2017-18 Qld State Budget

[ozbob]

15th February 2017

Media Release
Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

2017-18 State Budget

My Government has already delivered two Budgets to create jobs, restore frontline services and higher growth.

We are already working toward the 2017-18 Budget to be delivered on 13 June.

Treasurer Curtis Pitt and I will ensure the Budget reaffirms the Government's commitment to creating jobs and boosting frontline services, particularly in health and education where we have invested record funding across the state.

Our strong focus on the regional Queensland - in terms of our capital works program, service delivery and our $1 billion investment in dedicated regional job and infrastructure programs – will be reinforced in the next State Budget.

My Government is listening and delivering for all Queenslanders.

Let's be clear – blocking the budget would block jobs in regional Queensland.

Blocking the budget would also block the wages of more than 200,000 Queenslanders, including teachers, nurses, firefighters, police, ambulance and child safety officers.

There was a similar threat to block the budget in March last year.

Member for Mount Isa Robbie Katter described last year's State Budget as "a win for rural Queensland and the Mount Isa electorate.... [and he] was thrilled to see money for key infrastructure projects which would create jobs and stimulate the economy in the bush."

Link to Mr Katter's Budget 2016-17 statement

http://robkatter.com.au/budget-wins-for-mount-isa-electorate-katter/

My Government will continue to work with the cross-benchers. By working with the cross-benchers, my Government has secured the support of the Parliament for 96 pieces of legislation in our first two years in office.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Queensland politics: Crossbench MPs weigh a Budget blockade

QUEENSLAND Parliament's bolstered cross bench is considering using its numbers to force the State Government into an early election by blocking the June Budget.

The Courier-Mail can reveal crossbench MPs met their newest member, One Nation MP Steve Dickson, on Monday night, with the group raising the prospect of blocking the passage of the Government's pre-election Budget should they be dissatisfied.

It is understood Katter's Australian Party MPs Robbie Katter and Shane Knuth, Independent Rob Pyne and Mr Dickson were present when the move was discussed.

Indepedent former Labor Member for Cook Billy Gordon was not believed to be present, however.

The cross bench issued a similar pre-Budget threat last year after criticising the Government's state infrastructure plan, but the threat was withdrawn after the Government revealed a regional spending boost.

Four of the crossbench MPs would need to stick together and vote against the Budget, with the support of the LNP Opposition, in order for such a move to be effective. ...

[ozbob]

[#Metro]

Let's be clear – blocking the budget would block jobs in regional Queensland.

Blocking the budget would also block the wages of more than 200,000 Queenslanders, including teachers, nurses, firefighters, police, ambulance and child safety officers.

I think blocking budgets is a really terrible thing to do. There is quite a cross bench now - formed from defections and expulsions from both sides. May as well go proportional representation at this rate.

Anyway, if they decide to block, the show is over.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Opinion: State Budget will make or break Labor Government

WITH just eight months likely left in the term, the Palaszczuk Government seems to be meandering rather than marauding towards the election.

At this point, most administrations attempt to lay down touchstone issues, giving them time to promote their policies and positions ad nauseam so they seep into the psyche of voters.

They also hunt around for opportunities to wedge their opponents, planting seeds of doubt about the alternative.

However, there's little currently on the minority Labor administration's legislative agenda apart from a bit of tinkering around with trading hour laws. And with an election expected in November, that leaves as little as eight sitting weeks left for the Government to use Parliament as a forum to better define its purpose.

There's literally dozens of reviews still waiting to be acted upon. But many of these were exercises in duck shoving to begin with and will produce more hard decisions and political problems than opportunities.

After innovation fell out of favour, jobs have been the Government's mantra for many months now.

Yet the latest figures show the Government is grappling with an unemployment rate worse than the one it inherited and the money they've thrown at programs such as "Back to Work" isn't working.

If the Palaszczuk Government enjoyed popular support, then the pressure would be on the Opposition to come up with reasons for voters to alter their views. However, that's not the case.

Labor's vote has sunk from the 37.5 per cent at the 2015 election to 31 per cent in the latest Galaxy Poll, no way near what it needs to win in its own right. And Annastacia Palaszczuk's position as preferred premier has begun to wane.

Palaszczuk and her ministers have invested much of their time furiously attacking the LNP in an effort to warn voters against the alternative. They've fanned the flames about the return of asset sales, tried to paint LNP Leader Tim Nicholls as Campbell Newman-lite and warned of the perils of a government in alliance with Pauline Hanson.

All these will be weapons in the Labor arsenal when the election is called.

In fact, it's much the same as Labor's last campaign except this time the LNP aren't in office. One Nation is the new factor in this equation.

The missing pieces in the puzzle that the Palaszczuk Government has so far failed to find are the reasons voters should return it and return it with more MPs to pursue their agenda.

This is why Treasurer Curtis Pitt's June 13 Budget will be make-or-break for the administration.

Pitt's first two fiscal blueprints were coloured by raids on Government-owned corporations, superannuation and long-service leave reserves. If there's a hollow log left Labor will find it. But it's unlikely to be so lucrative.

And while the Government will parade an operating surplus far better than anything their predecessors produced, it really is just a Clayton's result. The 2017-18 fiscal balance, which includes the books of Government-owned businesses, is forecast to be worse than what the LNP proposed. While the overall debt trajectory has eased, Labor's borrowing bill will still be worse than what it inherited.

A fat operating surplus figure may allow Labor to laud its own economic management. But it comes at the expense of infrastructure spending which remains well below the average for the previous decade as a share of the Queensland economy.

This strips the state of the necessary stimulus to create jobs and, importantly, denies Palaszczuk and her MPs opportunities to wear hard hats at the beginning of vote-winning projects.

Unless Labor can produce a game changer, it may spend the next eight months just dawdling its way towards defeat.

[Stillwater]

^ The problem for Labor in a nutshell:

QUOTE: "A fat operating surplus figure may allow Labor to laud its own economic management. But it comes at the expense of infrastructure spending which remains well below the average for the previous decade as a share of the Queensland economy.  This strips the state of the necessary stimulus to create jobs and, importantly, denies Palaszczuk and her MPs opportunities to wear hard hats at the beginning of vote-winning projects."

