Appropriation (Parliament) Bill 2015

Criticised the budget as an illusion, arguing it is bad for jobs and growth, raids public servants' entitlements, and delivers nothing new for Mount Ommaney including the unfunded Sumner Road upgrade.

“Quite simply, I believe that this budget is duping Queenslanders. I believe that this government has no plan.”— 2015-07-17View Hansard

Delivered the opposition leader's budget reply, arguing the budget is bad for jobs, growth and debt, criticising the raid on public servants' long service leave and superannuation, the debt-shifting to GOCs, and the failure to deliver on pre-election promises.

“This first Labor budget is bad for the economy, it is bad for jobs and it is bad for growth.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Supported the budget as a true Labor budget delivering on jobs, education, health services and retaining government-owned assets, highlighting local projects for Kallangur.

“I rise today to speak in support of this first budget by the Palaszczuk Labor government.”— 2015-07-17View Hansard

Supported the budget, highlighting investment in Far North Queensland health, education, tourism and disaster relief, as well as progress on the Bill Fulton Bridge at Redlynch.

“I rise to support the budget and also to congratulate the Treasurer on delivering this 2015-16 budget in a professional, measured and responsible fashion.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Criticised the budget from a health perspective, arguing the government has no plan and is raiding super funds, while acknowledging the LNP's health outcomes are the benchmark.

“This government has no plan, it is raiding the super funds, it is going to take away long service leave entitlements and it has no plan to attack unemployment or boost business.”— 2015-07-17View Hansard

As Deputy Leader of the Opposition, argued the budget broke every pre-election promise including paying down debt, delivering surpluses, and fully funding long-term liabilities, describing it as a betrayal of trust.

“Tuesday's budget does not deliver on any one of those promises—not one, zero from four.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Criticised the budget for delivering an infrastructure freeze for Redland City with no capital health funding for Redland Hospital, cancelling the Mums and Bubs initiative, and increasing deficits.

“In my electorate of Cleveland this budget effectively delivers an infrastructure freeze.”— 2015-07-17View Hansard

Supported the budget, highlighting the Strathpine train station upgrade, disability services funding, water infrastructure projects and community initiatives in Pine Rivers.

“Labor builds things and Labor is about fairness. It is just our values. It is who we are and, importantly, it is what this budget is all about.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Supported the budget for delivering for Morayfield including the Caboolture Hospital expansion, road upgrades, school improvements and Skilling Queenslanders for Work.

“This is a budget that delivers for the people of Morayfield.”— 2015-07-17View Hansard

Criticised the budget for being bad for jobs and growth, attacking the long service leave raid and lack of new infrastructure, while highlighting LNP achievements in arts, science and innovation.

“This is a budget that is bad for jobs and bad for growth because employment growth is down.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Criticised the budget for failing to deliver infrastructure for the growing northern Gold Coast corridor, and attacking the raids on public servants' entitlements.

“This budget is bad for jobs and bad for growth.”— 2015-07-17View Hansard

Supported the budget as a great Labor budget delivering a surplus without sacking public servants, highlighting record health investment, nurse-to-patient ratios, the PA Hospital digital upgrade, and the Advance Queensland strategy.

“The Treasurer has demonstrated that there is a better way for Queensland. The Treasurer has demonstrated that the budget can be managed in a manner that grows the economy and jobs.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Supported the budget for its investment in health, education and community services, highlighting local projects for Ferny Grove.

“This is a budget that delivers for all Queenslanders.”— 2015-07-17View Hansard

Commended the Treasurer for delivering a good first-year budget without cuts, highlighting investment in Moranbah school air conditioning, the Gregory Developmental Road, disability services, and Ravenshoe community support.

“I am not saying this is the greatest budget I have ever seen, but it is a good budget, particularly for the first year of a new government.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Criticised the budget for failing the Gold Coast with no new infrastructure, no light rail funding, and reliance on tricks and raids.

