Qld Labor stays mum on economic plan

The Queensland opposition won't say when they will unveil their economic plan before the January 31 state election.

Queensland opposition leader Annastacia Palaszczuk

Queensland Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk.

Labor says its economic plan for Queensland is ready to go.

Just don't expect the party to tell you what it is.

Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk has come under fire for refusing to reveal the party's economic strategy with just over two weeks until Queenslanders go to the polls on January 31.

Ms Palaszczuk was flanked by federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten on Tuesday in Townsville, where she pledged $139 million over three years for 875 new teachers in the state's schools.

It would bolster new hires to 2500, including 275 specialist high school teachers.

But Ms Palaszczuk would not reveal how much it, or the party's other policies, would cost.

"Our economic strategy is ready," Ms Palaszczuk said. "We will announce it at a timing of our own choosing."

Ms Palaszczuk said the plan wouldn't involve the lease or sale of public assets or borrowing more money, but she would not elaborate.

The Liberal National Party (LNP) - which insists it has had to make "strong choices", like leasing assets, to help the state economy and to build infrastructure - has already targeted Labor's reluctance to release its costings.

A recent Newspoll, published in The Weekend Australian, also indicated voters don't trust Labor to manage the economy, instead siding with the LNP.

Ms Palaszczuk hit out at Premier Campbell Newman for refusing to reveal the LNP's "Plan B" if the party wins but he doesn't retain his seat.

It's a likely scenario, with Mr Newman only needing a 5.7 per cent swing against him, while the government would need about an 11 per cent swing to lose power.

"Queenslanders have every right to know who will be the premier if Campbell Newman does not win Ashgrove," she said.

But the Labor leader's tack quickly changed when asked if she'll stay on in her role if her party doesn't win.

"We are in the election campaign; I am focused on being premier of this state," she said, without answering the question.

LABOR's TEACHER POLICY - $139 million over three years for 875 new teachers

- Will bolster 1600 increase already budgeted for

- Includes 275 specialist high school teachers

- Cut class sizes in 125 state primary schools

- No costings revealed

(Source: Queensland Opposition)


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3 min read
Published 13 January 2015 11:00am
Updated 13 January 2015 6:16pm
Source: AAP


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