News

Labor's debt to cost Queenslanders $17,420 each

The Bligh Labor Government’s debt will saddle every man, woman and child in Queensland with a $17,420 bill. Deputy Opposition Leader and Shadow Treasurer Tim Nicholls said Labor was desperately trying to smear Campbell Newman to deflect attention from their own disastrous economic management.  

 “Labor’s desperate and dishonest attacks on Campbell Newman’s financial record shows they will do and say anything to cling to power,” he said. 

“The reality is the State Labor Government’s total debt this year of $52 billion is 122 per cent of its annual budget, while the Brisbane City Council’s debt level of $1 billion is 37 per cent of its total budget. 

“By 2014, the Bligh Labor Government’s debt will have ballooned to nearly $80 billion, representing a debt of $17,420 for every man, woman and child in Queensland. In contrast, the Brisbane City Council’s debt will be just $1.6 billion with a debt per person of $1520. 

“Labor’s record debt is already hurting Queenslanders, particularly those in the regions who are struggling to get access to basic services, and it’s only going to get worse.” 

Mr Nicholls said Campbell Newman had driven a massive Brisbane City Council building program and delivered projects on time and under budget, while Labor was borrowing just to keep the lights on. 

“Queenslanders are paying the price for years of Labor mismanagement and bungles like Traveston Dam and the $210 million health payroll debacle,” he said. 

“The LNP under Campbell Newman will save Queenslanders money and deliver more by getting action on the basics and cutting waste. 

“We’ll forward plan, not live for the moment.”