QUEENSLAND ONE NATION TO INVEST CROSS RIVER RAIL BILLIONS INTO VISIONARY PROJECTS THAT ARE NEEDED NOW

Queensland One Nation Leader, Steve Dickson MP says the statement by Infrastructure Australia that the Labor Government’s $5.4 billion cross-river rail project in Brisbane is not needed until at least the mid-2030’s, demands an immediate redistribution of those funds.

Mr Dickson said, “One Nation wants that money properly invested in projects that can benefit all Queenslanders.

“One Nation has a vision for this State and today I announce some specific projects One Nation will champion in the next Parliament.

“Both the ALP and LNP voted for the Cross River Rail project in this year’s budget so they both believe the $5.4 billion is there. We will redistribute it. It is not new funding.

“One Nation will put $1.5 billion into a new 1000mw power station in North Queensland. It would be located next to a coal mine to reduce transport costs.

“We will put $1.95 billion into building dams, weirs and raising dam walls in North Queensland to harvest the abundant water for farming and industry which currently runs out to sea. This will provide water security for numerous Queensland towns and cities including Townsville and Rockhampton.

“One Nation is also committed to $700 million in funding for the Borumba Dam. This project will drought-proof south-east Queensland and will be linked into the existing water grid.

“The Beerburrum to Nambour rail line must be duplicated immediately and One Nation has plans to put $850 million into funding the project.
“This project has been on hold for far too long, and excuses are no longer acceptable. One Nation will build it.”

Mr Dickson said he was calling on the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to match this funding on a dollar for dollar basis.

“The Prime Minister talks about coal-fired power stations and building new dams. Now is the time for him to put his money where his mouth is.
“Another project to be funded by One Nation includes $400 Million for upgrading the Mount Lindsay highway.”

Mr Dickson added, “Each year the energy producers pay a dividend of $1.3 billion which goes into Consolidated Revenue, for governments to spend as they like. One Nation will put that dividend back into the producers, so they can cut power prices in Queensland by approximately 20 percent.

“I don’t think the major parties, the ALP and LNP, realise how serious an issue the cost of power is in the community. It has reached the stage where people are being forced to use candles because they cannot afford electricity. Businesses are also suffering because of huge cost increases forcing them to lay off staff.

“As for how to replace this ‘dividend’, One Nation will ensure that Government procurement of goods and services is better managed.

“I believe the Queensland Government currently pays about 20 percent more than it needs to on every contract it lets. We will end the preferred providers system and open the scheme to all businesses wanting to deal with the government. Competition is what drives down prices and a saving of 20 percent equates to billions of dollars.

“One Nation is serious when it says people before politics. We need Queensland to again be a leader in Australia.”

“We will decentralise Government departments and offices to many parts of Queensland, such as the Sunshine Coast, Mackay, Townsville, Cairns, etc.

“Our vision for Queensland is not centred on Brisbane like the joined at the hip twins, the LNP and ALP. We see the wider picture, and so do the electors,” he said.

“Given the Federal Liberal Party’s current vulnerability in the polls in Queensland, I would expect the Prime Minister to back these projects wholeheartedly.
“I expect all Queensland LNP members to lobby Canberra to ensure Mr Turnbull commits the required funding”, Mr Dickson said.

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SAFETY MUST BE PARAMOUNT FOR THE RIDE-SHARING INDUSTRY

One Nation Queensland leader and Member for Buderim, Steve Dickson MP says three alleged rapes by Uber drivers in ten days should be the wake-up call the Government needs to properly regulate the ride-sharing industry.

“Ride-sharing vehicles are not taxis. The word taxi conveys a feeling of safety to intending passengers because of the built-in systems they are forced to install,” he said.
“Taxis and ride-sharing vehicles need to share a level playing field and that is just not happening.

“It’s time the Government stood up for the travelling public and took their safety seriously,” Mr Dickson said.

“Existing taxi security cameras have proven to be a deterrent to anti-social behaviour and are a valuable evidence tool in court cases.

“It is now time the Government legislated that a Personalised Transport Security Camera System must be installed in all ride-sharing vehicles. They will be a priority under One Nation public transport safety policy.

“What we need is smart technology, encrypted images sent directly to Cloud storage while the driver is operating a ride-sharing public transport service. Privacy would be protected because images and voice recordings would only be accessible to law enforcement and authorised officials.

