LNP Government urged to stop the politicking and get on with flood recovery

Media Release.

Deputy Opposition Leader Tim Mulherin says it’s time for the LNP Government to stop blaming the Federal Government for delays in flood recovery assistance and get on with the job of helping Queenslanders affected by flooding.

Mr Mulherin said in a natural disaster the last thing the people of Queensland want to see is political buck-passing and squabbling between different levels of Government.

“It’s time for the Premier and Treasurer to stop the blame game and sit down with their Federal counterparts and get the recovery assistance process sorted out,” Mr Mulherin said.

“The Treasurer Tim Nicholls has dragged his feet in getting in touch with the Federal Minister for Queensland Flood Recovery Joe Ludwig about implementing a National Partnership Agreement.

“By Mr Nicholls delaying the signing of a National Partnership Agreement he has also delayed the fast-tracking of rebuilding through the Queensland Reconstruction Authority.

“In addition the Newman Government did not hold a single meeting last year of the Federal-State Disaster Recovery Cabinet Committee that met at least once a month under the previous government to coordinate recovery efforts following the 2010-11 Summer of natural disasters.

“Such meetings are essential especially given the fact 2012-13 is the year which will see the single biggest slice of spending, $4.17 billion, as part of the overall $7 billion rebuilding efforts following the 2010-11 floods and cyclone,” he said.

Mr Mulherin said the Deputy Premier’s excuse in January for not meeting with the Commonwealth about rebuilding was that he had no intention of emulating meetings similar to those held by the previous Labor Government.

“Now they are holding similar meetings and the Premier is saying it is his focus and priority, despite not hold a single Federal-State meeting since being elected. “As the current recovery process continues over the coming months I hope for the sake of all Queenslanders, that we do not see more of this politicking by the LNP Government, with their constant buck-passing and blaming the Federal Government for everything that goes wrong.

“However, this sort of buck-passing behaviour is so ingrained in the LNP Government’s behaviour they can’t help themselves and so far have not missed an opportunity to blame the Federal Government for everything.

“Recovery from a natural disaster requires all levels of government to work together to benefit those Queenslanders who have lost so much.

“I urge the LNP Government to take note of this or else they will quickly lose the faith of the Queensland public.”

Mr Mulherin said Mr Nicholls needs to heed his own advice, as on Friday 1^st February on Channel 9 News he said:

“I don’t think anyone would feel anything but contempt for anyone trying to play politics at this time.”

“Yet until recent events the LNP Government were not focused on flood mitigation meeting the recommendations of the Flood Commission of Inquiry (with 76 out of 123 recommendations for the State not met) or coordinating works with the Commonwealth,” he said.