Queensland Acting Shadow Minister for Primary Industries Howard Hobbs

Coles Campaign On Beef Clouds The Facts

Victor P Taffa

Supermarket Giant Coles have been accused of clouding the facts from consumers with its emotional anti-hormone beef campaign.

Acting Shadow Minister for Primary Industries Howard Hobbs said Coles was not being upfront and riding on the back of dodgy political moves in Europe to ban hormone growth promotants.

“Coles is not telling the full story. Its marketing campaign is using fear of the unknown to promote hormone-free beef that’s no better and certainly no safer.” Mr. Hobbs said.

Mr. Hobbs said consumers and environmentalists needed to heed the strong stance taken by leading veterinarians and agricultural scientists who have condemned Coles.

“I wholeheartedly agree with Professor Ian Lean of Sydney University’s Faculty of Veterinary Science who has stated the Coles campaign is creating unnecessary worry to consumers and has the potential to cost our beef industry hundreds of millions of dollars.”

Mr. Hobbs said it was about time the truth was told that HGPs posed absolutely no health risk.

“Indeed, without their use, our Beef Industry will lose significant efficiencies, with growth rates down by up to 30 %.” Mr. Hobbs said.

“Consumers need to see through this nonsense from Coles and realise that with production losses of that level, the extra pressure on the environment through lost water, pasture, grain and fertiliser efficiency is enormous.”

“I strongly urge anyone who wants to support our Beef Industry and the efficient production of safe, healthy beef to make an informed choice when buying Beef.” Mr. Hobbs said.

Queensland Shadow Minister for Local Government Howard Hobbs

Lucas Fails First Test As New Local Government Minister

Victor P Taffa

The State Labor Government was more interested in rorting the Queensland Electoral System than committing to genuine improvements for Local Government, the State Opposition said today.

Shadow Minister for Local Government Howard Hobbs said Labor’s new Local Government Minister Paul Lucas had failed his first test dismally.

Mr. Hobbs said in responding to the all-party Law Justice & Safety Committee recommendations Local Government Minister Paul Lucas had ruled out allowing councillors to run for State Parliament without first resigning.

“Labor first introduced the requirement to resign when they had a slim margin and could not afford to have conservative councillors running against their candidates.” Mr. Hobbs said.

“No other State has the requirement, proving Labor still wants to rort the system by not allowing councillors to run without first resigning, despite the all-party Committee’s recommendations.”

“Similarly, the Government has not ruled out changing the State Electoral System to suit them before the next Election.” Mr. Hobbs said.

“The Labor Government have also rejected the recommendation that Local Governments with a population under 30,000 should have a minimum of six councillors (up from four) plus a mayor.”

“Many councillors have raised concerns that four councillors are not enough when considering the strict government pecuniary interests provisions that prohibit a councillor from voting on matters if they have involvement with sporting or social clubs.”

“Councillors are sometimes unable to attend meetings due to sickness or impassable roads, leaving the council without a quorum.” Mr. Hobbs said.

Mr. Hobbs said the Liberal National Party was disappointed with the outcome and the new Minister’s failure to comprehend these basic Local Government needs.

Queensland Shadow Minister for Public Transport Tracy Davis

Go Card Fares Among The Highest In The World

Victor P Taffa

Reports that South East Queenslanders are paying more than the New York, Berlin, Paris, Madrid and Los Angeles Commuters for Public Transport shows how out of touch the Bligh Labor Government is, the Liberal National Party said today.

Shadow Minister for Public Transport Tracy Davis said Labor’s 15 % fare hike is just another price gouge that is adding to the increasing cost of living in Queensland.

“We should be encouraging more people to use Public Transport and making it easier to use to reduce congestion.”

“But instead of offering discounted weekly fares, Labor has made Public Transport less affordable.” Ms. Davis said.

“It is ridiculous that South East Queensland commuters are paying among the highest fares in the world thanks to Labor’s inability to control their budget.”

“Fare increases should be kept as low as possible and more flexibility needs to be introduced to encourage tourists and casual users to get on board.” Ms. Davis said.

Queensland Shadow Minister for Education and Training Bruce Flegg

Too Many Problems For A Quick Change To Year 7

Victor P Taffa

The Bligh Labor Government must abandon any plans for an overnight, across the board shift of Year 7 from Primary School to High School, the Liberal National Party said today.

