Media Release.
Opposition
Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk says a series of “fee for service” fundraisers
involving the payment of $11,000 for access to LNP Ministers highlights the need
to protect the state’s anti-corruption bodies.
“The LNP is
planning a series of six Regional Round Table fundraising dinners which will
cost $11,000 for industry representatives to attend, with the first being held
tonight at an undisclosed Brisbane venue with Agriculture Minister John
McVeigh,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Leaked
emails inviting timber industry representatives to attend the McVeigh fundraiser
show the events will allow those who attend to shape government
policy.
“This sort of
activity is why we need to protect anti-corruption institutions such as the
Crime and Misconduct Commission and the bi-partisan Parliamentary Crime and
Misconduct Committee.”
Ms Palaszczuk
said LNP Ministers would be the star attraction at the dinners which would be
hosted by the LNP organisation.
“If they are
designated as LNP activity, then under the Newman Government’s own guidelines
the Premier and his Ministers will not be required to declare them in their
published diaries.
“Following on
the scandalous use of taxpayers’ funds to stage the launch of their health
blueprint last month, the new series of dinners show the LNP views government
policy as just another source of fundraising.
“If the LNP
wants to discuss or develop policies it should do so openly, not behind closed
doors by charging people to attend.
“The Premier
has already abandoned the question-and-answer sessions at Community Cabinet
meetings and has also scrapped the original plans for a series of ‘town hall’
meetings across the state.
“This new
series of fundraisers shows the LNP is only interested in listening to those
that can afford to buy their ear,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
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