The Bulletin asked our three federal MPs in 2013 ten key questions and again in this poll. See their responses.
THE Bulletin organised a Federal election Q & A special with the city’s three federal MPs — Fadden’s Stuart Robert, Moncrieff’s Steve Ciobo and McPherson’s Karen Andrews.
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THE Bulletin organised a Federal election Q & A special with the city’s three federal MPs — Fadden’s Stuart Robert, Moncrieff’s Steve Ciobo and McPherson’s Karen Andrews.
In 2013, the MPs provided lengthy responses during a similar exercise.
Below are the ten key questions, and how the MPs chose to respond. The replies by the Coalition members before the 2016 poll shows how they have changed their strategy in answering key electorate questions.
(1) PRIORITY PROJECT
What is your number one priority for the Gold Coast?
(2) ELECTION PROMISES
On the eve of the 2013 election, as one of three conservative Federal MPs, you would not promise to fast forward funding for light rail, the Pacific Motorway upgrade or fix our beaches under a Coalition Government. Here we are almost three years later. What would you provide for the Gold Coast if the LNP is elected to another term in government?
(3) LIGHT RAIL STAGE THREE
Should light rail go to Burleigh and south from there to the airport? Or do you support the trams heading west to Robina and Reedy Creek running south down the Pacific Motorway? The complete network will cost $3 billion. How much money should the federal government cough up?
(4) HEAVY RAIL TO THE BORDER
On transport planning, the extension of the Gold Coast line from Varsity Lakes to Coolangatta is to be delivered by 2031. Other than buying up some properties for the corridor, no progress has been made since the last election. Is this important project ever going to happen? If it is, when will that be?
(5) WIDENING OF THE PACIFIC HIGHWAY FROM MUDGEERABA TO TUGUN
The six-laning from Mudgeeraba to Reedy Creek can be completed before the 2018 Commonwealth Games at a cost of $220 million. Do you support that? Do you support a 50-50 split with the State Government or the Commonwealth paying it usual 80 per cent share? When will the $910 million total upgrade to Tugun occur?
(6) OFFSHORE CRUISE SHIP TERMINAL
Mayor Tom Tate has diverted almost $900,000 of ratepayers’ money from developing a tourist dive attraction to explore his dream of an offshore cruise ship terminal. Council will investigate three sites — the Seaway rock wall, the sand bypassing jetty and Philip Park opposite Sea World. Do you support this project and which is the best location?
(7) INSTRUMENT LANDING SYSTEM
The Federal Government in January approved an application from the Gold Coast Airport to install an ILS. The decision was based largely on economic grounds, on the airport’s growth and need to reduce potential diversions of flights with tourists to Brisbane. Did you support the ILS? More than 6000 people wrote objections. What will you do when noise becomes a weekly factor for residents living under the flight path from Surfers Paradise to Coolangatta?
(8) NBN NOW
Surveying during the Bulletin’s Fair Go campaign shows residents want the NBN now. What are you doing to ensure all homes and businesses can access faster internet speeds before the city hosts the 2018 Commonwealth Games?
(9) FEDERAL TOURISM OFFICE
Residents want the Gold Coast to have a federal tourism office. More than 64 per cent back the idea. Tourism Australia would need to break a lease on a Sydney property and there is the expense of relocating staff. But business leaders believe the Turnbull Government should do it because tourism fits with this city’s DNA. Will you back their call and lobby for it?
(10) COMING CLEAN ON DONATIONS
After the recent council poll, transparency is a major issue for voters. Several complaints have been made to the Crime and Corruption Commission and Electoral Commission of Queensland after hidden payments from the Fadden Forum to two candidates. Residents want reforms which include all donations received by candidates to be made public before the poll? Do you agree?
The three Coast Federal MPs declined to answer the questions and gave specific answers, which they did in the 2013 poll. Instead they released the following joint statement:
“The Gold Coast Federal MPs, as part of the Turnbull Coalition Government, have delivered for the Gold Coast and will continue to do so. As a team, we’ve literally spoken to thousands of residents and surveyed tens of thousands more. We’ve heard clearly from the community the issues that are important to Gold Coasters. Locals want to know their Federal Government is taking steps to secure our economic future, and deliver jobs and growth for the next generation. They tell us it’s important to live within our means and provide stability. That’s what we have delivered. As a team we have always championed the Gold Coast, and we’re proud to have delivered major projects and investment for our region. We secured $156 million for the 2018 Commonwealth Games — $47 million more than was provided to Melbourne when they hosted the Games. We’ve worked hard to ensure transport infrastructure meets our city’s growing needs. We secured a $95 million federal contribution to ensure Light Rail Stage Two was able to progress in time for the Commonwealth Games and will work for Stage Three, provided the business case stacks up.
