Media release
Campbell Newman is arrogantly ignoring the wishes of the overwhelmingly majority of Queenslanders to reward lobbyists and other LNP friendly interests by pursuing privatisation of state assets, says Palmer United Party Queensland leader John Bjelke-Petersen.
Mr Bjelke-Petersen said the Palmer United Party is the last sentry at the gate for Queenslanders who believe the state’s assets should be cherished and not disposed of for a fast buck.
“It has taken more than 150 years for successive Queensland governments to build up our assets so that each of us and our children and grandchildren can enjoy the benefits we now have,” Mr Bjelke-Petersen said.
“Mr Newman now wants to privatise Queensland’s assets. He knows the people who support him – the agents, lobbyists and consultants friendly to the LNP – can make a killing from the sale of our hospitals, schools, ports and power stations.
“Absolute power corrupts and corrupts absolutely. After spending many millions of dollars of our money, Mr Newman found out 86 per cent of Queenslanders didn’t want to sell their assets so he devised a scheme to privatise them by leasing assets on 99-year contracts.
“The arrogance Mr Newman has demonstrated proves he doesn’t care about what Queenslanders think and he refuses listens to listen to the people who elected him.”
Mr Bjelke-Petersen said the Palmer United Party strongly believed in retaining state-owned assets in the hands of all Queenslanders.
“If successful at the January 31 Queensland election, our party will resume any Queensland government state-owned assets that have been sold or leased, without providing compensation,” he said.
“The LNP is merely supporting cronies who will earn millions in commission cheques for leasing these assets.
“A Queensland-elected Palmer United Party government would stimulate the economy and protect assets owned by Queenslanders.’’
ENDS