Shadow Housing and Public Works Minister Stephen Bennett joined Member for Gympie Tony Perrett over the weekend to meet with key stakeholders within the construction industry.
Stephen Bennett said he was keen to meet with subcontractors and other associated construction industry stakeholders as the LNP worked towards real reforms.
“As I travel across the Wide Bay and throughout Queensland, it’s clear that real reforms need to be implemented to better ensure subcontractors are being paid for the work they do and the materials they supply on time,” Mr Bennett said.
“The Palaszczuk Government needs to really listen to subcontractors and provide the support they need to address the appalling ongoing payments issues.
“As a former builder with about 25 years under my belt, I’ve seen the devastation firsthand when subbies are not paid and they’re owed by the principal contractor.
“We must protect the small contracting businesses that are the lifeblood of our towns such as Gympie.”
Mr Bennett said while the Palaszczuk labor government claimed to have been ‘governing from the regions’ in the Wide Bay this month, Gympie was overlooked.
“There was a missed opportunity for the Minister and his government to hear firsthand from the people of Gympie, particularly those small local businesses within the construction industry who face ongoing issues,” he said.
“Tony Perrett and I spoke about the number of retirees who call Gympie home and the issues surrounding the Retirement Village Act that continues to be another critical issue currently being overlooked by the government.”
Mr Bennett said his meetings in Gympie were beneficial in providing further insight into public housing and emergency accommodation shortages that continue to plague the Wide Bay region.
“The public housing resources and crisis accommodation facilities simply aren’t being committed to by this Labor Government.”
ENDS.
Monday, 25 September 2017