By Denis Hay
Description
Explore the dangers of electing an LNP government in Queensland and the risks of job losses, corruption, and the misuse of public money.
Introduction
The upcoming Queensland elections offer voters a crucial choice – whether to continue a path of inclusive governance or risk electing a government marred by a track record of incompetence, corruption, and the misuse of public money. The Queensland elections bring to mind past failures, both at the federal level and in Queensland, when the LNP dismantled public services, sacked thousands of public servants, and prioritised corporate interests over public well-being.
In this article, we explore the Liberal National Party’s (LNP) historical missteps and show why electing them once again could threaten Queensland’s progress. By highlighting these dangers, we aim to give voters an informed perspective on the risks of repeating the LNP’s past mistakes.
The LNP’s Track Record of Incompetence and Mismanagement
1. LNP Federal Failures (2013-2022)
The LNP’s time in federal power between 2013 and 2022 was rife with corruption in LNP government and systemic incompetence. This period showed widespread examples of pork-barrelling, LNP misuse of public money, and ineffective governance.
Incompetence and Corruption
Sports Rorts Scandal: In the lead-up to the 2019 federal elections, the LNP was embroiled in the sports rorts scandal, in which public money was distributed unfairly to electorates favouring the government. Independent auditors found that political bias was significant in allocating these grants.
Robo-debt Scheme: One of the most notable examples of incompetence under the LNP government was the Robo-debt scheme. This unlawful debt recovery system wrongly targeted thousands of Australians, causing immense distress and financial hardship, leading to a class action lawsuit.
Pork-Barrelling and Public Money Misuse
The LNP’s approach to spending public money often prioritised political gains over public good:
In the lead-up to the 2022 election, the LNP approved billions of dollars in grants under dubious circumstances, many of which went to marginal electorates. This made the LNP’s misuse of public money a central issue.
JobKeeper: Although the JobKeeper scheme was meant to support workers during COVID-19, LNP governance allowed millions of dollars to flow to large companies that did not need financial aid. Many companies receiving these funds recorded profits and did not return the excess, raising serious questions about the government’s oversight.
These examples illustrate the LNP’s federal tenure as one defined by incompetence, wasteful spending, and a disregard for accountability. This same approach can be expected should they return to power in Queensland.
2. The Queensland LNP Government Legacy (2012-2015)
The LNP’s last stint in power in Queensland from 2012 to 2015 is still infamous for its draconian measures, most notably the mass sacking of public servants and a lack of investment in essential services.
Public Service Job Cuts
The LNP’s decision to sack 14,000 public servants led to widespread disruption across the state. This decision gutted critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and social services. As these departments struggled with fewer staff, the quality of services for Queenslanders diminished. Hospitals became overcrowded, waiting times increased, and schools faced staffing shortages.
LNP’s Promise of “No Forced Redundancies” – A Misleading Assurance
As part of their election campaign, the Queensland LNP has promised that there will be “no forced redundancies” in the public service if elected. While this might sound reassuring at first glance, it is crucial to understand that no forced redundancies do not equate to a complete guarantee that public servants will retain their jobs.
The Reality Behind “Voluntary” Redundancies
Voluntary Redundancy Schemes: In many cases, governments, including the LNP, have used voluntary redundancy schemes to downsize the public sector without explicitly forcing employees out. These redundancies are often offered at attractive rates, enticing public servants to leave their roles.
Impact on Public Services: While these redundancies are technically voluntary, the result is the same – fewer public servants. Essential departments such as health, education, and social services could again be left critically understaffed. The previous LNP government implemented similar strategies, resulting in a 14,000-person reduction in public service, even though not all were “forced.”
A Hollow Promise
The promise of no forced redundancies may seem like a commitment to protecting public sector jobs, but it opens the door for large-scale downsizing through “voluntary” means. In practice, this can lead to the same outcomes as forced redundancies: inadequate staffing levels, overworked employees, and a decline in the quality of public services for Queenslanders.
