Labor accuses LNP of mismanaging Darling Downs economy

The Federal Opposition has pointed to the China trade issues and changes to JobKeeper as reasons the government has mismanaged the economy. Here’s what the LNP had to say in response.

A senior Labor politician has accused the LNP of mismanaging the Darling Downs economy in the lead-up to the Groom by-election, because of Australia’s worsening relationship with China and cuts to JobKeeper.

Groom is considered a safe LNP seat with the party last winning it with 70.48 per cent of the two-party preferred vote.`

Opposition treasury spokesman Jim Chalmers visited Toowoomba this morning where he said the LNP took Groom for granted.

ELECTION: Groom Labor candidate Chris Meibusch (left) with Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers

“We do have a big problem here as the government just assumes they will get up to victory no matter what they do for this community,” Mr Chalmers said.

“This is despite their mismanagement of the local economy.

“This is not an opportunity to change the government … but this by-election is an opportunity to change the way the Morrison Government governs in Canberra.

“Whether it’s the premature cuts to JobKeeper, which is pulling millions out of this community, whether it’s the mismanagement of the China relationship which is causing so much anxiety among growers and producers in this really important regional economy.”

LNP candidate Garth Hamilton defended the party’s track record on the local economy.

“Ensuring that we rebuild the economy after this year is key,” Mr Hamilton said at the launch of the Endeavour Foundation’s launch of its new accommodation project.

“We’re looking forward to a range of new initiatives coming through … like the JobMaker hiring credit to encourage young people into the workforce,” he said.

“The 50 per cent subsidy on apprentices.

“These are fantastic initiatives to make sure this area grows and grows strongly in the future.”

The Groom by-election will be held on November 28.