Queenslanders share their thoughts on the state government’s 2023-2024 budget

Many Queenslanders have taken to social media to voice their concerns over the state budget, saying it might not provide enough cost of living pressure relief. HAVE YOUR SAY

Queenslanders have already started voicing concerns over whether a range of measures to be implemented by the state government in an attempt to relieve cost of living pressures would make a difference.

The pledge was part of Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Treasurer Cameron Dick’s 2023-24 budget announcement Tuesday afternoon.

Despite huge electricity rebates and free kindergarten, many commenters on social media are sceptical whether the measures will make a difference at all.

Treasurer Cameron Dick giving his budget speech in Parliament House in Brisbane on Tuesday. Picture: Liam Kidston

In a comment made on a Courier-Mail Facebook post about the new budget, Belinda Taylor questioned whether enough early childhood teachers would be available to support the potential influx of new pupils.

“Where are you going to find enough qualified early childhood teachers for all these children,” she asked.

“Or is the state government going to continue to allow unqualified teachers teach our precious children in the year before school?”

Sandi Mullin said the new measures were not addressing working hours available to parents.

“I wanted to send my children to kindy but had to opt for long daycare instead due to the hours, 9.30 to 2.30 for two days one week and three the next week,” she wrote.

“No jobs were offering those hours, so I don’t see how more women could go back to work for this.”

Treasurer Cameron Dick with his budget in Parliament House in Brisbane on Tuesday. Picture: Liam Kidston

In response to the electricity rebates, commenter Jason Kowalonek described the move as “smoke and mirrors” while other respondents were concerned the rebates were not enough to offset their power bill.

Not all responses were negative, with Margaret Anne grateful the budget measures aimed to provide relief for struggling families.

“How dare they help people who are doing it tough,” she said.

“Isn’t that what everyone has been pleading for?”

Have your say on the budget in the comments below.