Understanding this distinction is crucial for voters. While the LNP may not force people out of their jobs, offering generous redundancy packages could still result in an under-resourced public sector undermining Queenslanders’ services.
Economic Mismanagement
The LNP implemented harsh austerity measures that created economic instability in Queensland. Despite justifying their cuts as necessary for balancing the budget, the government’s policies led to job losses, reduced public sector wages, and dampened local economies.
Privatisation of Public Services
During their term, the LNP explored privatising public assets, including energy and transportation. The public backlash against these measures was severe, as many Queenslanders understood the long-term consequences of privatising essential services—higher costs, poorer quality, and less accountability.
Voter Backlash in 2015
These actions were met with severe voter backlash in the 2015 Queensland elections, resulting in the LNP’s historic defeat. They lost half of their seats, proving Queenslanders rejected their harmful policies.
Why the LNP’s Return Could Spell Disaster for Queensland
3. LNP’s Approach to Public Money: Prioritising Politics Over People
The LNP has repeatedly shown that their approach to governing prioritises political gains over the public good. If re-elected in Queensland, they will likely continue their pattern of favouring corporate interests, using pork-barrelling to secure political victories, and mismanaging public money.
Pork-Barrelling: A Hallmark of LNP Governance
The LNP’s reliance on pork-barrelling means that public resources are often diverted to projects that serve political purposes rather than communities that genuinely need them. This tactic was heavily criticised during their federal tenure, and repeating such policies would undermine trust in Queensland’s democratic processes.
Potential for Further Job Cuts
One of the greatest fears of LNP’s return is their propensity to cut public sector jobs. With their history of slashing public servant roles to reduce costs, another LNP government in Queensland could leave thousands of workers unemployed, weakening the very services that citizens rely on.
Inadequate Investment in Essential Services
From health to education, the LNP’s earlier Queensland government focused on reducing costs at the expense of long-term investments in critical sectors. This prioritisation of short-term fiscal savings over sustained public service improvements could once again undermine Queenslanders’ quality of life.
Why Queensland Needs People-Focused Governance
4. What a Stable and Inclusive Government Should Prioritise
To avoid the repeat of the LNP’s incompetence, Queenslanders should seek a government that:
Invests in public services such as health and education.
Ensures job security for public servants who provide essential services.
Manages public money responsibly by ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used for the benefit of the community, not for political gains.
Building on Current Government Achievements
The current government in Queensland has made strides in reversing the damage caused by the LNP’s policies:
Restoring Jobs: After the mass sackings under the LNP, the current government has worked to restore jobs in essential public services.
Infrastructure Investments: Queensland has seen significant infrastructure improvements, particularly in health and education, due to the government’s investment in these critical areas.
5. A Vision for Queensland’s Future
Queensland’s future depends on electing a government that prioritises people over politics and values long-term investments in public services, infrastructure, and social equity. A government focused on sustainable development can ensure a prosperous future for all Queenslanders, free from the damaging austerity measures and cuts the LNP is known for.
6. Consider Independent Candidates and Smaller Parties Supporting Social Justice
While major parties like the LNP and Labor often dominate election discussions, it’s also essential to consider Independent candidates and smaller parties that advocate for social justice, fairness, and inclusivity. These candidates can offer fresh perspectives, untethered by the corporate interests or party lines that often influence larger political organizations.
Why Consider Independents and Smaller Parties?
Focus on People, Not Politics: Many Independent candidates and smaller parties focus on policies that directly benefit citizens, such as housing affordability, healthcare access, and environmental sustainability.
Social Justice Priorities: Parties such as The Greens, Animal Justice Party, or local Independent candidates often have platforms built around social justice, including fair wages, robust public services, and environmental protection.
Accountability and Transparency: Independent candidates aren’t bound by party politics, which often means they are more accountable to their constituents. They can push for reforms that align with public interests rather than being influenced by corporate donors.
How to Identify These Candidates
Research Platforms: Websites like Vote Easy allow you to compare candidates based on their policies, including those from smaller parties or independents. Look for candidates whose platforms align with social justice, environmental sustainability, and public service reform.
