Queensland treasurer Jackie Trad says the state has been dudded in Tuesday night’s federal budget announcement, with “re-announcements and hollow promises taking centre stage”.
An unimpressed Trad – who used to be the state’s transport minister – said the Turnbull Government had again showed it has “no idea” about Queensland, adding that Queenslanders just wanted what they “deserve” from their government.
“This Budget saw more of the same from the Malcolm Turnbull and the LNP, with big promises for New South Wales and Victoria and Queensland left with the crumbs,” she said.
“While working people got crumbs, big business got an $80 billion handout. That’s $80 billion that should be going to schools, hospitals and transport in Queensland, not into the pockets of banks and developers.
“There was zero funding for projects like Cross River Rail, which will get people home faster and deliver thousands of jobs in one of Australia’s fastest growing regions.
“There was nothing for the Rockhampton Levee and the Townsville Port, important infrastructure measures that we’ve already committed money to.
“The big ticket promises the Turnbull Government are making are on the never never, the majority of the money won’t even be allocated for up to four years meaning Queenslanders will be waiting years for the Commonwealth to deliver on their promises.”
Trad said major road projects promised on the M1 and the Bruce Highway were not set to receive major funding allocations for at least four years, and the “hyped” $1 billion urban infrastructure fund was another “dud,” with $0 earmarked this year and only $40 million set to be spent over the next four years.
“What’s clear from this Budget is that Malcolm Turnbull only has a plan for his re-election, not a plan for the nation.”