Queensland Shadow Minister for Transport Scott Emerson

LNP’s Answer To Looming Inner-City Rail Crisis

Victor P Taffa

The LNP’s Building Queensland’s Future Together discussion paper proposes a commonsense solution to Brisbane’s looming inner-city rail crisis. Crunch time is now, to avoid a capacity crisis in 2016.

Shadow Transport Minister Scott Emerson said while the inept Labor government was running away from the crisis, the LNP’s (Liberal National Party) infrastructure paper outlined a plan to upgrade the South Brisbane and Southbank railway stations to provide extra platform capacity and more operational flexibility.

“This would provide up to an extra five years capacity over the Merivale Bridge and give us valuable time to put longer-term solutions in place.” Mr. Emerson said.

Mr. Emerson welcomed the support of RAIL Back On Track spokesman Robert Dow who said:

“Cross River Rail will take some time so it is pleasing to note some effort has been made to propose steps to maximise the utility of existing infrastructure with incremental improvements. We have long suggested such steps will be necessary.”

Mr. Emerson said despite the crisis point of 2016 being warned about for at least six years, and Premier Bligh declaring a solution was “desperately needed” – Labor’s Cross River Rail project remained unfunded.

“It would not be built in time to meet the capacity constraint deadline.” Mr. Emerson said.

“The LNP recognises that this public transport problem is rapidly approaching – and taking no action is not an option.”

Mr. Emerson said Labor’s failure to redress Brisbane’s rail crisis was just one part of a larger $150 Billion unfunded infrastructure deficit around the State, on top of Labor’s $85 Billion debt.

“The Bligh Government’s Environmental Impact Study (EIS) released this week no longer has any references to the inner city rail capacity crisis deadline.”

“In a piece of political trickery – Labor has even scrubbed all mention of 2016.”

“We must deal with the crisis before we look at longer-term solutions to increase capacity- and that will include the current Cross River Rail proposal.”

“A CanDo LNP Government will plan for the future not live for the moment. Campbell Newman is an engineer, one thing he really knows how to do is build infrastructure.” Mr. Emerson said.

Queensland Shadow Minister for Transport Scott Emerson

Labor’s Public Transport Fare Hikes Push Brisbane Tourists Away

Victor P Taffa

Brisbane’s tourism market is doing it tough and the Bligh Government isn’t helping by making public transport too expensive for tourists, the State Opposition said today.

Shadow Minister for Transport Scott Emerson said the Bligh Labor Government should be encouraging River City tourists with affordable public transport options, not turning them away.

“More than six million tourists visit South East Queensland every year and Labor’s solution to help boost Brisbane tourism is to increase public transport fares.”  Mr. Emerson said.

“Under the Bligh Labor Government, public transport fares have gone up and will continue to rise by 15 % each year for the next three years.”

“Labor’s ever-increasing public transport costs are hardly attractive to tourists.”

“Backpackers especially cannot afford to pay almost $4 every time they jump on a bus, train or ferry.” Mr. Emerson said.

“Expensive public transport fares could mean visitors to our River City instead travel elsewhere.”

“The Liberal National Party (LNP) believes a tourist product that will meet the specific travel needs of short-term visitors needs to be developed in an effort to attract more travellers to the South East corner.”

“A CanDo LNP Government will work hard to improve our public transport system and encourage tourists to Brisbane.” Mr. Emerson said.

Queensland Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Food and Regional Queensland Andrew Cripps

Australia Integral To Indonesia Adopting Humane Slaughter Practices

Victor P Taffa

AUSTRALIA must play a leading role in promoting humane slaughter practices in Indonesia.

Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Food and Regional Queensland Andrew Cripps told State Parliament this week Australia and the cattle industry needed to move quickly to redress the cruelty issues exposed by the ABC’s Four Corners program.

“The Liberal National Party (LNP) deplores cruelty to animals and we supported the decision to suspend the supply of Australian cattle to the particular abattoirs using these inhumane practices.

“But we believe Australia is best placed to promote humane practices in Indonesian abattoirs and those improvements are integral to our live export trade.” Mr. Cripps said.

“The efforts of the Australian live cattle export industry have led to the introduction of stunning in some abattoirs. There is a long way to go to see the wider use of stunning in Indonesia, but there would not have been any progress had the Australian industry not been involved.”