We’ve advocated tirelessly for the continued upgrade of the M1 and remain confident of
securing a positive outcome. Exit 54 of the M1 received $10 million to allow the Coomera Town Centre to go ahead and to ease congestion for this vital thoroughfare in the fastest-growing region of our City. Millions more in black spot road funding has been provided to Gold Coast City Council to upgrade problem intersections and stretches of road, as well as doubling of local Roads to Recovery funding. Under the Coalition, we’ve seen record funding for Tourism Australia and continued growth in our local tourism industry. We also ensured the Gold Coast’s interests are well represented, with two Gold Coasters appointed to the Tourism Australia board for the first time and the Australian Tourism Exchange held on the Coast for the first time this year. We’ve secured hundreds of millions of dollars in investment to build our local film industry
through Federal grants including $30 million to allow Marvel to film their latest Thor movie
right here at Oxenford. We want the best possible internet service for our businesses and residents and know the Gold Coast wants to connect to the NBN. Under the Coalition’s NBN roll out, that will be done six years quicker than Labor’s previous plan; it is saving billions of dollars and nearly the entire city will be connected before the end of 2018. We know the Gold Coast has a bright future and the Coalition’s plan for jobs and growth will accelerate our city’s success. We’re committed to fighting for the needs of residents and businesses and working together to deliver for the Gold Coast. As a team, we will continue to stand up for the Gold Coast and continue to deliver.”
FEDERAL ELECTION 2013 Q & A special
These are the safest seats in Australia, so what are our three Federal MPs going to deliver for you in the next three years? We ask them the key questions. You judge them on their commitment.
1. LIGHT RAIL
The second stage of the light rail, which is planned to link with heavy rail, will require both State and Federal funding along with potential private-sector interest. It’s a critical piece of infrastructure to stop traffic congestion. What is your preference? Should light rail be first extended to Helensvale, or should it go south from Broadbeach to Burleigh with a long-term hook-up with the Gold Coast Airport? Or do you believe it should go west to Nerang taking in Carrara Stadium for the Games. And how much would a conservative government provide to a joint private venture?
STEVE CIOBO — MONCRIEFF MP
The decision of the former Gold Coast City Council and the former Beattie-Bligh Labor Government to spend $1.6 billion of taxpayers’ money on 13km of light rail was an interesting one, given it doesn’t actually connect to any other transport infrastructure. It will need to be extended and would appear to make most sense to have it connect to the north/northwest with the heavy rail to Brisbane. There are many other effective and substantially cheaper modes that should be used to service high-needs areas.
KAREN ANDREWS — McPHERSON MP
Developing a diverse public transport system is paramount for the city. There is a sizeable cost in extending the heavy rail south and significant delays in rolling out the light rail.
One alternative I strongly support is the use of bus rapid transit (BRT) from Coolangatta and the Gold Coast Airport to Broadbeach, which can be done at a fraction of the cost and in a much shorter time frame. BRT has been successfully used in cities such as Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Barcelona and even Perth.
STUART ROBERT — FADDEN MP
We have all spoken in Parliament about light rail and infrastructure and know that it must connect with heavy rail. This is especially important considering the completion of the Gold Coast University Hospital, Griffith University, major shopping and retail outlets nestled along the light rail route. We will be lobbying hard to ensure this second phase of the project is a priority for Infrastructure Australia, as it is this body that determines, with Government, infrastructure priorities.
2 BEACHES
Labor candidate Peter Beattie, in the Forde electorate, which does not have beaches, believes it is such a critical issue he has pledged to “work closely with the Gold Coast City Council’’ to find a funding solution for our eroded beaches. About $30 million is required. Revenue earned off the back of those beaches represents the spine of Queensland’s total tourism income. During a visit to the Coast in August, Mr Abbott said he would “look at funding’’ for the beaches. Is it just a “ look at’’ issue? As a Gold Coast MP, what are you going to do about it?
STEVE CIOBO MONCRIEFF MP
The Gold Coast City Council has allocated $15 million and sought $15 million from the State Government for beach repair. While some federal funding may be available, the repair of beaches is a GCCC and State Government funding issue. The flip side would be asking the GCCC to help fund new defence ships, which is a Federal Government responsibility. I have no doubt Peter Beattie is happy to keep spending taxpayers’ money. He is one of the main reasons Queensland is $92 billion in debt.
