Campbell Newman’s MPs attack budget

NEWMAN government MPs were last night lining up to call on Tony Abbott to reverse last month’s budget cuts to pensioner concessions.

NEWMAN government MPs were last night lining up in parliament to call on Tony Abbott to reverse last month’s federal budget cuts to pensioner concessions.

Just a day after the delivery of the state budget, Campbell Newman said the government had introduced a motion in parliament to allow MPs to voice their opposition to the federal cuts.

On Tuesday, state Treasurer Tim Nicholls announced that Queensland would pass on the cuts to pensioners after about $223 million was ripped out of public transport, rates and electricity concessions over the next three years.

The individual cost to pensioners is yet to be announced, with the Newman government vowing to continue to fight for a reversal of the federal decision.

“Our federal members and senators, regardless of political persuasion, need to heed the message that it is time to do something,” he said.

“I don’t for a moment think that the impost that is upon (pensioners) can be ignored.’’

Backbenchers lined up in parliament as Mr Nicholls continued to sell the final budget of the government’s first term.

Labor MP Yvette D’ath said if Mr Newman really cared about the cut in concessions he would have protested last month, when the federal government budget was handed down.

“They are desperately trying to redeem themselves with the pensioners and seniors out there,’’ she said.