“No other country exporting live cattle spends money raised by levies on domestic producers to educate their customer in the humane treatment of animals.” Mr. Cripps said.

“The only reason the Australian live export industry has any influence is because it’s a preferred supplier due to the quality of the product. The LNP believes the live cattle export industry and the Federal Government needs to continue to make the promotion and adoption of stunning a priority in Indonesian abattoirs.”

Mr. Cripps said the live export of cattle was a major economic driver in North Queensland.

“The ban has serious ramifications on cattle producers, employees on properties, transport operators and businesses supplying and servicing the industry.”

He said Federal Agriculture Minister Ludwig was wrong in forcing the cattle industry to compensate itself by directing its industry body to use funds accumulated from voluntary levies collected for marketing and promotion and redistribute them to affected producers.

“The Gillard Government should accept responsibility for its decision and compensate cattle producers for the loss of this market. The Gillard Government must also announce and outline an immediate plan to re-establish a controlled trade with Indonesia that makes cattle identifiable and traceable from the property boundary in Australia to the abattoir in Indonesia.” Mr. Cripps told Parliament.

“There are abattoirs in Indonesia that meet Australia’s expectations and there are producers in North Queensland capable of monitoring the movement of their cattle through the supply chain.”

The extent of the Bligh Government’s response has been to set up a task force, supposedly to identify alternative markets. It is very disappointing that the Bligh Government has made plan B its priority. Rather than admit defeat, the Bligh Government should stand up for North Queensland cattle producers and demand that the Gillard Government re-open a controlled export trade to Indonesia.

“There are too many livelihoods at risk in this industry for this to be the best the Gillard and Bligh governments can offer. The live cattle export trade is a significant part of North Queensland’s economy.” Mr. Cripps said.

“The impact of an ongoing export ban will be enormous. The livelihoods of everyone working in this industry are in jeopardy. Premier Bligh and the state Minister for Agriculture should be fighting for the livelihoods of these Queenslanders.” Mr. Cripps said.

Queensland Shadow Minister for Transport Scott Emerson

No Fare Relief For Public Transport Users

Victor P Taffa

Labor has once again whacked already hard-hit commuters by failing to deliver any public transport fare relief, the State Opposition said today.

Shadow Transport Minister Scott Emerson said Labor has already punished commuters with fare rises of 20 % last year and 15 % this year, with further increases of 15 % each year for the next three years.

 Under Labor fares keep going up, but the service doesn’t improve.” Mr. Emerson said.

“Despite Transport Minister Anastasia Palaszczuk telling parliament last month she had spoken to the Treasurer about re-introducing the scrapped monthly, six-monthly and 12-monthly tickets, the budget has only delivered more fare increases.”

“Labor keeps getting it wrong on public transport and this latest State Budget shows that another dud Minister is in charge.” Mr. Emerson said.

Mr. Emerson said the Transport Minister has already admitted she will review the bungled $26 Million train timetable upgrade she rolled out two weeks ago because of overcrowding and loss of services.

“And honest commuters who accidentally forget to touch off their go cards will also be hit by the Minister’s doubling of fines with no measures put in place to ensure those who accidentally forget to tag off have a chance to rectify the problem.” Mr. Emerson.

“These extra costs have gone into Labor’s escalating debt and budget black hole rather than improving our public transport services.”

“Labor’s $85 Billion debt means an interest bill for Queensland taxpayers of $5 Billion a year, which equates to about $100 Million a week and $595,000 an hour and still Queenslanders do not get an improved public transport service.”

“A CanDo Liberal National Party Government will encourage Queenslanders to use our public transport system and will invest in commuter infrastructure.” Mr. Emerson said.

Queensland Shadow Minister for Transport Scott Emerson

Bungled $26 Million Train Timetables Set For A Review

Victor P Taffa

Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk’s admission that the new $26 Million train timetables may be subject to another review was proof Labor had bungled their implementation, the State Opposition said today.

Shadow Transport Minister Scott Emerson said the $26 Million spent on the first major upgrade of train timetables in almost 15 years had not alleviated overcrowding for public transport commuters.

“Almost 15 years and $26 Million later and Labor still haven’t got it right.” Mr. Emerson said.

Mr. Emerson said the feedback in the past 48 hours from commuters on these new timetables had been a loss of services, longer journeys, and overcrowding.

“It’s a farce when the Minister admits we may need another ‘review of the review’. What Labor promises and what they deliver are two different things.”