Support Local Voices: Many Independent candidates have deep ties to their communities and can bring a more localized, people-focused approach to government.
By considering Independents and smaller parties, you can vote for a candidate who reflects your values and champions the causes that matter most to everyday Queenslanders.
7. Using Vote Easy to Make an Informed Decision
In the lead-up to the Queensland elections, entering the voting booth with as much information as possible about your candidates is crucial. One helpful tool is Vote Easy, an online platform that enables voters to compare candidates in their electorate based on their policies, performance, and values.
How Vote Easy Works
Simple Candidate Comparison: Vote Easy allows you to check the candidates running in your electorate efficiently. You can compare their stances on critical issues such as healthcare, education, public services, and the environment.
Policy Information: For each candidate, you can access details about their proposed policies, previous voting history, and their party’s commitments.
Tailored to Your Electorate: After entering your address or postcode, Vote Easy will provide you with a list of the candidates in your specific electorate, ensuring that the information is highly relevant.
Benefits of Using Vote Easy
Make an Informed Decision: By reviewing the candidates before election day, you can make a well-thought-out decision without feeling rushed or pressured at the polling booth.
Neutral and Unbiased: Vote Easy provides impartial information, allowing you to decide based on facts rather than political spin or campaign ads.
Reduce Election Day Stress: Knowing who you will vote for ahead of time means you won’t be overwhelmed by last-minute decisions or long lines.
Using a tool like Vote Easy empowers you to take control of your vote and ensures you make a choice aligned with your values. Before heading to the polls, take a few minutes to visit Vote Easy and decide on the best candidate for your Queensland electorate.
Queensland voters, visit Vote Easy QLD 2024 State General Election to find candidates in your electorate, learn about their policies, and decide how to rank them on your ballot. You can even create your own custom ‘How-to-Vote’ card.
Conclusion
Electing an LNP government in Queensland poses significant risks. With a history of incompetence, corruption, and the misuse of public money, the LNP’s return could bring widespread job cuts, a decline in public services, and further economic mismanagement. Queensland needs a government that prioritises the well-being of its citizens, not one that sacrifices them for political gain.
Question for Readers
Do you believe Queensland should risk returning to the policies of the past, or should we push forward with a government that prioritises people and public services?
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References:
Sports Rorts Scandal Audit Report
JobKeeper Profits in the Private Sector
This article was originally published on Social Justice Australia.
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But the crime wave —- the crime wave!
We’ll get those child criminals into jail if the Labor party won’t. Teach the little thugs a thing or two.
And as for women’s health – pfft – we know what’s best.
Queensland removed abortion from the Criminal Code in 2018 at which time LNP leader Crisafulli voted against it.
There is now a move by conservatives in the LNP to once again criminalise abortion and Katter’s Party who hold four LNP aligned seats in the Qld parliament are campaigning to once again criminalise abortion “as quick as you like” and will move a private members Bill in the new parliament to achieve this.
Whilst Crisafulli is saying he has no plans to criminalise abortion he refuses to say whether he would permit his MP’s a conscience vote on the issue.
Welcome back Joh !
Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away…..
I think that is where the LNP want to go, yes, Terrence, welcome back Joh.
Those people we don’t like, we will criminalise them, kids, especially those native ones need to be thrown away, put in jail, women, stop whining, so your pregnant, your fault, now pay the price, have the kid…. and who let you out of the kitchen?????
But we will look after the good ol’ boys, keep the coal fires burning, gotta look out for your mates.
Why not elect a hypocritical rat (oh no, wait!) instead of this blowup media doll for the connoisseurs of emptiness? Crisafulli has risen through defective media where the liar gets first go and truth can run away through the bushes. No honesty or decency is required in media maggotting scribble, yabber, gossip, hint, lies, propaganda, double crossing/entendre. Queensland cannot be told, trusted, educated, informed, converted, corrected, redirected. Only a while ago, they had the subtapeworm Newman, as bad a choice as could be made. Even the redhaired broomjockey saharaskulled whiner would surely not have had a bar or two of Newman…as he didn’t keep his word, having lost his way before he could navigate from the cot. What a shitshow, in front of a threatening political fan. Old Jo-B-P would love it, a bunch of brownshirted ideologues hovering, the other buggers wanting a go.
