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

Robodebt Class Action Outcome

JobKeeper Profits in the Private Sector

This article was originally published on Social Justice Australia.