Does Labor paint itself as fiscally responsible, with a surplus greater than if the LNP had been in power and sold off assets?  Or does it go down the jobs path, involving splashing money at infrastructure projects.  The end of the mining boom has slashed jobs in regional Australia, where the Katters and One Nation are on the ascendency.

We have Jacki Trad yelling SHOW US THE MONEY in the direction of Canberra, effectively asking a federal Liberal Party in government to hand money to state Labor so that the ALP can go to the election promising lots of goodies it can afford with money from a generous Liberal-National Party government in Canberra.  The way politics is played out in this country, pigs will fly first.   

[#Metro]

My understanding is that this 'surplus' has been created by taking State Government debt and dumping it into the balance sheets of so-called "independent" Gov't Owned Corporations.

With the debt safely "off balance sheet" they can claim a "surplus". 

"Independent" means independently managed, not "independent of gov't", and it is likely that in any event of a collapse, there would be
a bailout from the State Government Budget (GOCs can go bankrupt - State Bank of Victoria, for example).

[ozbob]

24th March 2017

Media Release
Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment
The Honourable Curtis Pitt

Rise in GST share for Queensland

Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment, Curtis Pitt, has welcomed an increase in Queensland's GST funding share following the release of the Commonwealth Grants Commission's 2017 Update Report at a meeting of federal, state, and territory Treasurers in Canberra today.

The Commonwealth Grants Commission has estimated Queensland's GST share in 2017-18 to be $14.9 billion representing an increase of $889 million on the 2016-17 GST share. The Commission adjusted upwards the relativity applied to Queensland when allocating GST shares to 1.18 from the 1.17 applied to 2016-17.

"While some like Pauline Hanson would prefer to see a share of Queensland's GST revenue going to other states, I've been pursuing the fair and equitable funding arrangements our communities deserve," he said.

"Today's decision by the Commonwealth Grants Commission is good news for all Queenslanders and welcome recognition of our efforts to both sustain and improve vital public services.

"But even the increased GST share won't compensate Queensland families for the billions of dollars we have lost in cruel federal funding cuts to health and education.

"The outcome underlines the value of an independent Grants Commission rather than an ad hoc politically motivated process advocated by some in the lead-up to the WA election.

"Without consistent and responsible GST funding measures it becomes increasingly difficult if not impossible to adequately plan for the reliable delivery of services.

"Despite today's good news there is a word of caution," he said. "The national GST pool is likely to decrease in coming years and that's something the Queensland Government will be actively monitoring."

Mr Pitt said it was disappointing that Federal Treasurer Scott Morrison was not receptive to Queensland's proposals to substitute a share of personal income tax to underpin service delivery instead of short term National Partnership Agreements.

"NPAs fund a range of essential health, education, and other services but states often receive little notice of any ongoing funding -- if any -- as the agreements expire.

"States and territories need greater certainty and a share of personal income tax allocated to states could replace NPAs and deliver that certainty.

"While the Federal Treasurer is cool on the idea, state and territory Treasurers agreed today to keep working on the concept and present our preferred model at our next meeting.

"I look forward to all states and territories Treasurers continuing to work together to present to the Commonwealth a better way to fund, plan and deliver services to benefit all Australians."

While in Canberra today Mr Pitt also congratulated newly appointed West Australian Treasurer Ben Wyatt who took a seat for the first time at today's meeting of the Council on Federal Financial Relations.

"This has been a truly historic meeting of the Council because it has been attended, for the first time, by Australia's first ever Indigenous Treasurer.

"Western Australia and the Council are lucky to have a representative of the calibre of Mr Wyatt," Mr Pitt said.

[ozbob]

Treasurer @Curtis_Pitt_MP says Cyclone Debbie recovery will "dominate the budget". @tennewsqld #qldpol pic.twitter.com/ioodqnB6Gq

— Tegan George (@tegangeorge) April 17, 2017

^ guess this means any significant public transport infrastructure is not in the picture any more.

Same cycle repeats.  CRR maybe in another 6 years, by which time another cyclone will probably appear and put it back again for yet another 6 years ...

We at least have some good videos eg. < a favourite 

[ozbob]

9 News --> Debbie casts dark shadow over Qld Budget

Queensland Treasurer Curtis Pitt has foreshadowed a "big hit" to the state budget because of Cyclone Debbie.

The category 4 cyclone is estimated to have caused billions of dollars worth of damage to the Whitsundays region while flooding also wrought major havoc down the state's coastline.

The treasurer couldn't say whether Debbie damage would put the budget into deficit, but admitted it would make a big dent in a mining royalties windfall which was expected to see a significant surplus.

"There is still much work to be done when it comes to the budget, but we will be focusing on helping communities recover following these natural disasters," Mr Pitt said on Tuesday.

"It is, of course, something that will dominate the budget."

The warning came as the minority Labor government unveiled its Advancing Trade and Investment strategy, with a focus on foreign exports and encouraging enrolments in science and engineering fields

Mr Pitt will hand down the budget on June 13.

Read more at http://www.9news.com.au/national/2017/04/18/10/18/debbie-casts-dark-shadow-over-qld-budget

[ozbob]

@scottemerson Debbie Cyclone budget hit leaves us &#39;up hit creek without a paddle&#39; @9NewsQueensland pic.twitter.com/CFJhT9FJiG

— Shane Doherty (@ShaneDoherty9) April 18, 2017

[Stillwater]

CRR on the Budget backburner (*subject to federal government funding)?

[Stillwater]

Spy tells me some infrastructure projects will be put back due to reconstruction requirements post Cyclone Debbie.  Difficult position for govt since Qld officially 5th in the state rankings for economic activity.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Queensland Budget 2017: Public service wages threaten bottom line

THE cash-strapped State Government will have to impose a public service hiring freeze for two years to avoid blowing its expense forecasts and risking a credit rating downgrade.

