Debt Reduction and Savings Bill 2021

Supports the bill, crediting the government for listening to tattoo industry concerns and withdrawing provisions on tattoo inks.

“This is demonstrative of how as a Labor government we listen and we respond.”— 2021-05-27View Hansard

Opposed the bill, arguing it does not actually reduce debt, reduces transparency by abolishing Building Queensland and Queensland Productivity Commission, and inappropriately transfers the Titles Registry to a quasi-private structure.

“The LNP will be opposing the bill. There is absolutely no effort by the government to reduce debt as the title suggests.”— 2021-05-26View Hansard

Led opposition to the bill, arguing it is a 'con job' that does not reduce debt or deliver significant savings, but is merely an accounting trick to avoid a credit ratings downgrade.

“We are not going to endorse this bill today. We are not going to support this con job of a debt reduction and savings plan because it does neither.”— 2021-05-25View Hansard

As Deputy Opposition Leader, strongly opposes the bill as failing to address debt or achieve savings, criticising it as misleading and lacking vision.

“What we have is a pointless, misleading, terrible bill that takes us nowhere. It is simply preoccupied with the Treasurer making sure that he does not oversee a credit rating downgrade.”— 2021-05-27View Hansard

Supported the bill as delivering the government's savings and debt plan while maintaining services and employment.

“This bill delivers on the government's commitment to responsible fiscal management.”— 2021-05-26View Hansard

Criticised the bill as a 'pea and thimble trick' to avoid a ratings agency downgrade, arguing the Titles Registry valuation is inflated and the bill hides the government's poor economic performance.

“This bill is all about hiding the real position from Queensland taxpayers and is a deliberate and unabashed attempt at hiding the dismal economic performance of the Palaszczuk Labor government.”— 2021-05-25View Hansard

Supports the bill as part of economic management.

“I rise to speak in support of the Debt Reduction and Savings Bill.”— 2021-05-27View Hansard

Opposed the bill, criticising the abolition of independent bodies like Building Queensland and the Queensland Productivity Commission.

“This bill reduces transparency and independent oversight of government decisions.”— 2021-05-26View Hansard

As committee chair, supported the bill for keeping assets in public ownership while improving Queensland's debt position with ratings agencies.

“This is the smart option and it stands in stark contrast to the LNP's plan to cut, sack and sell.”— 2021-05-25View Hansard

Supports the bill.

“I rise to speak in support of the Debt Reduction and Savings Bill.”— 2021-05-27View Hansard

Opposed the bill, expressing concerns about the transfer of the Titles Registry and abolition of independent oversight bodies.

“The KAP has concerns about the direction this bill takes Queensland.”— 2021-05-26View Hansard

Argued the bill does not achieve debt reduction, questioned the inflated $4.1 billion valuation of the Titles Registry compared to other states, and noted only $3 million in savings identified versus $3 billion promised.

“I note the bill does not achieve what the title of the bill sets out. There is no effort to reduce debt.”— 2021-05-25View Hansard

Supports the bill.

“I rise to speak in support of the Debt Reduction and Savings Bill.”— 2021-05-27View Hansard

Supported the bill as part of the government's responsible economic management.

“This government is delivering responsible fiscal management.”— 2021-05-26View Hansard

Supported the bill for improving Queensland's debt-to-revenue ratio by approximately nine per cent while maintaining public ownership of the Titles Registry.

“The inclusion of the Queensland Titles Registry in the Debt Retirement Fund will improve the state's debt-to-revenue ratio when it is assessed by ratings agencies.”— 2021-05-25View Hansard

Supports the bill.

“I rise to speak in support of the Debt Reduction and Savings Bill.”— 2021-05-27View Hansard

Opposed the bill, criticising the misleading title and the abolition of independent oversight bodies.

“This bill does not deliver what its title promises.”— 2021-05-26View Hansard

Called the bill 'Labor spin doctors' finest work', noting the discrepancy between the $3 billion savings promised and the $3 million actually identified by Treasury.

“At a public briefing on the bill the committee heard the truth from the Deputy Under Treasurer that just $3 million worth of savings has been identified—a far cry from the $3 billion the Treasurer had spruiked.”— 2021-05-25View Hansard

Supports the bill.

“I rise to speak in support of the Debt Reduction and Savings Bill.”— 2021-05-27View Hansard

Supported the bill as delivering savings while maintaining services and protecting jobs.

“This bill delivers on the government's commitment to responsible fiscal management.”— 2021-05-26View Hansard

Supported the bill as evidence of prudent fiscal responsibility, arguing Queensland's COVID-19 recovery has been stronger than other states due to the government's leadership.

“This bill shows that the Palaszczuk Labor government is focused on ensuring that prudent fiscal responsibility continues to be the hallmark of this administration.”— 2021-05-25View Hansard

Opposes the bill.

