Palmer slams Labor over jobs in Townsville

Clive Palmer has slammed Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk for turning her back on job creation in Townsville.

“The Premier says she supports mineral development in Queensland, but not nickel,’’ Mr Palmer said.

“She is happy to create money for various other geographic segments of the state, but ignore Townsville.

“If the Queensland Labor government was serious about jobs it should allow Queensland Nickel access to the Port of Townsville.

“If the Palaszczuk Government really cared about a strong economic future for Queenslanders, there will be at least 2000 jobs with the reopening of Queensland Nickel.

Mr Palmer said Queensland Nickel was only seeking from the Port Authority the same terms and conditions for a new lease that had been successfully operating for 20 years previously.

“The Queensland Labor government refuses to allow access to the port it owns and controls while the people of North Queensland suffer,’’ Mr Palmer said.

“This government doesn’t care about the people it represents. It doesn’t care about the thousands of jobs that could be created and it doesn’t care about the businesses that are going under without the economic stimulus that the refinery would provide the region.

“Labor needs to exercise its authority to approve all terms and conditions to renew the port leases and create real jobs.

“The Premier is standing in the way of Townsville’s recovery,’’ Mr Palmer said.

ENDS