Analysis of Treasurer Curtis Pitt's Budget projections has revealed the $1.2 billion extra forecast for employee expenses until 2018-19 would be soaked up by pay rises.

The employee cost crunch has been exacerbated by the Labor administration's public service spending spree.

An extraordinary 15,000 full-time-equivalent positions have been created in the past two years. The hiring spree was a reversal of the slash-and-burn policy of the previous Newman government.

Above-growth hiring deals locked in for nurses and teachers mean the Government could be forced to cut jobs elsewhere to meet its projections.

Former federal treasury official Joe Branigan said the Government's claim that it would keep overall expenses growth at 2.1 per cent on average for the rest of this decade was unfeasible.

"Remember that this 2.1 per cent needs to not only account for wages growth, but also the growth in the number of public servants," he said.

"In my view, this is an impossible expenditure growth trajectory."

[ozbob]

Spy tells me some infrastructure projects will be put back due to reconstruction requirements post Cyclone Debbie.  Difficult position for govt since Qld officially 5th in the state rankings for economic activity.

Gone for all money now ... 

[#Metro]

An extraordinary 15,000 full-time-equivalent positions have been created in the past two years.

Everyone fired rehired and then some. 

[aldonius]

Turns out that the people most likely to take voluntary redundancy packages are also the institutional memory.

[ozbob]

ABC News --> Queensland Government poised to raid public servants' super to fund infrastructure

Queensland public servants' superannuation fund looks set to be raided to pay for infrastructure when the Palaszczuk Government hands down its second budget in three weeks.

Treasurer Curtis Pitt told Parliament the defined benefits scheme was in good shape and had a $10 billion surplus.

"I can confirm the Government is considering a range of options including repatriating a portion of the large surplus in the QSuper defined benefits scheme," he said.

"Our strategy, including our debt action plan, is aimed at reducing general government-sector debt while also allowing us to invest in the infrastructure that our growing state needs.

"Most importantly we're doing that without asset sales."

In last year's budget, Mr Pitt gave the Government a five-year 'holiday' from contributing to the fund.

Today, he said tapping into the scheme was a continuation of the strategy made clear to Queenslanders in 2015, and that public servants had nothing to fear.

"I can confirm that the Government remains committed to the legislative guarantee that ensures the security of entitlements under the defined benefits fund," Mr Pitt said.

"I can confirm that all defined benefit member entitlements will continue to be paid in full as they fall due.

"And contrary to the scaremongering of the LNP, I can confirm the defined benefit scheme will continue until the retirement of the last current members of the scheme.

"If all of the 49,000 members of the benefit scheme decided at 9am tomorrow to leave the Government and cash-in, the scheme would still be in surplus after every single entitlement was paid.

"I can confirm that no changes will be made to the accumulation superannuation that the majority of public servants use."
Treasurer caught out, Opposition says

Mr Pitt said the state actuary advised that the defined benefits scheme's assets exceeded liabilities by more than $10 billion on a funding basis at 30 June, 2015.

He said the surplus was now sufficiently large to consider the option of repatriation of a portion of over-funded contribution.

But Queensland Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls labelled the move "another sign of incompetence by this Labor Government".

"Curtis Pitt is not only abandoning a policy that has served Queensland and its employees and it superannuants well for many many decades, he is abandoning a legacy of bipartisan support for not raiding superannuation funds," Mr Nicholls said.

"He never promised it, he never spoke about it in the lead up to the election in 2015.

"He said he could pay for things without selling or leasing assets, he said he could do it out of his own resources, out of what was already there.

"It's been proved to be a lie, he's been caught out and now he's raiding the superannuation fund"

Mr Nicholls said superannuation must be invested in things that provide a return and earn income.

"You can't use it as a hollow log it shouldn't be used," he said

"You've heard me quote from three Labor luminaries Peter Beattie, Andrew Fraser, Terry Mackenroth about the importance of keeping that superannuation fund in place in tact to ensure that you can weather the storms the ups and downs that occur in financial markets."

Union threatens legal action

Together Union spokesman Alex Scott said the Government assured him there would be no changes to the accumulation fund that affected the majority of public sector workers.

"We've also received a guarantee ... that the existing entitlements for defined benefit members continues to be guaranteed by the Government and will not be changed by this proposal," Mr Scott said.

"If there's any change from either of those two principles, the union will seek immediate legal action to try to ensure that our members' rights and entitlements are protected.

"Superannuation is too important an issue for our members in the public sector to become a political plaything."

The Queensland budget will be handed down on June 14.

[Stillwater]

"I can confirm that the Government remains committed to the legislative guarantee that ensures the security of entitlements under the defined benefits fund," Mr Pitt said.  Is a 'legislative guarantee' the same as a 'financial guarantee'?  The government might legislate that there be sufficient funds to pay out the defined benefits to all who are entitled ... but it might end up like the James Hardy fund for those suffering from asbestosis.

Here's another minister who is 'absolutely sure' that he has ensured that someone has told him that everything will be alright.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> State Government gets green light to continue 'raid' on public servants' super

THERE is a one-in-three chance of the state's public service superannuation fund dipping into deficit in 2020, according to a report.

But the State Government has been given the green light to continue to dip into the fund to build infrastructure and pay down debt.

Unveiled in the 2016 Budget, the plan to withdraw about $4 billion attracted harsh criticism from the Liberal National Party and unions, who labelled it a "raid" on public servants' super.

The State Actuary's report found the fund was in a "very healthy financial position" with a surplus of $9.15 billion at June 30, 2016, compared with $10.05 billion in 2015. That was thanks partly to a lower-than-expected investment return.

It said the overfunding of the scheme was reducing while a buffer of about 20 per cent was being maintained to ensure the state could pay retiring bureaucrats.

Treasurer Curtis Pitt said the annual review meant the Government would have appropriate warning to pay back into the fund if a risk of it going into deficit was identified. But Shadow Treasurer Scott Emerson said Mr Pitt was ignoring higher risk scenarios.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Treasurer to serve up a 'fast food' Queensland budget next week

If the next Queensland budget was a flavour, it would be fast food.

