Political grandstanding
Last week, Annastacia Palaszczuk’s Roads Minister Mark Bailey was exposed for what he is – a Minister more interested in political grandstanding than delivering for Queenslanders.
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At the same time he stood before Parliament, crying poor about Federal funding for Northern Australia road projects, we learnt there’s been a letter sitting in his office offering this very funding.
The letter, sent to Mr Bailey in August, was from Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Darren Chester offering over $107 million in funding for six much needed regional road projects.
These projects include repairs to Flinders Highway in Townsville and Charters Towers, the duplication of the Capricorn Highway from Rockhampton and upgrades to the Barkly Highway from Cloncurry to Mount Isa.
The Federal Government is committing 80 per cent of funding for these projects, and others, on the condition the Palaszczuk Government covers the remaining 20 per cent.
To release the funds, all Mr Bailey needs to do is to respond to the Minister’s letter. It’s there in black and white.
The problem is, the letter has been sitting in his office since last month and he still hasn’t bothered to respond.
It’s not unusual for State and Federal Governments to have disagreements about road funding, but ultimately it’s up to our leaders to conduct mature negotiations to ensure the best deal is reached for motorists.
In Government, the LNP was able to achieve the best deal for Queensland taxpayers, partnering with the Federal Government to deliver upgrades on the Bruce Highway, Gateway Motorway and Warrego Highway.
Queenslanders deserve a Government that will deliver vital infrastructure projects to get our great State moving.
What they don’t deserve is a Government, like this lazy Palaszczuk Labor Government, that is more focused on picking fights than getting the job done.
Perhaps Mark Bailey should spend less time launching PR attacks on the Federal Government and more time keeping on top of his in-tray?
Deb Frecklington
Deputy Leader of the Opposition
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