KAREN ANDREWS — McPHERSON MP
The Coalition has already announced initiatives such as the Green Army, which provides for teams of up to nine plus a fulltime supervisor for six months to assist with individual projects in the areas of vegetation management and land care, and will see 15,000 Green Army members working on projects across Australia.
I have consulted with the Shadow Minister for Climate Action, Environment and Heritage and with community groups that may assist with the rectification of eroded beaches.
STUART ROBERT — FADDEN MP
The preservation of Gold Coast beaches is an important part of our lifestyle. This is why program such as the Coalition’s Green Army are so important. This program can use Green Army teams to rejuvenate vegetation and work to build sustainable projects such as protecting Gold Coast sand dunes. As part of our ongoing commitment to the Gold Coast we have made a $1.36m Green Army commitment for Gold Coast beaches.
3. CASINO
Gold Coast City councillors last month were asked to pledge their support for a second casino on the Coast, most likely on the Wavebreak Island or Spit site for the planned cruise ship terminal. The debate later showed councillors were increasingly divided on the issue, voicing concerns about the social issues linked to gambling. A Bulletin Facebook poll showed 82 per cent of people were opposed to a casino. Do you support a new casino? Is one at Broadbeach enough?
STEVE CIOBO MONCRIEFF MP
Any decision to grant a new or additional casino licence for the Gold Coast would be a decision of the State Government, not the Federal Government. I have previously indicated I believe the Gold Coast needs to compete internationally to have a strong future, and an improved casino and/or new casino should be part of the tourism appeal of the city.
KAREN ANDREWS — McPHERSON MP
I support local clubs on the southern Gold Coast who in turn support our local community, and many of these clubs have already contacted me and voiced their concerns about a further casino on the Gold Coast. Unless there is compelling evidence that a further casino is in the best interests of the Gold Coast economy, I believe that the status quo should remain at this time.
STUART ROBERT — FADDEN MP
The Queensland State Government is best placed to determine whether a second casino on the Gold Coast is warranted. The Federal Government has no jurisdiction over the issuing of casino licences. We have not seen any of the bid plans for the Spit/Wavebreak development and until there is more information it is difficult to be definitive.
4. FEDERAL POLICE STATION AND BIKIES
Mr Abbott on the Coast in June recalled how the Howard Government had a federal police station at Miami, which helped combat major crime like bikies. But he fell short of committing to reopen the federal police station. Is the Coalition all talk on this, or have you costed plans and talked to your leader about investigating this?
STEVE CIOBO MONCRIEFF MP
The Coalition did open an Australian Federal Police office at Robina. Labor axed this office. I have discussed the need for a dedicated crime unit with Tony Abbott and brought the shadow minister for justice and customs, Michael Keenan MP, so they could personally understand the need for this unit on the Coast. By getting the debt and deficit under control, we will in time be able to secure this unit for our city once again.
KAREN ANDREWS — McPHERSON MP
I believe there should be a strong federal police presence on the southern Gold Coast, which includes officers located at, and adjacent to, the Gold Coast Airport. I will continue to have discussions with the AFP regarding appropriate resource levels.
STUART ROBERT — FADDEN MP
Labor is responsible for closing the AFP operations located at Robina. The Coalition has announced that the $64m anti-gang squad funding will be localised to allow Gold Coast police to bid for substantial funds to improve their capacity to fight gang crimes. Be assured that Gold Coast MPs will be calling Police Minister Dempsey day one after the election to ensure he is bidding for those funds.
5. SOUTHERN HEAVY RAIL EXTENSION
This issue is on the backburner, isn’t it? The Transport and Main Roads’ Connecting SEQ 2031 plan identifies the extension of the Gold Coast line from Varsity Lakes to Coolangatta for delivery by 2031. The Newman Government says it has no money. Do you really see this major project occurring and within the timeline?
STEVE CIOBO MONCRIEFF MP
The State Government is responsible for this project. Clearly, after Labor left Queensland $92 billion in debt, there are significant budget challenges for the Newman Government to overcome.
KAREN ANDREWS — McPHERSON MP
There is considerable local support from commuters for the extension of heavy rail from Varsity through to the Gold Coast Airport. However, the cost and time frame are clearly an issue. An alternative system of direct bus transport from the Gold Coast Airport to Varsity Railway Station has been proposed and, in my view, should be properly assessed as a short to medium-term solution.
STUART ROBERT — FADDEN MP
Again this is a question for Infrastructure Australia and we will ensure that it gets a significant hearing.
6. WIDENING THE PACIFIC MOTORWAY SOUTH
It has to be our busiest and often most dangerous section of highway. On the list in Labor’s May Budget was the $111 million promise to widen the Pacific Motorway between Nerang and Mudgeeraba from four lanes to six. But what about the stretch south to Tugun? What is your funding time line?