Shadow Minister for Education and Training Dr. Bruce Flegg said moving all Year 7 Students to High School in 2014 or even 2015 would put schools at risk of overcrowding, under resourcing and inadequate teacher numbers.

“More than 50,000 Students and some 1,800 Year 7 Teachers will be affected by this move.” Dr. Flegg said.

“While the move in inevitable if the National Curriculum is to be meaningful, this is not something that should be rushed.” Dr. Flegg said.

“There are a number of areas of difficulty that must be addressed before the move is made, and I can’t see how this Government can solve these problems before the 2014 deadline.”

“We will need more infrastructure and teachers in high schools, while primary school teachers face redundancies or retraining as demand drops in their schools.” Dr. Flegg said.

“Some Primary Schools will see a decrease in teacher-aide support, while some small schools will face closures for not attracting enough students.”

“Finally, despite the introduction of prep, Queensland students are still younger than their interstate counterparts meaning an additional year of boarding school and younger students in high schools are very real concerns for parents.”

Dr. Flegg said while some schools, in particular independent and Catholic schools, would be ready to make the move, many state schools would struggle with the 2014 deadlines.

“I think an overnight change is too much too fast, with a five year changeover much more realistic.” Dr. Flegg said.

“The Government’s dithering over this issue has only exacerbated these planning, budget and infrastructure issues — we need a realistic action plan announced and followed if this move is to result in better education for Queensland students.” Dr. Flegg said.

Key Issues:

• The move would result in a 20 % increase in enrolments, resulting in overcrowding of existing facilities. New buildings and a number of new high schools would be required to cater for the additional demand;
• A shift of Year 7 to high school would mean that some 1,800 Year 7 teachers would need to be retrained, redeployed or made redundant while high schools would struggle to find enough teachers in specialist areas like maths, science and foreign languages;
• Queensland students are still half a year younger than students in other eastern States despite the introduction of Prep year;
• Families who live in remote areas face an additional year of boarding school costs, if their children are to attend high schools; 
• The drop in enrolments in primary schools will result in the loss of teacher aide hours and possibly the loss of teachers, while some small schools may be closed down;
• The Bligh Labor Government’s intent to fund the move with $300 Million from the existing Budget Estimates shows how out of touch they are with their own education system.

The move would cost five times that amount without dealing with the significant shortage of trained high school teachers.

Queensland Shadow Minister for Families, Housing & Communities Ted Malone

More Queenslanders At Risk To Fall Under Breadline

Victor P Taffa

Warnings from the Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS) that more than One Million Queenslanders could fall below the breadline needed urgent attention, the State Opposition said today.

Shadow Minister for Families, Housing & Communities Ted Malone said the warnings from QCSS were frightening and highlighted the impact on battlers of the floods, the cyclones and not-stop cost of living increases from power, petrol, water, rego and state charges.

“The fact that QCOSS is saying a third of all Queenslanders could slide under then poverty line should be ringing very loud alarms, not just in the Premier’s office, but right across Government.” Mr. Malone said.

“QCOSS says even before the disasters about 413,000 Queenslanders were living below the poverty line, with a further 800,000 at risk and that that number is now likely to soar through job losses, housing losses and shortages, made worse through limited insurance payouts on the disasters.”

Mr. Malone said about the last thing struggling Queenslanders needed was further cost pressures from Carbon Taxes and Government Waste.

“We need a proper response to this looming crisis in our community.” Mr Malone said.

“Now’s not the time for more Government Spin and air-brushed Photo Shoots.” Mr. Malone said.

Queensland Shadow Minister for Families, Housing & Communities Ted Malone

Combet’s Tips For Carbon Tax ‘Pathetic’

Victor P Taffa

Greg Combet’s Carbon Tax Tips were pathetic and an insult to battling Queensland households, the State Opposition said today.

Shadow Minister for Families, Housing & Communities Ted Malone said tens of thousands of Queensland battlers and seniors could not afford the Gillard/Combet Tax.

“They can’t pay their power bills now.” Mr. Malone said.

“Disconnection rates have already soared. How on earth are struggling families and pensioners going to pay power bills when Labor’s carbon tax adds another $300 a year.”