“This budget fails the Gold Coast.”— 2015-07-17View Hansard

Congratulated the Treasurer on a budget that delivers for Bundaberg, highlighting new cardiology and ophthalmology services, additional nurses and teachers, and the Paradise Dam spillway upgrade.

“The first budget by the Palaszczuk government has been a refreshing change for my community and it has been welcomed with open arms by all sectors.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Criticised the budget for failing regional Queensland, cutting 130 positions from the department of agriculture, and lacking vision for the agricultural sector.

“Yes, it is a typical Labor budget: full of spin and with very little substance.”— 2015-07-17View Hansard

As shadow minister for education, criticised the budget for delivering nothing for his electorate, cutting the Great Teachers = Great Results program, and growing the public service instead of creating real jobs.

“This budget is underwhelming, unimaginative and does nothing to create jobs or reduce debt.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

As Minister for Communities, supported the budget for its focus on jobs for vulnerable and disadvantaged people, enhanced employment opportunities, and community services.

“The Palaszczuk government has a clear and unwavering focus on jobs.”— 2015-07-17View Hansard

Supported the budget for its investment in Gladstone including the RG Tanna Coal Terminal upgrade, hospital emergency department upgrades, trade skills centre, and additional classrooms.

“Not only did this government stop this profitable government owned asset from being sold; we are now investing in infrastructure and upgrades which will generate jobs and prosperity in our region.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Criticised the budget for failing to fund projects in the regions, arguing the flowery weasel words of the government's spin are exposed when the rubber hits the road.

“Unfortunately this budget does not deliver for all of this state, including the regions.”— 2015-07-17View Hansard

Criticised the budget's debt action plan as fundamentally flawed, arguing the debt shifting and long service leave raid are smoke and mirrors, while promoting the LNP's alternative economic plan.

“This state budget is a feather castle built on liquid sand. It will float away and disintegrate rapidly.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Acknowledged some benefits in the budget for his electorate including feral animal management and road funding, but expressed concern about the lack of vision for northern development and water infrastructure.

“I would firstly like to go through the benefits that we are most grateful for and thank the government for them on behalf of my electorate.”— 2015-07-17View Hansard

Supported the budget for restoring fairness and hope, highlighting $75 million for the Townsville Ring Road stage 4, the Dalrymple Road Bridge, new schools for northern suburbs, and Skilling Queenslanders for Work.

“This budget brings back the fairness and hope that the people of Queensland lost under the previous LNP government.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Criticised the budget as a gerrymander budget propped up by unions and crossbenchers, failing to deliver for Hervey Bay.

“Well, well, well, what can we say about this gerrymander budget?”— 2015-07-17View Hansard

As shadow transport minister, criticised the budget for increasing public transport fares and car registration, delivering no new transport projects, and merely continuing LNP-initiated infrastructure.

“This is a failed Labor budget for Queensland.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Criticised the budget for failing Noosa and the Sunshine Coast, lacking investment in road and rail infrastructure.

“This budget fails the Sunshine Coast.”— 2015-07-17View Hansard

Supported the budget as environment minister, highlighting the Auchenflower station upgrade, $100 million for Great Barrier Reef water quality, $15 million for climate change adaptation, and national parks funding.

“My portfolio budget truly reflects our commitments as a government to ensure appropriate protection for the state's environment.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Supported the budget for delivering for Logan including Yarrabilba infrastructure, health and education investment.

“This budget delivers for the people of Logan.”— 2015-07-17View Hansard

Argued Labor cannot be trusted, criticising the broken promises on debt reduction, the raid on long service leave, the absence of new infrastructure particularly for Caboolture Hospital, and the lack of Great Results Guarantee funding beyond 2016.

“Let the people of Queensland and the people of Glass House be in no doubt: the Australian Labor Party cannot be trusted because the Australian Labor Party does not tell the truth.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Criticised the budget for failing the Gold Coast and Currumbin electorate, with no new infrastructure and continuing to claim credit for LNP projects.

