What would you expect to see for $52.3 million?
Registered builder and Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett and said he would expect more than artist impressions, a construction road, dongas and a site fence.
Mr Bennett tabled a Question on Notice to the Minister for Health in parliament this morning.
Regarding the budget for the new Bundaberg Hospital, the 2024/25 budget outlines $68.1 million dollars, while the 2023/24 budget outlined $52.3 million. Can the minister provide a complete breakdown of a) how $52.3 million in the 2023/24 budget was spent; and b) how $68.1 million dollars in the 2024/25 budget will be spent?
Mr Bennett said it’s his job to hold the government to account to ensure every single taxpayer dollar spent is achieving the best possible outcomes.
“State Labor has a brilliant track record of going over time and over budget,” he said.
“This is about making sure vital projects, like the New Bundaberg Hospital, stay on track.
“The last budget outlined a spend of $52.3 million, so far that’s built a construction road, a site fence and a few dongas.
“Bundaberg and Burnett residents deserve to know how their money is being spent.”
Mr Bennett said the State Labor Government has borrowed, taxed, and spent more than any other government in our history.
“What do we really have to show for it?” he said.
“To put the numbers into perspective, Queensland’s debt is growing around $1.8 million every hour.
“But don’t just take my word for it, according to State Labor’s own budget papers, there will be a jump to $172 billion of debt by 2027-28.
“Queensland is experiencing a cost-of-living crisis, asking questions of this government’s spending habits is more important than ever.
“A key priority for Queenslanders is responsible economic management that respects their money.
“The LNP, if elected, will bring back the Queensland Productivity Commission axed by Labor.
“It will provide an independent voice to make sure that every dollar spent by the future government delivers the best possible outcomes for Queenslanders.”
Minister Fentiman has 30 days to respond to Mr Bennett’s Question on Notice.
ENDS.
21/08/2024