That's the word from Treasurer Curtis Pitt ahead of his third budget, due to be handed down on Tuesday.
Pitt previews 'fast food' budget

Treasurer Curtis Pitt says Tuesday's state budget is on track to deliver another surplus, while reinforcing his commitment to no new taxes, lower debt and more frontline service jobs.

Fairfax Media asked Mr Pitt in 2015 to describe the flavour of his budget – he said "vanilla" because it was about delivering on election commitments.

In 2016, Mr Pitt said that year's would have "more variety" and be more complex – let's call that Neapolitan.

How would he describe the upcoming 2017-18 budget?

"I haven't really put any thought into what flavour this budget is," Mr Pitt said.
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"But to say that, it's a really important budget. We've got, I think, a great deal of momentum in Queensland at the moment and that's probably the most important thing to ensure that this budget continues that momentum.

"So in terms of a flavour? I guess it's got to be fast food rather than sit-down restaurant, if you like.

"It's got to be something that's continually moving, continually going forward and that's the sort of outcomes we want to see."

Hard choices may be made in this budget; with a $1.1 billion hit to the state's finances from Cyclone Debbie, Mr Pitt was asked whether any projects would be scaled back.

"There's also economic damage that has occurred as well [as a result of Cyclone Debbie], so when you see more than $2 billion of economic impact, a downturn in production in coal, probably what we'll see as a delayed impact in terms of the sugar industry next year – these are things that actually hurt the economy," Mr Pitt said.

"So budgets are always about choices, so yes, we've had to make choices to ensure that our number one priority was ensuring that the [affected] communities ...  were our first priority.

"Once you've done that work, which we paid for upfront before we get any federal money in return, then you can start looking at what the other initiatives should be."

In terms of funding for the Cross River Rail project, Mr Pitt said engaging with the federal government would continue "as much as we can, as often as we can", right up until budget day.

But Mr Pitt declined to say whether there would be any hard cash in the 2017-18 Queensland budget for the $5.4 billion project.

"You're going to have to wait and see until the budget," he said.

Mr Pitt said whether construction on Cross River Rail would start this year would depend on funding arrangements.

"The timing of works commencing really does come down to when we have a full funding for this project finally allocated," he said.

As the last budget before the election, a high focus is expected on jobs and the regions, with the government needing to ward off One Nation.

When asked if it would be the budget to win Labor the election, Mr Pitt said it was about momentum.

"We believe that the momentum coming out of a positive budget, one that has a positive agenda, about building critical pieces of infrastructure, making sure we've got job-generating programs and projects – that will be a very, very good thing for us as a government, to be able to say to Queenslanders, 'we need you to back us to continue the work that we've been doing'."

[Stillwater]

"The timing of works commencing really does come down to when we have a full funding for this project finally allocated," he said.

So, no start on CRR until there is full funding ... that means even if the Commonwealth does cough up $1 billion or so, the project is not fully funded and cannot start.  (Surely, it can though.)  So where are we at with private sector funding?

[ozbob]

The ' fudget ' will reveal all.  No start for CRR = end of the Palaszczuk Government IMHO.

[Stillwater]

We will know in four days time.  Everyone loves an election Budget -- a little bit for everyone.  A bit like handing out Maundy Money.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Editorial: Fiscal strategy vital for return to majority rule

IF THERE'S one clear take-out from the recent raft of polling it's that neither Labor nor the LNP has the policy settings necessary to establish broad electoral appeal.

After the inconclusive election result of 2015, both major parties have suffered further declines in their primary support, particularly in regional Queensland.

There is a clear and present danger the next Queensland Parliament will be even further beholden to minor parties and their populist antics. This will hold Queensland back at the worst possible juncture in recent history as the state continues to embark on the painful process of economic transition.

From the highs of the LNG construction boom, Queensland has suffered 11 consecutive quarters of negative business investment – problematic given the state offers some of the most attractive conditions for business in Australia, as well as relatively affordable housing conditions for staff.

So it is imperative that the third and final fiscal blueprint of the Palaszczuk Government, to be handed down by Treasurer Curtis Pitt on Tuesday, fashions a clear path towards prosperity for all sectors of the state.

Equally, it is incumbent on Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls to use this opportunity to begin crafting a narrative around the alternative he will offer Queenslanders at the next election, which is expected within months.

Mr Pitt spoke at the Queensland Media Club this week about the end of the mining boom and the "gap" in the economy that Labor inherited. "It is not easy to fill a gap that has been left after it's already there," he observed.

While Queensland's problem is not as pronounced as Western Australia, due to our more diverse economy, the state has too frequently banked on an indefinite mining boom.

A significant workforce was built up during the LNG construction phase, while at the same time the state spent record proportions of its revenue on infrastructure. When both hit a wall one after the other, unemployment increased and confidence declined. With few plans for new industry and fewer dollars for infrastructure stimulus, the state has suffered since.

The export capacity of Queensland's economy has been supercharged while the domestic side of the equation has been subdued, as demonstrated by this week's state final demand figures.

Labor's go-slow approach to fiscal reform, as opposed to the LNP's shock-and-awe tactic of asset sales, has ensured the economy continues to tread water without being offered a rescue.

Unemployment is 6.4 per cent, fractionally better than the 6.6 Labor inherited, but it would be significantly worse if it weren't for the Palaszczuk Government's multibillion-dollar spending spree on the public service.

Mr Pitt's first two budgets were populated by assaults on hollow logs with debt switches and raids on funds set aside for superannuation and long service leave.

However, despite the inherent risks in this approach, green shoots have emerged, fortuitously providing Labor with a life raft to cling to.

The lower Australian dollar has driven tourists back to the Sunshine State. Better-than-expected coal prices and GST receipts have also delivered a windfall, although this has been partly offset by the upfront costs of Cyclone Debbie which the state must wear.

Coupled with credible limits on expense growth and resilient revenue, the state's fiscal scenario has eased, opening the door for strategic spending.

It is imperative these funds aren't wasted on more corporate welfare schemes or a politically motivated infrastructure buy. The Palaszczuk Government needs to invest in the most economically productive projects and to chart a path to finally fund projects like the Cross River Rail.

