The State Labor Government has refused to answer questions on common-sense solutions to the housing crisis and rural education.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett asked two Questions on Notice around why state-owned houses are sitting vacant in the middle of a housing crisis *, and why high school students who live out of town aren’t given the same opportunities as their peers in urban areas. **
“We patiently waited for four weeks for our answers only to have both the Minister for Communities and Housing and the Minister for Education pass the buck,” said Mr Bennett.
“30 days have passed since I raised a common-sense housing solution. Today, the Givelda School House is still empty and families around Bundaberg are still living in tents.
“30 days have passed since I asked for assistance on behalf of students in Agnes Water to access Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs. Today, the commute is still unaffordable and thus VET is still not an option for many.
“When I tabled my question on vacant homes, I called on government departments to work together to trigger decisions that could result in a home for a family in need.
“It’s taken a month for the Minister for Housing to tell me to go and talk to the Minister for Public Works.
“I couldn’t be more disappointed in this evasive response.
“Their petty politics and inability to cooperate is costing Queenslanders dearly.”
Mr Bennett said there needs to be a commitment to two fundamental principles during decision making: fairness and common-sense.
“Sadly, these two notions are in short supply under the Palaszczuk Labor Government,” he said.
“I will continue to do my utmost to highlight serious areas of concern, hold the government to account, and strive for fair and equitable policy.
“We won’t give up and we will continue to seek answers.
“I’ll be resubmitting the Questions on Notice this week.
* https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2023/172-2023.pdf
** https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableoffice/questionsanswers/2023/132-2023.pdf ENDS.
ENDS.
17/04/2023