Nicholls Fails To Justify Insurance Hike

Media Release

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION

WEDNESDAY 5 JUNE 2013 

Deputy Opposition Leader and Member for Mackay, Tim Mulherin, says the Newman Government has failed to explain its savage tax hikes on insurance policies that will hit hardest at households in disaster-prone areas of the state.

“I can’t believe the Treasurer’s callous response to my question in State Parliament today,” Mr Mulherin said.

“The 2013 State Budget authored by Mr Nicholls imposes $990 million in extra taxes and charges on various insurance policies over four years."

“Yet when asked directly to justify the increase he fell back on the LNP’s usual trick of pretending he has no responsibility for his own decisions."

“He showed no interest in the impact his tax hike will have on property owners in cyclone and flood-affected areas, and instead resorted to cheap politics by playing the blame game."

“In August 2011 when he was in Opposition the Treasurer described extra imposts on insurance policies as ‘a windfall on misery’ because of their potential impact on residents in disaster-prone areas."

“Yet on Tuesday he now personally imposes higher taxes on insurance policies, but on Wednesday fails to justify them."

“He also sits idle as power bills go through the roof, yet he and the Premier try to claim Queensland households have never had it better."

“This is yet again proof of the callous and arrogant attitude of the Newman Government which continues to think its huge majority insulates it from criticism,” Mr Mulherin said.