While it's too early to expect Mr Nicholls to detail a full-funded alternative, the LNP leader should at least reveal his priorities.

The side that can present the most promising and plausible plan will win back disenchanted voters and hopefully provide Queensland with the stable majority government it needs.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Labor Government to embark on pre-election infrastructure spending spree

THE Palaszczuk Government is poised to embark on a pre-election infrastructure spending spree, buoyed by surging coal and wholesale power prices.

The Courier-Mail can reveal the windfall cash flowing into the state's coffers, coupled with subdued spending, has cut the borrowing bill to $34 billion, the lowest level in five years.

Lower debt payments have paved the way for significant spending on job initiatives and infrastructure, with the state likely to forge ahead on Cross River Rail without federal funds in partnership with the private sector.

Labor's final fiscal blueprint will target regional Queensland where One Nation's revival is threatening the prospects of both major parties ahead of the election, expected in November.

In an exclusive interview, Treasurer Curtis Pitt ruled out using borrowings to bankroll infrastructure, while still aiming to reclaim an AAA credit rating next term.

"It is not where we are headed, it is certainly not our first preference, far from it," he said. "We are still on our pathway of bringing back Queensland's debt profile to a position where it should be."

The $34 billion debt bill for 2016-17 is $2 billion less than forecast in the Midyear Review and $14 billion lower than projected by the former Newman government before it launched its ill-fated campaign to sell state assets.

Overall borrowings, including the debt of state-owned corporations is $73 billion, while Queensland's debt to revenue ratio has dropped from 91 per cent to 60 per cent in four years.

Mr Pitt said that by ­lowering debt and predominantly funding infrastructure through cash flows for the past two years the Government had freed up funds to spend on ­priorities.

"We have freed up money that we can provide to put into other things and that includes some of our operational recurrent funding to fund services like police ambulances and hospitals and schools," he said.

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad yesterday insisted the state would not permanently pause its $5.5 billion Cross River Rail plan while waiting for federal funds after the project was approved by the Co-ordinator General.

"We're sick of the political games from Malcolm Turnbull and the LNP," she said.

"Queenslanders need this project; we could have shovels in the ground tomorrow and we can't keep waiting."

It is understood the Government has considered a variety of funding options.

One option involves significantly increasing the state's $850 million contribution, leveraging private funding and making long-term repayments under a partnership.

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Hopes next week's State Budget will boost Gold Coast's light rail stage three

FUNDING for the third stage of the Gold Coast light rail, support for the tourism industry and work to improve the M1 top the wish list for city leaders ahead of the State Budget.

Gold Coast Tourism chairman Paul Donovan said resources for Tourism and Events Queensland were needed to support the city's biggest industry and extra Commonwealth Games funding would also be welcome.

"This is a year like no other for the Gold Coast. We need to make the Commonwealth Games the success it can be.

"Some priority must also be given to M1 congestion-relief and upgrading — it is the artery for our drive market and all those coming to the Gold Coast via Brisbane airport."

Mr Donovan said support for feasibility and route assessment of the third stage of the light rail would also benefit the city.

"Gold Coast Tourism has also declared its support for a cruise ship terminal and the ASF Integrated Resort proposals," he said.

"So to see State Government help progress those projects to the next phase in this Budget would be ideal."

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad has previously ruled out funding for the third stage of light rail until after the council's business case is completed, but that hasn't happened yet.

While GOLDOC is working from a set Budget, the event may see further funding of the Office of the Commonwealth Games for the cultural program Festival 2018 or other supporting areas.

Mayor Tom Tate said there was plenty on his State Budget "wish list", but he didn't want it publicly revealed because "if I don't get it, it looks like they have turned their back on us".

Cr Tate said he was confident the Gold Coast would get its share of funding for whatever it was he told the Government the city needed.

"(The) thing about the Gold Coast economy, when it fires the rest of Queensland hums," he said.

"You might as well support the economy that is really the most vibrant in the State and then you will get return on your investment."

[ozbob]

Sunshine Coast Daily --> Mayor calls on fair share from State Government

T was time to stop putting the Sunshine Coast last and to make up for decades of infrastructure funding neglect, Mayor Mark Jamieson has declared on the eve of the State Budget to be handed down Tuesday.

Cr Jamieson said the Sunshine Coast was continuing to grow at a rate higher than the Queensland average and needed a fairer share of the budget pie after decades of neglect by successive state and federal governments.

"An analysis that the council completed at the time of the 2015 State election clearly showed that in the six years prior (under the Bligh and Newman governments combined) the Sunshine Coast came last in the total funding commitments of both governments, when compared with the Gold Coast, Far North (centred around Cairns), North Queensland (centred around Townsville) and the Darling Downs regions," he said.

"Yet the Sunshine Coast had the second highest population of these five regions.

"Our infrastructure, services and facilities need to cater for both the present and future resident population. Right now, they do not."

Cr Jamieson said at a state level the region's priorities were all about transport with road, rail and public transport infrastructure critical to maintain the liveability of the region, to improve its functionality and connectivity as it grows.

He said the infrastructure was also critical to support "the new 21st Century economy that we are driving here on the Sunshine Coast"

"On behalf of the 300,000 people who call the Sunshine Coast home, I would like to see in next week's State Budget a clear funding and time frame commitment for the duplication of the North Coast Rail Line from Beerburrum to Landsborough, as the first stage of an overall duplication plan to Nambour," Cr Jamieson said.

He also wants the Palaszczuk government to confirm its 20% contribution towards the funding to expand the Bruce Hwy from Caboolture to Caloundra announced in the recent Federal Budget and a commitment to supporting the development and delivery of an efficient public transport solution for the coastal urban area, where Cr Jamieson said more than 80% of the region's population does (and will) reside.

As with most state MPs the mayor also wants a clear investment and time frame for delivery of the Mooloolah River Interchange particularly because of the increased traffic being generated daily by the Sunshine Coast University Hospital.

