Minister’s rabbit plague claims nonsense
I was disappointed to read Agriculture Minister Leanne Donaldson’s blatant scaremongering via press release last week, accusing the LNP of unleashing a rabbit plague on Queensland by not supporting Labor’s poorly thought-out regulations for exhibited animals.
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Labor’s baseless claims are a clear move to distract from their plan to savage small zoos and school farmyard displays with exorbitant licensing fees and mountains of red tape, which would leave some small businesses thousands of dollars out of pocket.
Under the Palaszczuk Government’s plan, licence costs would increase by up to six hundred per cent and add hundreds of pages in compliance plans for species that many smaller exhibitors had successfully kept for years.
It made absolutely no sense.
The LNP’s opposition of these laws had nothing to do with rabbit plagues.
Rabbits were and remain firmly listed as ‘Class B’ restricted invasive animals under Queensland State laws.
Our moves to get the Minister to deal more fairly with zoo owners and other animal exhibitors has absolutely nothing to do with changing that restricted listing.
The Minister’s attempt to draw attention away from these massive fee hikes is about as credible as her claims that she consulted with zoos and other animal exhibitors and that they’re happy with the regulation changes.
There was little consultation and exhibitors were anything but happy.
That’s why the LNP voted down the new fees which would have unfairly lumped small businesses with extra costs they just don’t need.
The Palaszczuk Government says it’s about creating jobs but in the same breath proposes unnecessary regulations and rules that would destroy small businesses and the jobs they support.
It’s time Leanne Donaldson stopped creating hurdles for small businesses and started listening to the industry she’s supposed to be supporting.
Dale Last
Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
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The suggestions are still coming for who should jump out of the cake at the MultiCultural Festival 21st anniversary celebrations on Friday night. So far we’ve had Father Mick, Carina from the parish, Jodie Shepherd, Chris Burns and Budgy Smuggler guy among others. Adding to the list this week are:
Elliot Dirk Parker – Doran Erickson if he doesn't eat it from the inside out that is.
Kirsti-Lee Wells – Hello darling from maccas she deserves it
Dennis Ryan – hello Darling from Maccas
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Andrea Wallace – Will be missed. All the best Col it has been an absolute pleasure working with you X
Janeen Fricke – You will be missed! The Frickes
Sandra Maree Barnes – Good bye and good luck mate
Julie Guteridge – Another legend retires. Enjoy life Col!
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Brad Thompson – Great story
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