“This budget fails my electorate of Currumbin.”— 2015-07-17View Hansard

Supported the budget for delivering a surplus, jobs through Skilling Queenslanders for Work and Advance Queensland, record health and education spending, and local investment in Brisbane Central.

“We said there was a better way and this budget delivers a better budget than those opposite are capable of delivering.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Criticised the budget for its lack of Sunshine Coast rail duplication funding and failure to deliver new infrastructure for the Sunshine Coast.

“This budget fails the Sunshine Coast.”— 2015-07-17View Hansard

Criticised the budget as a one-off sugar hit, noting it merely claims LNP-initiated projects for the Toowoomba region and lacks innovation investment comparable to the LNP's proposals.

“This is a budget that is clearly designed to be a one-off sugar hit without regard to the long-term future of our state.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Criticised the budget for failing the Gold Coast with no new infrastructure, raids on public servants' entitlements, and increasing debt.

“This budget is bad for jobs and bad for growth.”— 2015-07-17View Hansard

Supported the budget for delivering jobs and infrastructure in Ipswich West, highlighting the Borallon Correctional Centre recommissioning and the Wulkaraka rail maintenance facility.

“The Treasurer was faced with the aftermath of three years of arrogant economic mismanagement that tore at the social fabric of our great state.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Supported the budget for delivering for Ipswich including health, education, infrastructure and community services.

“This budget delivers for the people of Ipswich.”— 2015-07-17View Hansard

Criticised the budget for robbing Peter to pay Paul, delivering nothing for Aspley including no transport infrastructure or school hall upgrade, while noting the 3.5 per cent car registration increase.

“This is a government that has not been up-front with the people of Queensland.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Criticised the budget for merely claiming credit for LNP projects in Toowoomba, with no new investment for the region.

“This budget fails the Toowoomba region.”— 2015-07-17View Hansard

As Attorney-General, supported the budget for investing in diversionary courts, youth justice conferencing, the Sentencing Advisory Council, domestic violence measures, and TAFE restoration.

“Success in the justice system is not about counting how many people are in our prisons; it is about reducing crime and doing our best to assist those to not reoffend.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Supported the budget for its investment in remote Indigenous communities and Cape York, highlighting road and health infrastructure.

“This budget delivers for the people of Cook.”— 2015-07-17View Hansard

As former Treasurer, delivered an extensive critique arguing the budget turns LNP surpluses into $5 billion in fiscal deficits, raids long service leave and superannuation entitlements, and delivers higher debt while promising lower debt.

“This Treasurer has turned the LNP's fiscal surpluses into deficits totalling $5 billion over the forward forecasts.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Supported the budget for delivering jobs, health, education and infrastructure for the Stretton electorate.

“This budget delivers for the people of Stretton.”— 2015-07-17View Hansard

Supported the budget as responsible and measured, highlighting the Gateway Motorway upgrade, Boondall and Banyo train station improvements, the Triple P parenting program, and school infrastructure.

“One of the reasons I joined the Labor Party was that we believe deeply in the value and dignity of work—in the opportunity it provides.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Criticised the budget for failing western Queensland with no new infrastructure, cutting agricultural positions and lacking vision for regional development.

“This budget fails western Queensland.”— 2015-07-17View Hansard

Criticised the budget for abandoning the Mudgeeraba electorate, noting Labor had claimed credit for LNP projects and cut previously funded commitments for school safety and road upgrades.

“Fundamentally, this is a budget which is bad for jobs and bad for growth. It is a budget of tricks and raids on public servants' long service leave and superannuation which Labor never foreshadowed before the election.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Criticised the budget for failing the Whitsunday region with no new infrastructure and neglecting tourism and agriculture.

“This budget fails the Whitsunday region.”— 2015-07-17View Hansard

Supported the budget for delivering on community expectations without selling assets, highlighting infrastructure projects in Central Queensland and concerns about small business viability in resource communities.