"There are many other commitments I would like to see the Queensland Government make to this region, but those which I have singled out represent the infrastructure of greatest need and, if delivered, would fundamentally improve Sunshine Coast's liveability and connectivity," Cr Jamieson said.

[ozbob]

Sunshine Coast Daily --> War of words erupts over Coast's lack of Budget funding

OPPOSITION leader Tim Nicholls has accused Buderim One Nation MP Steve Dickson of not being able to lie straight in bed as a war of words breaks out ahead of the Queensland Budget being handed down on Tuesday.

The LNP leader has reacted angrily to claims from Mr Dickson that one of the reasons he quit the party was because Mr Nicholls had dismissed a plea for the Mooloolah River interchange to be a priority, asking why he would back funding in an area with safe seats rather than directing spending to marginal electorates.

Mr Dickson said the exchange had occurred at a presentation to Mr Nicholls and his deputy Deb Frecklington by all Coast LNP MPs.

"Steve Dickson can't lie straight in bed," a spokesman for Mr Nicholls said of the former Newman LNP Minister.

"First he left because of medicinal marijuana now it is because of this. He needs to get his story straight.

"I think the LNP's track record including funding the Sunshine Coast University Hospital proves Steve Dickson has selective memory and deserves to be booted out at the next election."

The long-promised Mooloolah River interchange and duplication of rail north from Beerburrum to Nambour are the Sunshine Coast's key priorities ahead of next week's State Budget.

The region's State LNP representatives and Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson have identified both projects at the top of their wish lists.

However with the draft South East Queensland Regional Plan set to go before Cabinet projecting a population growth of two million in the state's bottom corner by 2041, there will be enormous competition for funds.

The government's announcement Thursday of a $500m Building Future Schools Fund was quickly slammed by Mr Nicholls as an exercise in pork barrelling to prop up inner city Labor seats of Ministers Grace Grace and Jackie Trad under threat from Green candidates.

Mr Nicholls said the Government was going ahead with a new high school at Fortitude Valley in partnership with QUT, a high school in the inner south in conjunction with UQ and the expansion of West End State School despite the Schools Commission determining none were needed in those areas through to 2031.

The LNP leader was quick to point out the money would have significantly advanced either of the Sunshine Coast priorities, and equally quick to dismiss Mr Dickson's claims.

The Sunshine Coast's preponderance of safe LNP seats may give explanation to a document being circulated by prominent planning lawyer Andrew Davis which shows just how under-funded the region is compared with the Gold Coast.

That the Sunshine Coast has long been the "poor cousin" to the southern glitter strip is something Paul Turner of the state's peak motoring group the RACQ also identified this week.

Mr Turner said despite recent wins largely associated with the Bruce Highway, rail duplication to Nambour, the Mooloolah River Interchange and four-laning of the Sunshine Motorway north of Pacific Paradise were critical projects already well overdue.

The high-order planning document ShapingSEQ projects the Sunshine Coast Council local government area's population to increase by 207,500 by that date to 495,000.

It identifies infrastructure needs in general terms, but is largely silent on how projects may be funded beyond the suggestion "region-shaping infrastructure priorities which are open to market-led responses" needed to be identified.

It also suggests innovation would be required in "how the region-shaping infrastructure needs are serviced" and "encourages better integration of land use and transport project planning to optimise value creation, with the gains shared to more effectively fund and finance infrastructure".

Cross River Rail in Brisbane, ignored in the recent Federal Budget, is expected to be a key Palaszczuk Government priority when the Budget is brought down on Tuesday by the Treasurer Curtis Pitt.

The Opposition will reply Thursday followed by debate expected to continue well into Friday with all Members of Parliament having the right to speak.

Pre-budget education announcements aside Treasurer Curtis Pitt refused to discuss what the Sunshine Coast may or may not get in terms of infrastructure funding.

A spokesman for the Treasurer said all Budget details would be revealed on June 13.

Speaker of the House and Nicklin MP Peter Wellington presides over a chamber in which the Government holds just 42 of the 89 seats with the LNP on 41.

Mr Wellington, Billy Gordon and Rob Pyne are independents, the Katter Australia Party holds two seats and One Nation one in Steve Dickson, Buderim, who defected from the LNP in January.

Mr Wellington said he expected as per convention that despite the government's fragile hold the budget would pass.

A spokesman for Mr Nicholls said barring anything extraordinary the public could expect the LNP to give the document passage through the House.

[Stillwater]

  A perfect opportunity for Mr Nicholls to be a statesman and back up the Mayor's comments.  The LNP and Mr Nicholls see One Nation as a political threat, so attacks Steve Dickson ahead of state Labor, pointing out their neglect of a region that votes conservative.  Clearly, the LNP is going after Mr Dickson's seat, and that is where the focus lies, and the LNP is prepared to ignore the electors of the other seats the party holds on the SC, because it can count on their votes already.  On the other hand, Labor might just have a hope of picking up Glasshouse Mountains, and knock off a prominent Shadow Minister.  How ironic if the ALP delivers on the promise Mr Powell has gone to each and every election with (duplication of the SCL).

[ozbob]

11th June 2017
   
Media Release
Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

State Budget to save household budgets

The Palaszczuk Government will commit $5.3 billion in next week's State Budget to help Queenslanders' household budgets, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

"My Government knows the importance of Queenslanders having a job and being able to support their families," the Premier said.

"The next State Budget will focus on creating jobs, delivering on key priorities of health and education, and helping Queenslanders manage the cost of living."

"That is why we have increased the access to electricity rebates and, ahead of the State Budget, we are launching a dedicated website to ensure Queenslanders are aware of all the concessions and rebates that are available for them.

"For the 2017-18 financial year, the Government is allocating an extra $400 million for a total of $5.3 billion. That's the equivalent of more than $1000 for every Queenslander or the equivalent of more than $100 million every week."

"I am concerned too many people just don't know what they're entitled to, let alone how much they could benefit."