Mr. Malone said Mr. Combet’s tips to change globes and turn-off appliances were condescending and simplistic.

Mr. Malone said the cost of every item used by Queenslanders would be pushed up by the Gillard Government’s Carbon Tax.

“The Carbon Tax will hit electricity, fuel and especially food which are transported over enormous distances, and all by road.”

“The impact on food costs in regional communities will be frightening.” Mr. Malone said.

Queensland Shadow Minister for Transport, Main Road & Road Safety Fiona Simpson

Good Samaritans Hampered By Bureaucracy

Victor P Taffa

A heavy-handed bureaucracy has hit good Samaritans in the wake of the floods, the State Opposition has said today.

Shadow Minister for Transport, Main Road and Road Safety Fiona Simpson has called on the State Government to stop penalising small businesses for acting in good faith when using restricted roads after and during the floods.

“I have received numerous letters of complaint from commuters and businesses complaining about communication network break downs as well as the delivery of mixed information by police and the Department of Transport and Main Roads.” Ms. Simpson.

“One local Toowoomba family who run a small distribution business  has asked  the government  for some common sense and leniency after they were fined $600 for allegedly ‘contravening a restricted road use notice’ whilst trying to deliver goods to flood affected regions.”

“The fine recipient appears to have done the right thing and used his initiative to contact Local Police prior to his departure to enquire about road closures. He was advised by Police the roads along his intended route were in fact open, only to be fined and turned back mid journey by Transport Department Officers advising the road was closed.” Ms. Simpson said.

“Relevant Government Departments and Police need to be linked so they can share regular information updates, such as road closures and ensure the delivery of consistent information to commuters.  By doing so, good Samaritans would be saved the misfortune of being issued with excessively expensive fines.”

“Many regional businesses have been unable to run their companies and receive an income in many weeks and months.  As a result, it’s unfair for people to be fined where they’ve tried to do the right thing.” Ms. Simpson said.

“I wrote to the Honourable Rachel Nolan on 14 February 2011 respectfully seeking her urgent investigation to this matter. I urge the newly appointed Minister for Transport, Ms. Palaszczuk and the Minister for Main Roads, Mr. Wallace to please work rapidly to fix this communication breakdown.” 

“It is vital good samaritan Queenslanders are able to work unimpeded by the very Government who says they’re committed to our State’s recovery, to deliver much needed help and supplies to flood-affected communities .  Safety must come first but that is only possible if communication systems are consistent.” Ms. Simpson said.

Queensland Shadow Minister for Child Safety Ted Malone

Big Jump In ‘At Risk’ Children

Victor P Taffa

A Big Jump in reported children at risk has prompted the State Opposition to call for an overhaul of child safety management and a change of leadership at the very top.

Shadow Minister for Child Safety Ted Malone said the Government’s own figures on ‘children of concern reports’ showed a big increase of nearly 17 % across the state* in the past year.

“It’s a deeply disturbing trend.” Mr. Malone said.

“From the end of December 2009 to the end of September 2010 less than a year there’s been a huge increase in the overall number of child concern reports.”

“There’s some real hot spots and not just in Far North Queensland. It just seems to be getting worse and worse under the Bligh Government and Minister Phil Reeves.” Mr. Malone said.

Mr. Malone, a father and grandfather, who’s been involved with local child support and youth development programs for many years, said there were serious management issues in the Department.

“Despite record spending by this Government, the situation is getting worse and there’s no sign of improvement.”

“Its past time the Bligh Government took Child Safety seriously and the first step should be for the Premier to pull herself away from the TV cameras and replace Phil Reeves with a Minister who will take this vital issue seriously.” Mr. Malone said.

Queensland children subject to child concern report, by region (source Dept of Communities)

                                           
Region ^(a)

Year Ending

31 December 2009 31 March 2010 30 June 2010 30 September 2010 Percentage Increase

Brisbane                                  5,564        5,424        5,586       5,880     316          5.7%   
Central Queensland            6,873        7,221        7,822      8,119      1,246      18.1%  
Far North Queensland      3,988         4,352        4,852      5,071     1,083     27.2%  
North Coast                            6,147       6,102        6,943      7,530      1,383      22.5%  
North Queensland                5,741       6,361        6,636      6,997      1,256      21.8%  
South East Queensland       9,472      9,510       10,530   11,003     1,531       16.2%  
South West Queensland      7,701     8,572       9,004      9,025       1,324       17.2%  

Other ^(b)                                   3,575     3,677        3,707     3,688           113          3.2%

Total                                       49,061   51,219      55,080   57,313      8,252   16.8%  

Queensland Shadow Minister for Health Mark McArdle

ED Access Block Nightmare Across Queensland

Victor P Taffa

The State Opposition today said Emergency Departments continued to remain dangerously overcrowded, putting more Queensland lives at risk.