“I am proud of the fact that a Labor government can do that, because we as a government have a sense of integrity and a sense of commitment.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Criticised the budget for its debt-shifting tricks and raids, with no new infrastructure for Chatsworth.

“This budget is bad for jobs and bad for growth.”— 2015-07-17View Hansard

Criticised the debt hospital pass to GOCs, the raid on public servants' superannuation, and the inadequacy of the Building Our Regions program, while welcoming Panama disease funding for the banana industry.

“Those employer contributions do not belong to the Treasurer; they belong to the people who earned them.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

As former Deputy Premier, criticised the budget for lacking vision, claiming credit for LNP infrastructure projects, and failing regional Queensland.

“This budget has no vision for the future of Queensland.”— 2015-07-17View Hansard

Supported the budget for restoring front-line services, delivering jobs, and benefiting the Lytton electorate through new teachers, guidance officers and community services.

“I am proud of this budget and I am proud to be part of the Palaszczuk government.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

As Minister for Main Roads, supported the budget for its $18.8 billion transport infrastructure investment, TIDS funding for local governments, energy and water investment, and renewable energy platform.

“This is a budget for all of Queensland.”— 2015-07-17View Hansard

Criticised the budget for delivering a 33 per cent capital spend reduction for the Bundaberg and Burnett region, attacking the raids on entitlements and destruction of the Safe Night Out Strategy.

“Albert Einstein once defined stupidity as 'doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result'.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Criticised the budget as a 'hope' budget relying on royalties to save the government, attacking the superannuation raid and lack of support for small business.

“This is a real Labor budget all right—this is a real Labor budget about debt.”— 2015-07-17View Hansard

Strongly supported the budget, highlighting record health and education spending, the new Cairns Special School, foreshore development, and the Cairns Convention Centre roof replacement.

“If this is a vanilla budget, all I can say is, 'Pass the ice-cream. I'll have two scoops please with extra vanilla.'”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Supported the budget for restoring confidence in Mackay through port expansion, the Vines Creek bridge, education investment, and domestic violence services funding.

“Thanks to the Palaszczuk government's budget, confidence in our community can be restored.”— 2015-07-17View Hansard

Criticised the budget as a return to the past, highlighting the reduction in community housing funding, the Gold Coast regional brochure claiming credit for private projects, and no commitment to Gold Coast Light Rail stage 2.

“I am just so disappointed with this budget. I think that is the best word I can find to describe the budget that has been presented here this week.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

As Treasurer, delivered the reply speech defending the budget as responsible and measured, arguing debt will be lower under Labor than the LNP forecast, challenging the opposition to present an alternative plan, and highlighting infrastructure investment across all regions.

“With this budget, we have proven that there is a better way.”— 2015-07-17View Hansard

Supported the budget for delivering the Bruce Highway-Boundary Road interchange, new school classrooms, sports facilities, and the Deception Bay bus interchange.

“It is an honour to be a part of a government that is delivering on its promises to build better communities.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Criticised the budget as fiction, attacking the lack of road infrastructure around the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, the cancellation of the Safe Night Out Strategy, and the government's soft-on-crime approach.

“This is not a budget about jobs. This is not a budget about infrastructure. It contains no new infrastructure items.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Supported the budget for investing heavily in Townsville as the hub of Northern Australia, highlighting the new stadium, port redevelopment, health services, schools, and disaster relief funding.

“The Palaszczuk government gets it. It is the Palaszczuk government that appointed the Minister Assisting the Premier for North Queensland as the only regional minister to do so.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Criticised the budget for delivering increased unemployment, no real economic growth, and no funding for Gold Coast Light Rail stage 2, arguing the government has no plan and merely raids public servants' entitlements.

“This budget proves that Labor had absolutely no plan for Queensland.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Supported the budget for addressing the five key issues raised by Keppel voters: health, education, jobs, infrastructure and the Great Barrier Reef.