Some of the less well known concessions and loans include:

    Rental Bond Loans provides interest-free rental bond loans, equivalent to a maximum amount of four weeks rent, for people who cannot afford to pay a full bond to move into private rental accommodation.
    Spectacle Supply Scheme provides eligible Queensland residents with a pair of basic prescription spectacles, once every two years.
    Home Assist Secure helps eligible people over 60, or those with a disability, with assistance to remain living in their home, either owned or rented. Free safety related information and referrals are available, plus subsidised assistance of up to $400 per household each year, to pay for critical maintenance services.

"The Smart Savings website brings together all of the Government's many concessions and rebates into one location, making it easier for Queenslanders to find and apply for them," the Premier said.

"Smart Savings is all about helping Queenslanders save money on everyday living expenses so they have more money in their pocket" the Premier said.

"The Smart Savings website has 16 categories of concessions and rebates. These categories cover everything from energy and transport to health and housing.

"There are a range of special discounted rates for seniors, people with health issues, young people going into training and many more.

"Queenslanders who live in regional and remote areas can also access special rebates to help ensure they're not paying more for things like electricity, water and healthcare because of where they live."

Treasurer Curtis Pitt said cost of living was an important issue for Queenslanders and these concessions and rebates can make a real difference in easing people's financial worries.

"All Queenslanders are encouraged to check the Smart Savings website for concessions and rebates that might be available to them, apply and start saving.

"It's not just families who will benefit."

Visit www.qld.gov.au/smartsavings to access Smart Savings or contact the Queensland Government call centre 13QGOV (13 74 68).

The top ten concessions by total Government spend:

    Electricity Rebate Scheme helps Queensland pensioners and seniors pay their electricity bill with a rebate of up to $330 per year.
    Vehicle and Boat Registration Concessions reduces the cost of vehicle and boat registration fees for seniors and pensioners.
    School Transport Assistance Scheme helps eligible families that do not have a school in their local area, or who are from defined low income groups with school travel costs.
    Oral Health Scheme provides free dental care to eligible Queenslanders and their dependents.
    Vocational Education and Training – Certificate 3 Guarantee helps eligible Queenslanders get their first post–school Certificate III qualification to improve their job prospects by subsiding tuition fees.
    Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme provides financial assistance to patients who need to access specialist medical services not available within their local area. It provides a subsidy towards the cost of travel and accommodation for patients and, in some cases, an approved escort.
    Vocational Education and Training – Higher Level Skills Tuition Fee Subsidy subsidises the cost of tuition fees paid by students undertaking a priority Certificate IV, diploma or advanced diploma or industry endorsed skill set.
    Pensioner Rate Subsidy Scheme offers a 20% subsidy, up to a maximum of $200 per year, to lessen the impact of local government rates and charges on pensioners, thereby assisting them to continue to live in their own homes.
    School Transport Allowance for Students with Disabilities assists families of students with disabilities with transport to attend state school programs.
    Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme provides funding assistance to eligible people for a range of aids and equipment, like mobility aids, artificial limbs or vehicle modifications, to help them live at home and avoid premature or inappropriate residential care or hospitalisation.

[ozbob]

Sunshine Coast Daily --> Give us the money: Mayors demand Coast rail funding

MAYORS from across the south-east have banded together and demanded funding for the Sunshine Coast's key rail line in tomorrow night's State Budget.

The South East Queensland Council of Mayors has declared funding for the Coast's "outdated and overloaded" North Coast Line should be a priority in Treasurer Curtis Pitt's Budget to be handed down tomorrow.

Council of Mayors chair Graham Quirk, Brisbane's Lord Mayor, said the upgrade of the line wasn't just an important project for the Coast, adding it "had the potential to deliver a significant boost to the region's economy".

"The duplication and upgrade of the North Coast Rail Line will ease congestion on the Bruce Highway and significantly improve travel times for residents and businesses commuting from the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay region and the northern suburbs of Brisbane," Cr Quirk said.

"A fast and reliable North Coast Rail Line would be an economic driver for the region, improving freight movement, encouraging local tourism, and allowing more people to live on the Sunshine Coast and easily commute to other parts of SEQ."

The statement released by the Council of Mayors said duplication and upgrade of the North Coast Line had been on the political agenda for "many years" but had failed to receive necessary investment.

As of December 2016 Building Queensland had assessed duplication of a 20km stretch between Beerburrum and Landsborough with upgrades between Landsborough and Nambour and completed a detailed business case.

The estimated cost of the project was about $780 million.

RAIL Back on Track spokesman Jeff Addison, a long-time campaigner for duplication of the full 39km between Beerburrum-Nambour, recently expressed his frustration that the business case had not addressed the main bottleneck in the North Coast Line, along the most windy stretch between Landsborough and Nambour.

He also dismissed talk from the State Opposition of a fast train servicing the south-east, expecting it would be another 50 years before fast trains service the Coast.

The Council of Mayors represents 11 local government areas in the south-east, including Toowoomba, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Ipswich, Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and more.

Cr Quirk said the group would also be watching closely in the Budget to make sure commitments to fix the Pacific Motorway were fully funded and were also keen for "significant investment" to improve safety and efficiency of the Mt Lindesay Highway.

Further funding to improve the region's climate resilience have also been called for by both the Council of Mayors and the Local Government Association of Queensland.

[ozbob]

12th June 2017

COUNCIL OF MAYORS (SEQ) – MEDIA RELEASE

Time to bring Sunshine Coast's rail out of the dark ages

Funding for the Sunshine Coast's outdated and overloaded North Coast Rail Line should be a priority in tomorrow's State Budget announcement, according to South East Queensland's (SEQ) Mayors.

The duplication and upgrade of the North Coast Rail Line has been on the political agenda for many years but has failed to receive the investment needed to progress the project, despite being recommended by the State's independent infrastructure adviser Building Queensland.

Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair Cr Graham Quirk said upgrading the North Coast Rail Line isn't just an important project for the Sunshine Coast, it had the potential to deliver a significant boost to the region's economy.

"The duplication and upgrade of the North Coast Rail Line will ease congestion on the Bruce Highway and significantly improve travel times for residents and businesses commuting from the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay region and the northern suburbs of Brisbane.

