Article: Queensland brushes off federal funding threat

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Queensland brushes off federal funding threat

Queensland brushes off federal funding threat
August 21, 2012 - 3:07PM

Queensland's Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney says a federal government threat to pull funding for major Queensland projects is nothing but a media stunt.

Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan wrote to Premier Campbell Newman on Sunday asking for "urgent confirmation" the state would continue to cough up for jointly funded infrastructure projects.

In the letter, Mr Swan said he feared the state government would axe up to eight projects as part of its cost-cutting drive to save $4 billion over three years.

"Given the extent of austerity measures your government is undertaking and committed to undertake further in the he upcoming state budget, I write to seek your urgent confirmation that funding is secure for all jointly funded projects and services," Mr Swan said in the letter obtained by AAP.

The letter threatens to withdraw funding and redirect it to other states if Queensland doesn't re-commit to the projects.

Mr Seeney said the threat has no base and is unwarranted.

"Our government had given no indication to the federal government that there was any intention to cut funding to these projects, he told parliament on Tuesday.

"To the contrary, both before and after the recent state election we indicated that we supported and would continue with these projects."

He said Mr Swan knew Queensland wouldn't renege on the he projects.

He accused the treasurer of writing the letter and giving it to the media as a stunt, "a political attack on the LNP government in Queensland".

Some of the projects in question were the Moreton Bay Rail Link, The Gold Coast Rapid Transit, the Townsville Ring Road, and the Princess Alexandra Hospital upgrade.

AAP

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-brushes-off-federal-funding-threat-20120821-24jx7.html

[Stillwater]

The Australian Government serves all Australians, it has obligations to provide available funding according to guidelines and in accordance with funding arrangements with the states.  There is no concept of a set, quarantined 'state share' of any particular bucket of money.  If one state does not want to play ball, then the Australian Government continues to play with the remaining players on the field.  It is up to Queensland whether it wants to sit out an innings or not.  Swan is right in thinking Queensland is sitting on the bench, its leg extended and with big toe over the playing surface boundary marker.