Qld election: LNP’s David Janetzki, Labor treasurer Cameron Dick exchange words over debate

Treasurer Cameron Dick has again laid down the gauntlet for a proper debate to his LNP counterpart David Janetzki, who took aim at what he called a “broken promise” over tax.

Toowoomba South MP David Janetzki has again rebuffed Cameron Dick’s latest invitation for a debate over the major parties’ economic policies, after the treasurer said he would meet him “any time, anywhere” for a verbal joust.

The long-awaited meeting of the two men appears unlikely at this point as both Labor and the LNP sharpen their attacks ahead of the final week of the state election on October 26.

It comes as Mr Janetzki faced criticisms over his lack of appearances on the campaign trail and has been pressured to release the LNP’s costings early to coincide with prepolling opening this week.

Mr Dick, who has ramped up attacks on Mr Janetzki this week, declared he was ready for a debate with the LNP’s treasury spokesman.

Premier Steven Miles and DP Cameron Dick visit BB Print Stadium in Mackay as part of the Election. Pics Adam Head

“I just need enough time to get to wherever Mr Janetzki is, assuming he doesn’t run away and hide,” he said in a statement.

“I’ve frequently invited him to ask me about the important economic challenges facing Queensland, but frankly he does not seem interested.”

Mr Janetzki fired back, alleging Mr Dick broke his promise to Toowoomba and Queensland residents over increases to taxes.

“Cameron Dick should spend more time listening to Queenslanders, rather than demanding an audience,” he said.

“During the last election campaign he promised Queenslanders 26 times there would be no new or increased taxes, but after the election he broke that promise seven times.

“Queenslanders can no longer trust a word he says because his credibility is in tatters.”

29/1/2024: Shadow Treasurer David Janetzki hold a news conference outside Parliament House in Brisbane pic: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

Janetzki lays out pledges for Toowoomba South, no word on dam funding deal

Mr Janetzki has yet to confirm whether a deal to help the Toowoomba Regional Council pay for the $270m Cressbrook Dam safety upgrades would be in the LNP’s full costings next week.

Toowoomba mayor Geoff McDonald has lobbied both sides of government in a bid to secure a bailout for the project, which must be substantially completed within 12 months.

“The LNP is committed to bringing water security investment back to Queensland, and will be investing in water projects across the state,” Mr Janetzki said.

“The LNP has been listening to councils affected by regulation changes.

“If we are elected next week, I will work constructively with them, including Toowoomba Regional Council to ensure long-term water security.”

Mr Janetzki has also defended his record in securing investment for his local electorate for Toowoomba South, after his Labor opponent believed the seat had been ignored.

His promises include parking and safety upgrades for Gabbinbar, Darling Heights and Glenvale State Schools, while noting the LNP’s plans to improve home ownership numbers would open up opportunities in Toowoomba South.

“I have fought hard for school safety upgrades across Toowoomba South and will deliver a solution on concerns at Wuth St at Darling Heights State School, the corner of Stenner St and Mackenzie St at Gabbinbar State School and flashing lights for Glenvale State School on McDougall St,” he said.

“Toowoomba South only has 58 per cent home ownership so if elected our proposed shared equity scheme and the abolition of stamp duty for first home buyers purchasing a new home will be important in giving locals hope of owning their piece of the great Australian dream.

“I have also announced a significant investment into a regional manufacturing hub that will help small and family businesses employ more locals and grow our regional economy.”

It comes after Labor’s candidate for Toowoomba South Susan Krause said the seat deserved more investment.

“I just don’t feel represented by the current representative in Toowoomba South and for those who feel the same way, I want to stand for them,” she told News Corp.

“I want Toowoomba South to get stuff.

“In the last term of the LNP government which was in 2012 to 2015, all Toowoomba South got was we lost 96 nurses and they closed a state school down, so I think we deserve better.”