“I rise to speak on the Debt Reduction and Savings Bill.”— 2021-05-27View Hansard

As former Opposition Leader, opposed the bill, arguing it does not reduce debt but actually increases it while reducing transparency through abolishing independent bodies.

“This bill is a con on Queenslanders - it does not reduce debt as the title falsely claims.”— 2021-05-26View Hansard

Described the bill as a 'Clayton's bill' and 'great con job', arguing it has no credibility and will not actually reduce debt while the government plans to borrow over $130 billion.

“This is a Clayton's bill. This is the debt reduction bill you have when you are not having a debt reduction bill.”— 2021-05-25View Hansard

Supports the bill.

“I rise to speak in support of the Debt Reduction and Savings Bill.”— 2021-05-27View Hansard

Supported the bill as delivering savings and responsible fiscal management without cutting frontline services.

“This government is delivering savings without cutting frontline services.”— 2021-05-26View Hansard

Supported the bill to protect Queenslanders from the LNP's slash-and-burn approach, recounting the impact of Newman government cuts on her electorate.

“Only Labor can be trusted to make sensible and prudent savings in a way that does not hurt Queenslanders.”— 2021-05-25View Hansard

Opposes the bill.

“I rise to speak on the Debt Reduction and Savings Bill.”— 2021-05-27View Hansard

Opposed the bill, expressing concerns about the transfer of the Titles Registry and reduction in independent oversight.

“We have concerns about the direction this bill takes.”— 2021-05-26View Hansard

Argued the bill delivers only a paltry $3 million per year in savings against $3 billion in annual interest, and expressed serious concern about transferring the Titles Registry to a corporate entity with reduced judicial review.

“Every tenet of best practice accounting and sound economic decision-making has been tossed overboard with this bill—and for what? A paltry $3 million per year over four years when Queensland's interest bill on its debt is $3 billion and rising.”— 2021-05-25View Hansard

As Treasurer, moved the bill introducing debt reduction measures including fee unit model and titles office transfer to Future Fund.

“This bill will make a significant reform to the administration of the public sector. It will save money, it will make government more efficient.”— 2021-05-27View Hansard

Strongly opposed the bill as shadow Treasurer, arguing it falsely claims to reduce debt while actually increasing it and reducing transparency.

“This bill does the opposite of what it claims - debt is increasing, not decreasing.”— 2021-05-26View Hansard

Supported the bill for putting sensible measures in place to protect communities while reducing debt, contrasting with LNP cuts to her region including slashing RoadTek funding.

“Labor knows how to make prudent savings in a way that does not hurt Queenslanders. The savings in this bill will ensure our frontline services are sustainable and focused on the needs of the public.”— 2021-05-25View Hansard

Supported the bill as delivering sensible savings while investing in frontline services, health, education and environment, contrasting it with LNP plans to cut and sell assets.

“We will continue to back Queenslanders with this bill by delivering sensible debt reduction and savings while investing in frontline services, infrastructure investment and protecting our environment.”— 2021-05-26View Hansard

Supported the bill as part of the government's $3 billion savings plan, noting it enables continued investment in frontline services like child safety workers.

“This bill contains sensible debt reduction and savings measures and is just one initiative under Queensland's savings and debt plan, which targets $3 billion in savings over four years.”— 2021-05-25View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill as responsible economic management, criticising the LNP's record of cuts to health, community groups and small business under the Newman government.

“This bill continues to do what Labor governments repeatedly do. At its core this bill is about responsible economic management. That is what Labor governments repeatedly do.”— 2021-05-26View Hansard

Criticised both major parties on asset sales and expressed concern about the bill's impact on regional areas, particularly the removal of print advertising requirements which hurts regional newspapers.

“Quite frankly, I am sick of hearing the debate from both sides about asset sales. Both sides have indulged in it.”— 2021-05-25View Hansard

Supported the bill as part of the government's superior economic performance, noting Queensland's strong economic indicators and contrasting with the LNP's record of asset sales under the Newman government.

“It is very clear that we have a plan to reduce debt. The LNP have no plan to reduce debt except to cut, sack and sell.”— 2021-05-26View Hansard

Supported the bill as good economic management that enables the government to focus on creating jobs and building essential infrastructure.

“Whether those opposite like it or not, in this bill we have a plan and it will allow the government to pursue the following priorities. Our No. 1 priority that we went to the election with is creating and supporting jobs.”— 2021-05-25View Hansard

Supported the bill as allowing responsible savings measures while funding frontline services, and highlighted its importance for delivering the new Bundaberg Hospital and essential infrastructure.

“This bill is about making the necessary amendments to maintain the financial responsibility of the Palaszczuk government's strong economic recovery plan.”— 2021-05-26View Hansard

Criticised the bill for abolishing the Queensland Productivity Commission and Building Queensland, bodies that were established by Labor but are now being wound up because their reports were unfavourable.