“Perhaps we also need a universal system over all forms of public transport with secure GPS tracking with no ability to crush the SIM card or dispose of the unit,” Mr Dickson said.

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LNP AND ALP RUNNING FOR OPPOSITION IN COMING STATE ELECTION

Queensland One Nation leader and Member for Buderim, Steve Dickson MP has accused both major parties of setting themselves a target of winning Opposition at the coming state election.

He said it is unprecedented for neither party to want to win Government.

“LNP leader Tim Nicholls has made it clear he won’t be doing any deals with One Nation and the ALP has taken the same stance.

“I can tell you, they are ignoring their own internal polling which shows that One Nation will be a big part of the make-up of the next Parliament. For them to stick their heads in the sand this way is an insult to voters,” he said.

“One Nation is working to win government at the election and is asking voters to put us first on the ballot paper. With compulsory preferential voting, we will be making recommendations for the Number 2 position on the paper on a seat by seat basis.

“On each such case, we will do so with the best interests of Queensland in mind,” Mr Dickson said.

“What the LNP and ALP are saying about preference deals is akin to the Prime Minister saying before the last Federal election that One Nation wasn’t welcome in the Parliament. Look how successful that was!

“It is that sort of arrogance from the two major Parties that has seen One Nation’s popularity increasing across the State, and we are ready for the election whenever it is called”, he said.

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QUEENSLAND DOESN’T NEED ANOTHER BILLION DOLLAR MONUMENT TO A POLITICAL PARTY

Queensland One Nation leader and Member for Buderim, Steve Dickson MP said today, “The LNP’s plan for a billion dollar architectural icon on the Brisbane River shows just how little regard they have for the rest of the state.

“Tim Nicholl’s promise to kick-start this folly with $20 million for a design competition, if he wins the next election will be seen for what it is by the electors, ‘pie in the sky’ and city-centric.”

Mr Dickson asked did Queensland need a $1 billion museum in Brisbane, or a billion dollar coal-fired power station in the north of the State to provide much-needed power and industry? “The answer is simple, we need the power station,” he said.

“Does Queensland need reliable water supplies or an icon in Brisbane? Again the answer is obvious,” he said.

“Does the state need huge investment in road and rail infrastructure, ahead of an architectural icon in Brisbane? “Again the answer should be obvious even to Tim Nicholls”, Mr Dickson said.

“The LNP can’t hide from the fact that it voted last month to support the ALP budget and all the increases in taxes and charges it has levied.

“They voted for the increases and are as one with Labor, and even worse the ALP is pushing for a 50 percent renewable energy target in this State, at a time when the LNP and ALP have presided over power prices that have increased to the point where people are unable to afford to keep warm in winter”, he said.

Mr Dickson said, “The LNP seems to be thrashing around trying to come up with ideas to win votes in Brisbane while ignoring everyone else.
“And the ALP is no better, just look at their last promise to the City, $500 million to entrench Jackie Trad in South Brisbane. The voters are not so easily fooled and One Nation can’t wait for the Premier to call the election.”

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ONE NATION PREPARES TO TOPPLE GOVERNMENT

One Nation’s Queensland candidates met for a two-day conference in Brisbane over the weekend to strategically plan winning the next state election.
One Nation Queensland leader and Member for Buderim Steve Dickson MP said, “It was uplifting to have One Nation candidates from the Cook electorate to the Gold Coast and western Queensland get together. We have a strong, dynamic group of candidates who would make excellent representatives for their electorates in the Queensland Parliament. Senator Pauline Hanson and I passed on our thanks to candidates for their commitment to serve their communities.
Mr Dickson said, “It is expected that the latest opinion poll showing a six percent slump in support for the Coalition federally, will be reflected at the Queensland state election.”
“Disaffected Liberal/National voters are unlikely to turn to the ALP, and One Nation offers them a Party which retains core values and a commitment to Australia. And it’s not just the LNP who is unpopular with voters. As I meet constituents throughout the State, even rusted on ALP voters have the same complaints about being ‘taken for granted’.
“You have to question the LNP’s integrity over last week’s budget vote. It was a bizarre set of circumstances. One minute the LNP voted against the budget and a few moments later changed and voted to pass Labor’s budget. This means that the LNP and Labor have voted together to ensure more increases in fees and charges like car registration and insurance. Only myself and the Katter Party voted against it.
“In voting for this budget, the LNP are in bed with Labor in their quest for a 50 per cent renewable energy target, which is turn will drive up already unaffordable electricity costs. The Treasurer even made reference to that in his budget speech.”
Mr Dickson said “The two major Parties have lost their way and it’s not hard to see why they have lost support. Both the ALP and the LNP have good reason to be concerned about what will happen when they seek re-election in Queensland, whenever the Premier decides she will go to the polls.
“In April, One Nation released its first Queensland policy book and together with state candidates, I am working on future policies. Unlike the major parties, One Nation has not forgotten its grassroots origins. We listen to the people, and we put people before politics.
“The LNP and Labor are getting closer together by the day, but unfortunately the closer they get, the less they stand for. One Nation is the only Party that will truly stand up for Queenslanders,” Mr Dickson said.
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ONE NATION COMMITS TO STATE TOP UP FOR QUEENSLAND SCHOOL CHAPLAINCY PROGRAM