“This isn’t the type of service commuters expect when fares have already gone up 20 % last year, 15 % this year, and are set to increase 15 % each year until 2014.”

Following photos* submitted by commuters, Mr. Emerson said he was concerned commuters were being packed into carriages already at their maximum passenger capacity.

“Each train has a maximum passenger capacity for a reason and when commuters are being packed in like sardines it’s getting dangerously close to unsafe.” Mr. Emerson said.

Mr. Emerson said the tired 20 year old Labor Government had done little to improve public transport services.

“How long do Queenslanders have to wait for this 20 year old Labor Government to get it right?”

“Under Labor, Queensland is always in catch up mode. In stark contrast, the Campbell Newman Liberal National Party team will forward plan, not live for the moment.” Mr. Emerson said.

The issue with fare increases and overcrowding is at what point will contracts be signed and dirt begun to be dug on the construction of badly needed Railway Lines?

Queensland Shadow Minister for Transport Scott Emerson

Queensland Shadow Minister for Transport Scott Emerson

Nolan Misses Bus – Again

Victor P Taffa

LABOR’S breast-beating today about providing $72 Million for 125 new buses was nothing more than an old deal done between the BCC and former Premier Peter Beattie.

Shadow Minister for Transport Scott Emerson said Labor Finance Minister Rachel Nolan had been caught out playing petty politics with public transport.

“This inept minister obviously hasn’t got a clue about the arrangement that enables the city council to build a record 500 new buses – without ratepayers being saddled with the extra costs.”

“Ms. Nolan is also ignorant about the fact that Brisbane ratepayers subsidise public transport to the tune of $360.00 per rateable property this year.  The only council to make a significant contribution.”

“Her old boss Peter Beattie had an interest in working out these arrangements with former Mayor Campbell Newman – while Ms. Nolan seems to stumble through her Finance Department job - where nothing adds up.”

Mr. Emerson said Ms. Nolan would be far more productive focussing on cutting waste, making honest announcements and actually delivering what was promised.

He said the Bligh Government stood to collect an estimated $47 Million extra revenue from public transport fare hikes this financial year.

“That figure is expected to soar over $50 Million next financial year with another 15 % increase in public transport fares.” Mr. Emerson said.

“The State Government controls public transport fare revenue and therefore should be expected to fund new buses.”

“While Campbell Newman was Lord Mayor of Brisbane he delivered around 700 new buses in a seven- year period.” Mr. Emerson said.

“The CanDo Liberal National Party team is holding to account this tired 20 year-old Labor government which is out of touch and only acts under media and community pressure.”

“The Campbell Newman Liberal National Party team will forward plan, not just live for the moment.” Mr. Emerson said.

Queensland Shadow Minister for Transport Scott Emerson

Transport Minister Blind To Commuter Concerns

Victor P Taffa

Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk has been challenged to really listen to commuters’ concerns by catching trains in problem spots instead of just participating in stage managed media events.

Shadow Transport Minister Scott Emerson said the train timetable change that took effect yesterday – the first major upgrade in almost 15 years – had been given big thumbs down by many commuters.

“Many commuters are experiencing longer wait times and longer journeys because of Labor’s bungled timetable change with a range of suburban stations completely forgotten in this review.” Mr. Emerson said.

“Labor seems to have created another ‘Bombay Express’ with commuters on the evening service to the Sunshine Coast facing unprecedented and unacceptable overcrowding.”

“The Minister should catch the 5.20pm train to Nambour tonight, not just select routes, if she really wants to experience some of the problems plaguing the south-east Queensland public transport network.”

Mr. Emerson said the tired 20 year old Labor Government had done little to improve public transport services.

“How long do Queenslanders have to wait for this 20 year old Labor Government to get it right?

“Under Labor, Queensland is always in catch up mode. In stark contrast, the Campbell Newman Liberal National Party team will forward plan, not live for the moment.” Mr. Emerson said.

Queensland Shadow Minister for Transport Scott Emerson

Train Timetable Tweak Doesn’t Ease Commuter Concerns

Victor P Taffa

A train timetable tweak won’t ease south-east Queensland commuters’ concerns about worsening congestion, delays and rising fares, the State Opposition said today.

Shadow Transport Minister Scott Emerson said the train timetable change taking effect today was the first major upgrade in almost 15 years, yet the Bligh Labor Government still hadn’t got it right.

