Newman’s insurance tax hike to punish Rockhampton victims

Media Release.

 

Flood victims in Rockhampton will be forced to pay even higher insurance premiums, with Campbell Newman to increase insurance taxes in next week’s budget.

 

Member for Rockhampton, Bill Byrne said the tax slug will hurt all families, but particularly those in flood and cyclone-prone areas.

 

“It is just another example of what we get from a government built on spin and ideology.”

 

“Here in Rockhampton, we’ve been smashed by flooding over the last few years, and people are really hurting,” Mr Byrne said.

 

“People approach me on a daily basis shocked by their insurance premium increases. This is a big issue in my community.”

 

“The last thing they need is for Campbell Newman to hit them with higher insurance taxes, additional to the already increasing insurance premiums.”

 

“On top of the expected Council rate increases prompted by the decision to allow de-amalgamation, the Treasurer should come out today and tell Rockhampton families exactly how much in extra taxes he’s going to make them pay.”

 

“The Newman government lacks the power of execution and the appreciation of detail necessary to govern appropriately for all Queenslanders.”

 

“The Association of Independent Retirees has reported increases in insurance premiums of 91% in Central Queensland and 76% in North Queensland over the last two years following natural disasters."

 

“The LNP’s insurance duty hike will mean those premiums go up even higher."

 

“It’ll also increase your car insurance premiums, driving up the cost of owning a car."

 

“So much for this LNP government’s tokenism when it comes to cost of living pressure” said Mr Byrne.

 

“The LNP’s arrogantly using their massive parliamentary majority to break key election promises and hurt Queensland families."

 

“It’s another big new tax from Campbell Newman, who promised to lower the cost of living, not increase it.”

 

Mr Byrne said it was simply a case of Campbell Newman kicking Queenslanders while they’re down.

 

“We’ve already seen Campbell Newman cut jobs and slash services in our region."

 

“We don’t need him driving up taxes at a time when people are doing it tough."

 

“Campbell Newman’s broken too many promises and its hurting our local economy.”