One Nation Queensland leader and Member for Buderim Steve Dickson MP has committed that a One Nation Queensland government will freeze Queensland politician’s salaries.

“I am very concerned that Federal politicians, judges and agency heads will get a two per cent pay rise on July 1. I understand that they got a two per cent pay rise in January 2016, and a 2.4 per cent rise just a few years ago in 2013”, Mr Dickson said.

“I think it’s highly inappropriate that these pay rises take effect on the same day income tax cuts for high-income earners are introduced, and on the same day power prices for consumers surge across the country.”

“Currently in Queensland, the annual base salary for an MP is $155,621. And if you are a member of a committee, add on another $23,727, but if you chair a committee, add on another $59,319 to the base salary”, Mr Dickson said.

He added, “And there is a host of other categories of ‘additional salaries’ for MPs such as Whips, Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and Ministers which attract extra annual pay ranging from $29,659 right up to the Premier who pockets an extra $237,274 on top of her base salary.”

“So after what has occurred overnight at a Federal level in terms of politicians, judges etc. I give an iron-clad guarantee that a One Nation Queensland government will freeze Queensland politicians salaries and allowances for the first term of government”, Mr Dickson said.

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ONE NATION COMMITS TO FREEZE POLITICIANS PAY RISES

One Nation Queensland leader and Member for Buderim Steve Dickson MP has committed that a One Nation Queensland government will freeze Queensland politician’s salaries.
“I am very concerned that Federal politicians, judges and agency heads will get a two per cent pay rise on July 1. I understand that they got a two per cent pay rise in January 2016, and a 2.4 per cent rise just a few years ago in 2013”, Mr Dickson said.
“I think it’s highly inappropriate that these pay rises take effect on the same day income tax cuts for high-income earners are introduced, and on the same day power prices for consumers surge across the country.”
“Currently in Queensland, the annual base salary for an MP is $155,621. And if you are a member of a committee, add on another $23,727, but if you chair a committee, add on another $59,319 to the base salary”, Mr Dickson said.
He added, “And there is a host of other categories of ‘additional salaries’ for MPs such as Whips, Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and Ministers which attract extra annual pay ranging from $29,659 right up to the Premier who pockets an extra $237,274 on top of her base salary.”
“So after what has occurred overnight at a Federal level in terms of politicians, judges etc. I give an iron-clad guarantee that a One Nation Queensland government will freeze Queensland politicians salaries and allowances for the first term of government”, Mr Dickson said.
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LNP VOTES TO SUPPORT THE ALP GOVERNMENT’S INCREASE IN TAXES AND CHARGES