"A fast and reliable North Coast Rail Line would be an economic driver for the region, improving freight movement, encouraging local tourism, and allowing more people to live on the Sunshine Coast and easily commute to other parts of SEQ," said Cr Quirk.

The Council of Mayors (SEQ) will also be looking for a significant allocation of funds for its other infrastructure priorities, upgrades to the Pacific Motorway and Mt Lindesay Highway, in the 2017-18 State Budget announcement.

"Mayors will be watching closely to ensure the Queensland Government's commitment to fix the Pacific Motorway is fully funded, and we're also keen to see a significant investment in improving the safety and efficiency of the Mt Lindesay Highway," said Cr Quirk.

"The Mt Lindesay Highway is a crucial transport route for SEQ and Queensland, facilitating freight movement in the south western corridor and supporting the growing communities of Logan and the Scenic Rim.

"Quick fixes and ad hoc upgrades are not meeting the needs of SEQ's growing communities, the Mt Lindesay Highway needs a significant injection of funds from the Queensland Government to deliver a genuine long term solution," said Cr Quirk.

Other budget priorities for the SEQ Mayors include a financial commitment to advance the Resilient Rivers Initiative. The SEQ Mayors have partnered with the Local Government Association of Queensland in calling for much needed funds to improve the region's climate resilience and protect SEQ's waterways and catchments.

-Ends-

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/TTFAus/status/874112055120285696

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Queensland Budget: $2 billion for Cross River Rail

THE State Government will today signal it is prepared to go it alone on Cross River Rail by adding a further $2 billion towards the much vaunted project.

The Courier-Mail can reveal today's State ­Budget will allocate the extra $2 billion to kick-start the project, taking the state's contribution to almost $3 billion.

The massive funding ­injection still leaves a hole of about $2.5 billion to build the inner-city Brisbane rail link between Dutton Park and Bowen Hills, which includes three new underground stations.

The State Government will leave the door open for future federal contributions and deals with the private sector or a combination of the two. However, it is understood the Government will indicate that it is prepared to go it alone on the 10.2km link, which has been mooted for more than a decade.

Additional cash from coal prices, GST receipts and wholesale energy costs, as well as lower government-sector debt, has helped the Government boost infrastructure spending in today's Budget after two years of subdued capital investment.

The Federal Government has so far refused to commit any more than the $10 million it has already allocated to Cross River Rail, raising concerns with the business case undertaken by Building Queensland. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has not ruled out ­allocating money in future years from a promised $10 billion national rail fund, should it decide CRR does stack up.

Federal Labor has pledged to help fund CRR, should it win the next federal election, due in 2019.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk yesterday took another swipe at Mr Turnbull for not guaranteeing Commonwealth funds.

"All I am getting is roadblock after roadblock after roadblock," she said.

"We are not seeing Malcolm Turnbull come to the party when it comes to our number one project, Cross River Rail. What we need once again is we need the Federal Government to put some money into Cross River Rail.

"We will not give up on that fight. We will continue to fight for Queensland and we will continue to fight for our fair share.''

The Government has argued Cross River Rail is needed after 2021 when Brisbane's only southbound rail river crossing, the William Jolly Bridge, will reach capacity.

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad had previously hoped construction could start as early as this year on the project, which she previously said was "shovel ready".

Treasurer Curtis Pitt will today also announce that the Government will cap future rises in fees and charges, such as vehicle registration, to ­inflation.

It follows several years of above-inflation increases at 3.5 per cent.

The change will come into force from July 1, 2018, following the next state election.

[ozbob]

Queensland Budget 2017-18

>> https://budget.qld.gov.au/

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/qldtreasury/status/874517164631261184

[ozbob]

9 News --> Big-spending Qld budget ahead of election

The Queensland Labor government has handed down a big-spending budget as it looks to shore up support ahead of the next state election, expected later this year.

The budget features a small surplus of $146 million for 2017-18, after posting a massive $2.8 billion surplus for the previous year, due to an unexpected increase in mining royalties.

Cyclone Debbie continues to make its presence felt, estimated to have a $1.1 billion dollar hit on the state's bottom line, and helping to reduce the 2017-18 surplus from $389 million.

The government has announced it will fully fund Cross River Rail, after the federal government decided not to allocate any money for the second Brisbane River rail crossing in its May budget.

The Palaszczuk government will provide an initial $1.95 billion on top of the $850 million it has previously allocated, with a promise to meet the full $5.4 billion cost in future budgets.

The funding means Cross River Rail can begin work by the end of the year, although the government said it "remains open" to federal funding of the project.

It's the key measure in a budget full of big-spending schemes, with a focus on regional jobs and development.

Treasurer Curtis Pitt said they had "moved quickly" to put the big surplus from 2016-17 to work, but denied they were pork barrelling regional parts of the state ahead of the election.

"These are the centres, the main provincial centres, which require the sort of funding arrangements that we've placed in the budget," he said.

Mr Pitt said the budget would support 40,000 jobs across Queensland in 2017-18.

He defended the fact that there was no reduction in the forecast unemployment rate, despite selling the budget as supporting job creation.

"We are not going to do what the previous government did, promise unemployment would reduce the 4 per cent and then not deliver," he said.

"We're serious about job creation, the programs here are working."

The biggest allocations to individual sectors were the $16.6 billion health budget and $13.7 billion for education and training.

Regional infrastructure gets a boost with a two-year allocation of $200 million dollars for the Works for Queensland program, designed to get local people into jobs.

And the minority government has extended the $20,000 first home owners grant by six months as part of its broader housing initiative.

Kate Whittle from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry was happy there was no new taxes on small businesses, but was ambivalent about the overall budget.

"A relatively 'vanilla' budget, not big for small business, not much new in there that hadn't already been announced," Ms Whittle said.

The focus on regional employment along with large job-generating infrastructure projects comes as the government looks forward to the state election.

The election is due by May next year, but is widely tipped to be called for November.

Today's state budget will see an extra $2 billion towards the Cross River Rail. (QLD Govt)

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ZanettiCartoons/status/874745336543158272