“I rise in the House today to speak in favour of the first budget of the Palaszczuk Labor government handed down by the Treasurer on Tuesday.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Criticised the budget for its ludicrous claims, pointing out the LNP had delivered a seven per cent increase in the Health budget and improvements in education that this government is now cutting.

“In the previous budget there was an increase in the Health budget of seven per cent.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Supported the budget for delivering for Maryborough after 18 years in the wilderness under One Nation, an Independent and the LNP, putting his electorate first.

“I made a commitment to the people of the Maryborough electorate at the 31 January election that I would put Maryborough first.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Criticised the budget as full of spin and no substance, with no plan for the future and raids on public servants' superannuation and long service leave.

“On Tuesday we witnessed a typical Labor budget: full of spin and no substance, a budget that has no plan for the future.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Supported the budget, citing independent assessments as a report card validating the government's responsible approach.

“This is a report card on our budget.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Criticised the budget for failing to fund needed health services at Beaudesert Hospital, cutting the Mums and Bubs program, stripping CCC funding, and discontinuing the Great Results Guarantee.

“Coming into this place and presenting a budget full of smoke and mirrors, and shifting debt from one place to another, will not create the confidence that business needs to invest and create jobs.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

As Minister for State Development, supported the budget for its responsible approach, highlighting the Building Our Regions program, QMI Solutions, Queen's Wharf development, and the Townsville Stadium.

“This government will live within its financial means.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Criticised the budget as another magic trick from Labor, arguing the party will say anything to get elected and then fail to deliver.

“The old white rabbit is looking a bit scruffy, but it is all those opposite have for the voters of Queensland because those opposite will say anything at an election in order to get across the line.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Criticised the budget for doing little to progress major projects and create jobs in North Queensland, despite the region having some of Australia's biggest projects waiting in the wings.

“The budget brought down on Tuesday does little to progress those projects and, in turn, create the jobs that we so desperately need in North Queensland.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Criticised the direction the Palaszczuk government is taking Queensland under the Treasurer's stewardship.

“I want to speak briefly about the direction in which the Palaszczuk Labor government is taking Queensland.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Supported the budget as representing the restoration of vital services for the greater Redlands, noting the North Stradbroke Island economic transition package and Toondah Harbour upgrade.

“This budget is not about big shiny projects that make politicians feel good.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Criticised the budget for delivering nothing new for Condamine while claiming credit for LNP projects, and attacking the government's approach to industrial relations and union influence.

“If you move your plant and machinery debt over to your farm debt it does not mean it has magically disappeared. You still owe it.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Supported the budget for delivering a fiscal surplus, rescuing TAFE, boosting health and police, and providing for Pumicestone schools and sporting groups.

“I am happy to be part of a government that recognises that we live in a community and not in an economy.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Supported the budget for delivering Queensland's first operating surplus in 16 years, highlighting local investment in Bulimba State School classrooms and QFES swift-water rescue headquarters.

“We did what we said we were going to do—plain and simple.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Criticised the budget as an illusion, arguing it is bad for jobs and growth, raids public servants' entitlements, and delivers nothing new for Mount Ommaney while failing to fund the Sumner Road upgrade.

“Quite simply, I believe that this budget is duping Queenslanders. I believe that this government has no plan.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Supported the budget as a true Labor budget delivering on jobs, education, health services and retaining government-owned assets, highlighting local projects including the Petrie fire station and Pine Rivers Special School classrooms.

“I rise today to speak in support of this first budget by the Palaszczuk Labor government.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Criticised the budget from a health perspective, arguing the government has no plan and is raiding super funds, while acknowledging the LNP's health outcomes are now the benchmark the government seeks to emulate.

“This government has no plan, it is raiding the super funds, it is going to take away long service leave entitlements and it has no plan to attack unemployment or boost business.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard

Criticised the budget for delivering an infrastructure freeze for Redland City with no capital health funding for Redland Hospital, while increasing deficits, debt and unemployment.

“This first Labor budget is bad for the economy, it is bad for jobs and it is bad for growth.”— 2015-07-16View Hansard