One Nation Queensland Leader and Member for Buderim, Steve Dickson MP said that in an extraordinary performance in Parliament last night, the LNP voted to support the Government’s budget which increases taxes and charges on all Queenslanders.
Mr Dickson said he was amazed the LNP went back on all the commitments they have made in the past about NOT putting up taxes and charges.
He said that when a vote was called at the second reading of the Budget Bill the Government voted 42 ayes, 41 LNP members voted no and 3 cross benchers, myself and two KAP members also voted no.
“The Government should have lost 42-44 on those votes which were called, but the LNP ran around like chickens with their heads cut off and decided to change their vote. I have never seen this happen in my ten years in Parliament. The original vote would have meant we had to have gone to an election because the Government had lost Supply.
“This highlights just what a disorganised rabble the LNP has become. It is proof that the LNP don’t believe in their own commitments they make to the people of Queensland to want to freeze registration and reign in taxes and charges.
“When they realised the gravity of the situation, and the fact they don’t want an election just now, they sold-out and supported the Government and all the taxes and charges that are contained in the Budget”, he said.
Mr Dickson said it was only One Nation and KAP who stood against the ALP Government’s raft of increases in taxes and charges, especially the 3.5% increase in vehicle registration, which the LNP continues to say they oppose.
“The LNP and the ALP should hang their head in shame. They can no longer claim to represent Queensland families,” he said.
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PREMIER HITS DEMOCRACY WITH A SUCKER PUNCH IN QUESTION TIME

Member for Buderim and Queensland One Nation Leader Steve Dickson believes Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has brought democracy to its knees in Queensland after refusing to answer a Question Without Notice during budget week claiming it was actually two questions.
“On Wednesday I asked the Premier ‘While everyday Queenslanders and businesses are finding it difficult to pay electricity bills and keep their heads above water financially, how many Queensland government employees are receiving taxpayer-funded salaries in excess of $200,000 per annum?’ It was a very straight single question”, Mr Dickson said.
He added, “In part the Premier replied. ‘There are a couple of questions there; I will take the last one first. I am happy if the member wants to put that question on notice and I will get back to him about it. I do not have that information off the top of my head.’ There were not two questions, only one. It was a question about the number of government employees on salaries in excess of $200,000 when considering that so many people struggle to pay their power bills!”
“The Premier was obviously rattled by my question, as I understand salaries account for more than 40 percent of the entire state budget. But more particularly it’s the high priced bureaucrats Queenslanders should know about. I asked the question two days ago. The Premier needs to answer the question before she heads overseas tomorrow. Queenslanders deserve an answer”, Mr Dickson said.
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MEMBER FOR BUDERIM PLEASED THAT SIPPY DOWNS IS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE BUDERIM ELECTORATE

Member for Buderim Steve Dickson MP said, “The Queensland Redistribution Commission has released its final determination report for the new Queensland state electorate boundaries.  Whilst I am sorry to lose some areas to the new seat of Ninderry, I am very pleased that Sippy Downs is now within the Buderim electorate.  In March I made a submission to the QRC outlining the following reasons:

  • Sippy Downs is a natural fit within the electorate of Buderim geographically, in a road connectivity sense, for that of local feeder schools, community and sporting organisations.
  • The University is a community hub with assets such as the libraries, meeting venues, the Olympic pool and sporting facilities a natural magnet for Buderim electors.
  • Incorporated community associations – The Sippy Downs and District Community Association is an affiliate group of the Buderim War Memorial Community Association.
  • The local Chamber of Commerce – the 4556 Chamber, derives its name from the postcode of the suburbs that it represents.  This includes Buderim and Sippy Downs.
  • Buderim village and Sippy Downs provide community amenity in the form of shopping, sporting and social venues.”

Mr Dickson said, “I have a long history with Sippy Downs, first representing the area as the Local Councillor from 2000 to 2006 and as the State Member from 2006 to 2009, prior to the last boundary distribution.

“I have an extremely close working relationship with Cr Christian Dickson who represents Sippy Downs and we look forward to continuing to work together to progress this area.

“Whilst not officially representing Sippy Downs for the past few years, I have kept abreast of local issues.  I have remained a member of the Sippy Downs and District Community Association, continued strong ties with the University of the Sunshine Coast and was pleased to accept invitations to events at Siena Catholic College and Chancellor State College.  I have provided support for development in the Sippy Downs Towns Centre and stayed connected with residents and local businesses.”

Mr Dickson added, “The new Harmony development at Palmivew to the immediate south of Sippy Downs is also included in the Buderim electorate.  I have been involved with the planning for this development, supporting residents to ensure the best outcome for the existing community and I look forward to again liaising with the community, council and developers.”

Final district maps can be viewed at:
https://boundaries.ecq.qld.gov.au/have-your-say/the-final-determination

The boundaries are finalised following the 21 day appeals period.  The 2017 redistribution boundaries will come into effect when the writ for the next General State Election is issued.

To view a video on this release with Cr Christian Dickson, visit www.facebook/stevedicksonmp

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