the right thing,” he said.
“We are doing what is right.”