LNP accuses Bligh Government of throwing away Queensland's future, after claims it may sell QR and Port of Brisbane
The Queensland Liberal-National Party has accused Premier Anna Bligh of throwing away the State’s future, after her government admitted Queensland Rail and the Port of Brisbane may have to be sold to make up for a $14 billion loss in revenue.
Opposition spokeswoman on transport Fiona Simpson says the possibility of selling two of Queensland’s biggest assets was concerning, given history showed there was a need to reinvest in the organisations.
“This isn’t the silverware they’re looking at selling off to pay their $74 billion of debt- it’s the working machinery of government which is strategically important for future generations,” Simpson says.
“There is a great danger in debt- laden governments fire selling transport infrastructure which is vital for Queensland’s supply chains, now and into the future.
“These assets need re-investment to future proof Queensland, not a fire sale.”
Bligh’s comments over the weekend came after Transport Minister Rachel Nolan told parliament on May 21 Queensland Rail was not for sale.
“I think the people of Queensland can feel confident that it would be far more likely that a conservative government in this state would offer up Queensland Rail,” Nolan says.
Anna Bligh’s office did not respond to questions from ATN