STEVE CIOBO MONCRIEFF MP
I worked with the former MP for McPherson to deliver $455 million in funding to widen the M1 between Nerang and Tugun. The road widening would have been completed by now if the federal and state Labor governments hadn’t effectively stolen this money and used it for roadworks at Logan. I will again work as a team to secure funding.
KAREN ANDREWS — McPHERSON MP
The Coalition committed to a $455 million expansion of the M1 in 2007, with the priority area identified as Nerang to Tugun. Labor moved (it) into Logan City. I have questioned (Labor about) works on the M1 south of Mudgeeraba to Tugun. The Minister did not detail whether such works will be undertaken.
I will continue to work with state MPs as southern Gold Coasters have waited too long.
STUART ROBERT — FADDEN MP
Steve Ciobo and myself stood next to the then Minister for Transport and Regional Services (in 2007) when he announced a $455m upgrade of the M1. This funding would have assisted people living all over the Coast, especially commuters who use Exit 54, a feeder to over six schools and cause of major congestion. Again, this is a question for Infrastructure Australia and we ensure that it gets a significant hearing.
7. REPLACING GOVERNMENT OFFICES
We’ve heard it for years now, from you at Budget time. “Labor doesn’t get small business, or tourist operators and retail. It’s also withdrawn government services here.”
Time and time again we hear about Labor closing the Immigration office in Southport. Seriously, what steps have you taken to ensure that office is returned under a Coalition Government?
STEVE CIOBO MONCRIEFF MP
Since Labor closed this service on the Coast, I have spoken with the Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship on numerous occasions about the need to have this service back in our city. I am confident the Coalition will return this service — the exact time frame will depend on getting Labor’s debt under control.
KAREN ANDREWS — McPHERSON MP
I understand my colleague Steven Ciobo has been very vocal on the issue of the closure of the Immigration office in his electorate of Moncrieff. As part of my role on the Joint Standing Committee on Public Works, I have regularly discussed with various Federal Government departments the benefits of being based on the Gold Coast and I will continue to lobby for this to happen.
STUART ROBERT — FADDEN MP
Services to the community are a priority of any Coalition Government. Steven Ciobo has raised the issue of this closure on several occasions as it is in his electorate.
8. THE CRUISE SHIP TERMINAL
A recent environment report, kept hidden by the council, revealed scientists had found eight threatened or endangered avian species and for the first time documented roosting protected shore birds at the proposed cruise ship terminal site at Wavebreak Island. All these species are protected under the Federal Government’s Environment Protection Act. As Federal members, do you support the cruise ship terminal proceeding at this location, or do you support the offshore option at Bilinga which has had a more favourable federal environment report?
STEVE CIOBO MONCRIEFF MP
For a number of years I have indicated I believe a cruise ship terminal, provided it is environmentally sustainable, would be an asset for the Gold Coast. The exact location has not yet been identified and should be determined in consultation with experts who can assess which location represents the best option. I have consistently said I would not support a CST on the northern end of the Spit.
KAREN ANDREWS — McPHERSON MP
As with all major projects, there needs to be a strong business case taking into consideration
environmental, social and economic matters in determining whether this project should proceed. I will continue to consult widely with the electorate on this issue.
STUART ROBERT — FADDEN MP
We are all supporters of projects that bring jobs, necessary infrastructure and boost our local economy while preserving our natural habitats and unique lifestyle. The proposal for a cruise ship terminal on the Gold Coast is still far from complete and we will continue to work with local and state colleagues and consult with the local community on this issue.
9. OPENING UP NATIONAL PARKS
The Newman Government is investigating putting parts of Springbrook National Park to
lease for low-impact eco-tourism. It’s an issue that has split the mountain community. The land being considered for the lease comprises the 43 buyback properties purchased by the previous government for $40 million in 2005. The new Government is all about opening up national parks for business. Where do you stand on this?
STEVE CIOBO MONCRIEFF MP
This is a State Government issue determined by the State Government. The Federal
Government doesn’t have jurisdiction on this issue. As a matter of principle however, I am
supportive of opening national parks for people to learn about our great natural environment in a sustainable and low-impact manner.
KAREN ANDREWS — McPHERSON MP
There are a number of examples throughout the world where national parks form a key part of a tourism strategy attracting visitors with a wide range of interests from hiking through to simply enjoying the natural surroundings, and I support such strategies.
