Newsroom

June 5, 2024

It’s quite the patriotic week this week, but next week’s state budget will show where the Brisbane government’s priorities really lie, North Queensland leader of the Katter’s Australian Party (KAP), and member for Traeger Robbie Katter has declared, ahead of the State of Origin, Queensland Day, and the State Budget.

“While I’ll be proudly wearing my maroon jersey tonight, I and the KAP know that it really is North Queensland that has been left ‘marooned’ for too long,” Mr Katter said.

“I’m honestly sick of going to Brisbane and hearing about yet another tunnel for Brisbane or money being thrown at patching up systematically flawed programs.

“That’s why we are calling for an end to the Brisbane puppet masters calling the shots for so-called ‘local’ MPs.

“My KAP colleagues and I answer to North Queensland, and North Queensland only – not an overlord in a Brisbane high-rise 2000km away!” the KAP leader said.

Given the chance to have a true North Queensland budget, Mr Katter laid out his eight-point plan:

-      Arrest the youth crime epidemic with real consequences and circuit breakers for recidivist offenders, sending ‘em out bush, and Castle Law,

-      Release the bureaucratic handbrake on development in North Queensland,

-      Open-up sensible water allocations for productive use,

-      Fund vehicle-worthy roads that are fit for purpose, not poorly maintained death traps,

-      Back in job-creating projects, and delivering real approvals assistance, not delay tactics,

-      Stop the locking up of our land, and disingenuous handbacks,

-      Deliver real health care such as renal chairs for communities, keeping patients near family,

-      Drive remote employment through vital blue card reform,

“My electorate and North Queensland deserve better than to be neglected like an unwanted outpost” Mr Katter said.

“Both the LNP and Labor have demonstrated time and time again that their south east centric mindset just doesn’t cut it up here.

“All that Brisbane’s parties want are our mining royalties and North Queensland Cowboys players!” he said.