Campbell Newman’s ghost dogs new LNP leader David Crisafulli
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has wasted no time attacking new LNP leader David Crisafulli for his role in Campbell Newman’s government.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has wasted no time attacking new Liberal National Party leader David Crisafulli for his role in Campbell Newman’s government, on the first proper sitting day of the new parliament.
Dodging Mr Crisafulli’s first question time foray as leader — pressuring Ms Palaszczuk to set a jobs target — the Premier deflected by saying Mr Crisafulli had been a member of Mr Newman’s government.
“In fact, he was a minister, and what was their record on jobs? Cutting jobs,” she said.
“There were some 14,000 job cuts. We will never let Queenslanders forget the track record from the LNP … I’m enjoying this Mr Speaker, it’s great to be back.”
Amid outcry from the opposition benches, Labor Speaker Curtis Pitt called for order, saying “the ghosts of members past should not cause such a ruckus in this place”.
Ms Palaszczuk’s attack shows Labor intends to use the legacy of the Newman government, which was ousted in 2015, against the LNP for a third consecutive term.
Ahead of Tuesday’s budget, Treasurer Cameron Dick told parliament “there will be no new or increased taxes” and criticised NSW government’s forecast of $191bn in debt by 2023-24.
As well as increasing debt by $4bn to pay for Labor’s election commitments, Mr Dick said he would borrow more to “fund operating deficits”. “Some states will be borrowing more than others … the Berejiklian NSW Liberal government’s total debt forecast for June 2024 will be an eye-watering $191bn,’’ he said.
“Get this, Mr Speaker: that means that NSW debt will reach 195 per cent — almost 200 per cent — of revenue. That is an absolutely extraordinary number.”
Queensland’s debt was forecast to rise to at least $102bn by mid-next year, but that figure is expected to be increased on Tuesday.
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