STUART ROBERT — FADDEN MP
The idea of encouraging people to get back to nature, while boosting the local economy is wonderful for our tourism industry. There is a delicate balance that must be maintained to ensure that this pristine wilderness remains untouched for future generations of ecotourists. At present, more information is required to be able to reach a position and greater consultation is required with the community.
10. MORE FUNDING FOR UNIVERSITY EDUCATION
Griffith University is among the top 10 research universities in Australia. It’s a big export industry for this city, essential to widening our brand as a destination, but in recent years we have attracted fewer overseas students. The Government’s Bradley Inquiry last year found that on a per-student basis we are underfunded by about 10 per cent. What are you going to do about it?
STEVE CIOBO MONCRIEFF MP
Funding is determined by each university’s load and course mix. Funding is not allocated by
geographic location so the question doesn’t really make sense. Griffith University has been well supported by the Coalition when we were last in government, with support for the new medical school and other facilities. Even in opposition, the Coalition has just committed $9m to keep Griffith Uni’s National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility open.
KAREN ANDREWS — McPHERSON MP
While traditional higher education models are extremely important and remain a central focus of government policy, we must also have a view to the future. One option is online learning, which has enormous potential to increase access and choice for students from all walks of life. This has been adopted at universities such as Harvard, Stanford and MIT and can help increase the rates of tertiary study in our community.
STUART ROBERT — FADDEN MP
Griffith University has changed immensely over the last 10 to 15 years and is highly regarded in research capability and the facilities offered. As part of a Coalition Government we will continue to work to ensure that the Gold Coast gets its fair share of university funding. The announcement this week of $9m to the National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility (NCCARF) is testimony to the work of the Coalition in this area.
11. BIG SCHOOLS
An overflow of almost 500 students are at schools that have reached their capacity, according to the latest Coast enrolment figures. The worst case of campus overcrowding is at Varsity College where the superschool, which has a primary and secondary campus, is built to accommodate 2937 students. They have to find room for another 233 students. Palm-Beach Currumbin State High is another, dealing with numerous appeals from parents wanting to get their children to the school which cannot cope with numbers. What are you doing about this?
STEVE CIOBO MONCRIEFF MP
The Coalition has matched Gonski funding dollar for dollar over the next four years. There will be more funding flowing for all schools. Although the Federal Government provides support to public and private schools, decisions on the size and location of schools are entirely decisions of the Queensland State Government.
KAREN ANDREWS — McPHERSON MP
Although student numbers are largely a matter for the State Government, the Coalition is taking a strong stance to ensure schools are given adequate funding to provide the resources needed to deliver better educational outcomes, a greater say for parents and teachers in how their local schools operate, a sound national curriculum, improved quality teaching, and certainty over school funding.
STUART ROBERT — FADDEN MP
State schools have been severely let down by the Beattie/Bligh State Labor government. The lack of funding, planning and long-term vision has left many state schools vulnerable to this same problem. Under a Coalition Government, schools will have more control over how funds are spent in their schools with parent and citizen groups and principals working towards a better future for their schooling communities. No school will be worse off in funding as we work towards a better, more sustainable school funding model.
12. HEALTH FUNDING
Up to 1700 patients were waiting up to two years for an endoscopy — a vitally important diagnostic service used to locate potentially life-threatening illnesses. But the Gold Coast Hospital has since streamlined services, a $1m injection to clear the backlog helping to reduce the list to about 1000. Specialists are questioning the long-term sustainability of the waiting list success without further funding. Have you been involved in talks about funding for the hospital and recent concerns aired by staff? What are you going to do about it?
STEVE CIOBO MONCRIEFF MP
I recently arranged for the Federal Shadow Minister for Health to meet with local doctors, allied health practitioners and health managers — as well as to tour the new GC University Hospital. The Coalition will provide ongoing strong support for health funding and will not, as Labor did this past year, cut health funding. Furthermore, Labor’s detrimental changes to the health insurance rebate will result in around one million people leaving the private system to go back into the public health system. This will make waiting lists worse.
KAREN ANDREWS — McPHERSON MP
The Coalition’s policy to support Australia’s health system will benefit all hospitals across the Gold Coast and includes a more efficient funding model for hospitals through activity-based funding, as well as deliver greater community involvement in the management and responsibility of local hospitals.
STUART ROBERT — FADDEN MP
Local hospitals need to be run by local hospital boards. Bureaucrats in capital city offices will never understand the needs of a local hospital like those working within the local system. State hospitals have been let down by the Labor State Government, including $1.2bn wasted on the Queensland Health pay debacle. These funds could have been pumped into local hospitals. Our commitment to greater hospital autonomy through local hospital boards will make a significant difference in ensuring money is spent on the right priorities.
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