IN RESEARCH by the major political parties, two key themes are consistently emerging – escalating power prices and the need for more jobs.
Even if they have a job, Queenslanders are hurting as they try to cool down in summer and warm up in winter.
Small businesses, in particular, are doing it tough, and this affects employment and fiscal prosperity.
Independent analysis by leading banks shows that of every state and territory in Australia, Queenslanders are the most exposed to rising cost-of-living pressures.
No prizes for guessing that Canberra is the least susceptible, with its high percentage of fat-cat public servants.
Today’s announcement from the LNP to lower electricity prices by $160 a year over the next two years is a sensible policy and a surefire vote winner.
It centres on a major economic and structural reform of the electricity industry, which includes overhauling power generators, poles and wires, and subsidies for renewables.
It will mean reduced returns from the Government-owned energy businesses.
Additionally, the LNP is saying that by 2020 the savings would increase by an average of about $300 to $460 a year.
That positive policy announcement follows a turbulent first week of the election campaign for the Palaszczuk Government.
Friday’s announcement about the State Government pulling the pin on a $1 billion loan to Adani to build the railway between the Galilee Basin and the Abbot Point coal plant has thrown the project into jeopardy, and with that, the potential for thousands of jobs.
The Premier made the decision because she was concerned about an LNP smear campaign against her partner, Shaun Drabsch, who was helping PricewaterhouseCoopers’ loan application on behalf of Adani. Whatever the reason for the decision, it is dangerous and a gamble for the Labor Party.
This election will be won and lost in the regions, not in southeast Queensland. Abandoning Adani at the 11th-hour will shore up seats like Jackie Trad’s South Brisbane, but in a contest like Burdekin, it may have dire consequences for the ALP.
For Labor and the LNP, easing cost-of-living pressures, creating jobs, and dealing with the Pauline Hanson factor are their biggest challenges.
Unless they tick those boxes by November 25, One Nation will hold the balance of power. Printed and published by NEWSQUEENSLAND (ACN 009 661 778) corner of Mayne Rd & Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld, 4006. Peter Gleeson accepts responsibility for election comment.