Shadow Minister for Health Mark McArdle responded to The December 2010 Quarterly Hospital Report released today and said access blocks continued to be rampant across the state.

Patients at:

• Cairns,
• Gold Coast,
• Logan,
• Mater Adult,
• Princess Alexandra,
• Robina Campus,
• Royal Brisbane,
• Toowoomba,
• Townsville Hospitals

“Experienced excessive levels of Access Block – a situation where patients wait more than eight hours in the Emergency Department before being admitted to a bed.” Mr. McArdle said.

“In the December 2010 Quarter, 38 % of Patients waited for more than the eight hours in an ED before being admitted to the bed they needed, down just 1 % from the September Quarter, but up 6% on December 2009 levels.  

“Emergency Department Blockages can be directly linked to the long-term Labor Government’s poor planning and particularly the lack of investment in beds.” Mr. McArdle said.

“I pose the question, how on earth, given this Government’s clear and consistent record of gross mismanagement, can Queensland Hospitals be successful in reducing admission times to four hours as proposed under the COAG agreement?”

“Our Doctors and Nurses are working incredibly long hours and doing a brilliant job, but the Government is not supporting them.  The Government is not listening to them.” Mr. McArdle said.

“The new Health Minister Geoff Wilson has his work cut out for him to make up for his predecessor, Paul Lucas’ incompetence.”   

“It is time Queenslanders had a Government that is attune to what needs to take place and that can only be achieved by listening to Doctors, Nurses and Allied Health Professionals as well as those who work in the clinical fields.” Mr. McArdle said.

Queensland Shadow Minister for Health Mark McArdle

Cairns Base Hospital Access Block Appalling

Victor P Taffa

The State Opposition today slammed the Bligh Government for the appalling state of Access Block at Cairns Base Hospital.

Shadow Minister for Health Mark McArdle responded to the December 2010 Quarterly Hospital Report released today and said it was totally unacceptable that 56% of Cairns Patients had to wait more than 8 hours to be admitted to a bed from the Emergency Department (ED), 4% higher than September 2010 levels and a staggering 19% higher than December 2009.   

“In addition, 19 % of patients had languished on Ambulance Stretchers for more than 30 minutes because the Cairns Emergency Department was full – up from 14 % in September 2010.” Mr. McArdle said.

“One year ago just 3% of Cairns Patients experienced Ambulance Ramping.”  

“These figures are very disturbing and raise serious questions about the potential life threatening situations Cairns patients are being placed in by this toxic, long term Labor Government.” Mr. McArdle said.

“A review into the placement of Cairns Base Hospital and the construction of a new hospital is urgently needed.  That review needs to involve clinical and public consultation with the people of Cairns, not just with Labor bureaucrats in Brisbane.”

“What we have had to date are a number of promises from the Premier dating from March 2009 that something will be done. All the Premier has delivered are words.” Mr. McArdle said.

“It is no good simply making statements.  Action is what is needed.  This Government has a poor record in relation to providing medical services in Cairns.”

“The Liberal National Party knows local problems are best solved with local solutions.  A Liberal National Party Government will speak with, not at, the people of Cairns and the surrounding region.  We know you know what problems exist with your local hospital and how we can work with you to fix them.” Mr. McArdle said.

Many years ago during the glorious rein of Former Queensland National Party Premier Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen Queensland Hospitals had Health Boards that were made up of Medical Specialists from that particular Hospital. Patients were seen quickly and efficiently. Under the Soviet style National Control of Health all of these Boards were dispensed with and Area Health Services made up of Bureaucrats were introduced. The figures released by Mr. McArdle suggest that for Cairns Base Hospital the wheel has turned full cycle and the administration of Health is in a very sick condition.