“Some suburban stations have been completely forgotten in this review and many commuters won’t see any change in reliability despite the extra money they’re forking over each and every trip.” Mr. Emerson said.

“Commuters have been whacked with a 20 % fare increase last year, 15 % this year, with more 15 % fare hikes planned every year until 2014.”

“The public transport fare hikes come on top of other Labor-inflicted cost of living increases in fuel, electricity and water that have left Queenslanders struggling to make ends meet.”

“Despite the massive fare hikes, commuters have seen little benefit with Labor refusing to respond to calls for discounted periodic fares.” Mr. Emerson said.

“The new Transport Minister came in promising action on periodic fares, but all she has really done is creating another committee and hike penalty fees.”

“Labor has been in Government for 20 of the past 22 years, but has done little to improve public transport services.”

“Under Labor, Queensland is always in catch up mode. In stark contrast, the Campbell Newman Liberal National Party team will forward plan, not live for the moment.” Mr. Emerson said.

Queensland Shadow Minister for Mining and Resource Management Jack Dempsey

Labor’s Carbon Tax Kills 400 Copper Jobs

Victor P Taffa

ANNA Bligh needs to stand up to Canberra and oppose the carbon tax to save Queensland jobs and future investment in resource and processing industries, the LNP said today.

Shadow Minister for Mining and Resource Management Jack Dempsey said Xstrata’s announcement to end copper smelting at Mt Isa and refining in Townsville with the loss of 400 processing jobs was a disaster and a direct casualty of Labor’s carbon tax.

“Anna Bligh needs to stand up to Canberra and keep these processing jobs in Queensland.” Mr. Dempsey said.

“Once these jobs are lost to overseas, they won’t come back. Anna Bligh could stop this now by picking up the phone to Ms Gillard and telling her we’ve had enough.”

Mr. Dempsey said with Queensland now ranked 38^th internationally in terms of ‘sovereign risk’ for resource project investment it was past time for State and Federal Labor to dump their carbon tax nonsense.

“Norm Gallagher mightn’t be there around anymore …but Queensland mining and processing is getting the BLF treatment from Bligh, Lucas and Fraser.”

“With the huge debts we’ve got, Queensland simply cannot afford this stupid carbon tax.” Mr. Dempsey said.

“Mt. Isa Mayor John Maloney is dead right …Labor’s carbon tax might please Bob Brown, but it certainly doesn’t please the people of Mt. Isa and Regional Queensland.”

“We’ve got a great State with abundant resources and hard-working Queenslanders and it deserves a CanDo Government to manage Queensland properly.” Mr. Dempsey said.

The Gillard/Brown Coalition Government Carbon Tax will threaten Railway Expansion as every component of Railways will be taxed.

Copper is used in overhead electrical wiring, steel is used for Railway Tracks, electricity is a far more effective means to operate the trains that Senator Brown wants to run and diesel fuel to operate the Rail Ferry to Tasmania.

The Carbon Tax will also threaten the Car Industry and associated component businesses.

Shadow Minister for Education & Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Bruce Flegg

LNP Pays Tribute To Lionel Rose

Victor P Taffa

Lionel Rose was a great Australian, a world champion boxer and above all an inspiration to Aborigines, the Liberal National Party said today.

Speaking in State Parliament today Shadow Minister for Education and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Bruce Flegg said Lionel Rose was a hero to a generation at a time when life of many Aborigines was very hard.

“He was born and raised at Jacksons Track in Victoria, into a tough life. He learnt boxing from his father. He won the Australian bantamweight champion and in 1968 he became first Indigenous Australian to win a world title.” Dr. Flegg said.

“He was first aboriginal to be awarded Australian of the Year and he was awarded an MBE.”

“Lionel Rose was a hero in every sense of the word.” Dr. Flegg said.

“He was a national hero and an icon among Aboriginals.”

“A measure of the man was his generosity, and 1996 Rose presented his world title belt to Jandamurra O’Shane, an aboriginal boy who suffered horrific injuries after being doused with petrol and set alight, in the hope that it would speed up Jandamurra’s  recovery.” Dr. Flegg said.

“Lionel Rose was a world-champion boxer, an all-round good bloke and an inspiration to the people of Australia.”

“He will be very sadly missed.” Dr. Flegg said.