“The title of this legislation—Debt Reduction and Savings Bill 2021—indicates that it could be a comedy, but unfortunately it is not even a drama; it is probably a tragedy.”— 2021-05-25View Hansard

Supported the bill overall but expressed concern about removing print publication requirements, noting many constituents rely on local newspapers and this could reduce public awareness of development applications.

“I think this is a backward step.”— 2021-05-26View Hansard

Supported the bill, arguing it represents a stark contrast to the LNP's 'slash, burn and sell the farm' approach, and criticised the LNP for cutting over 600 positions in the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

“While this government chooses to invest and enable Queenslanders, the LNP chooses to slash, burn and sell the farm.”— 2021-05-25View Hansard

Supported the bill, criticising the LNP for having no alternative plan and highlighting their record of cuts and asset sales under the Newman government.

“They have been stumped on a number of questions including: why are we finding efficiencies rather than cutting and how is it that we are making savings without cutting workers?”— 2021-05-26View Hansard

Questioned how the government can claim to save money while simultaneously planning to borrow $130 billion, and criticised the lack of transparency in committee processes.

“How do you save money when at the same time you are borrowing money? That is just simple maths.”— 2021-05-25View Hansard

Supported the bill as a defence against the LNP's cut, sack and sell agenda, recalling his own experience as a public servant during the Newman government cuts.

“I rise in support of the Debt Reduction and Savings Bill 2021 as a measure to defend Queensland against the usual LNP solution of cutting services to the public, sacking family breadwinners and strategising to sell off most of Queensland.”— 2021-05-25View Hansard

As a qualified valuer, questioned the $4.1 billion valuation of the Titles Registry with no basis provided, and criticised the closure of Building Queensland and the Queensland Productivity Commission.

“There is no substantial effort to reduce debt. Moreover, the bill further reduces transparency and oversight with the closure of two of the few remaining independent bodies to provide economic oversight and advice.”— 2021-05-25View Hansard

Supported the bill, praising the Treasurer's fiscal responsibility and contrasting Labor's approach with the 'utter horror' of the Newman government years.

“I rise today in support of the Debt Reduction and Savings Bill. I commend the Treasurer on this legislation and I thank him for his fiscal responsibility and clear plan for Queensland's future.”— 2021-05-25View Hansard

Called the bill 'complete and utter fiction', listing the many assets actually sold by Labor governments between 2006-2011 while the LNP sold none during 2012-2015.

“There is not an ounce of truth in anything that is written in this piece of legislation and it starts with the title—that is, implying that somehow this piece of legislation is going to achieve debt reduction and/or savings.”— 2021-05-25View Hansard

Supported the bill for implementing savings and modernisation measures, noting exemptions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in remote areas regarding print publication requirements.

“This bill implements a range of savings and debt reduction measures that include identified public sector efficiencies and modernisation measures necessary to ensure the economic health of our state into the future.”— 2021-05-25View Hansard

Argued the bill does nothing to reduce debt or deliver savings, and expressed concern about Queensland's structural economic challenges with outgoings exceeding income.

“This bill will repeal 18 acts and regulatory instruments, but it does nothing to reduce debt and saves nothing. This is a real deceit of hard-working Queenslanders.”— 2021-05-25View Hansard

Supported the bill as enabling the government's economic recovery plan, highlighting that Queensland has the strongest credit rating of any state in Australia.

“It was great to hear the Treasurer make reference today to the S&P global credit rating, saying that Queensland has the strongest credit rating of any state in Australia.”— 2021-05-25View Hansard

Argued that debt reduction, savings and the Labor Party should never be used in the same sentence, criticising the government for borrowing to pay operating expenses for the first time in eight years.

“Putting a Queensland Labor Party in charge of debt reduction and savings is like putting Dracula in charge of the blood bank.”— 2021-05-25View Hansard

Supported the bill, emphasising that the Titles Registry transfer to the Queensland Future Fund will improve the state's debt-to-revenue ratio while preserving services.

“The inclusion of the Queensland Titles Registry in the Debt Retirement Fund will improve the state's debt-to-revenue ratio when assessed by credit rating agencies.”— 2021-05-25View Hansard

Quoted the non-government members' statement of reservation that this may be 'the most misleading title to ever pass through this Parliament', questioning the arbitrary $4.1 billion valuation of the Titles Registry.

“The Debt Reduction and Savings Bill 2021 may have the most misleading title to ever pass through this Parliament.”— 2021-05-25View Hansard

Supported the bill as reducing the burden of debt while enabling continued investment in housing, arts and frontline services, contrasting with the LNP's cuts during the Newman government.

“This bill is about reducing the burden of debt for our state and delivering savings for Queenslanders. The Palaszczuk government makes sensible savings decisions that do not hurt Queenslanders.”— 2021-05-25View Hansard