The Queensland election might still bring its surprises: Best wishes to the True Believers up there.
At the Queensland October 2024 elections
.
VOTE ANYONE BUT NLP & GET A BETTER POLITICIAN
Returning to Crisisfooli is asking for the continued destruction of the Queensland Public Service as practiced by the Campbell Newman misgovernment. Would you trust a car salesman who has recently paid a reported $400,000 to prevent allegations of allowing his corporation to trade insolvent get his hands on the Queensland Treasury??
Not only that, but the LNP is a bunch of opportunistic right-wing potties, who are more concerned about overturning transgender and abortion rights than actually governing!
So, it seems labor will get the boot. It has been a poor year for them right across the nation. If it follows the usual pattern, they will elect Crisafulli, the public will almost immediately regret this and as with Can-do, the hard right will be out after a term of their eccentricities.
Will Labor there learn anything THIS time in opposition after getting kicked out, or go the way of the feds, where learning difficulties remain a severe handicap for them
Neither side seems to learn from previous experience. Dutton, ie, is way past a road back.
The LNP will be keen in the remaining two weeks leading up to the election in Qld to avoid scrutiny and keep their very ordinary candidates out of sight.
The worst outcome for the people of Qld would be a minority LNP government reliant on One Nation and the Kapper Party to govern. This will be a particular worry for women as they will want to wind back abortion rights which Labor decriminalised in 2018 against strenuous resistance from the LNP and KAP.
If they do, as intimated, revisit abortion, we will see women’s health become the province of boof-head politicians, the police and written back into the 1899 Criminal Code – back to the future !.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/oct/09/queensland-state-election-abortion-rights-lnp-policy-law-changes-ntwnfb
‘Disturbing to note that Queensland Minerals Council have boosted their anti-royalties TV advertising in recent weeks and I can’t see that they are spending all this money if they didn’t already have a guarantee from the LNP that they will roll back coal royalties when in office : so it looks like more coalmines for Qld and minimal royalties to pay (we always give away our mineral assets when the LNP are in office).
Newscorp and SKY have put a lot of energy into returning the LNP to office – I wonder what their payoff will be !
The original old home of the True Believers, are there many left? Seems like the joint keeps loading up with ‘white shoe brigade’ recidivists from far and wide – apparently not even lack of intellect stops them in their quest for sunshine, gold and glitter.
Has there ever been decent governance by any LNP politicians in any state or federal government? Not in my life time, unless my memory is failing. It’s always all about them not about the people they are elected to represent. Backward thinking dinosaurs who would chain women to the kitchen counter, except when they decide it is time for another pregnancy, then they could go to the bedroom for a brief period of enjoyment for the good old boys and nine months of misery to the women not given a choice. Corrupt hate filled pathetic narrow minded scum who are prejudice against anyone not like them or what they consider to be ‘normal”. I used to think Australians were above the conservative Seppo way of thinking but in recent years we seem to be becoming the 51st state of the Divided States of Aggravation.
Sadly I see the return of Corruption “R” Us at the election. I really hope I’m wrong but, on the whole, my views that a large percentage of Queenslanders being pretty thick after even 40 years of living there (before I moved to another state 11 years ago)are still the same.
It’s easy to picture Little Katter gleefully sorting through his cane selection to find the one that inflicts the most pain (without leaving a mark of course) before ordering the student to, “Assume the position.”
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-20/qld-election-kap-candidates-campaigning-for-corporal-punishment/104488140
The Newscorp gang and SKY are doing in Queensland what they failed to do in the ACT. Telling a gullible electorate that Labor are tired, no ideas, been in too long, give the Liberals a go.
Only problem was, they were not talking to a gullible electorate in the ACT, they were talking to people who said,Labor are doing OK and with a coalition of progressives they can do even better.
Will the same message get though in Queensland ?