Vague responses heighten job fears
RUMOURED cuts to jobs and services in regional Queensland remain unconfirmed following a succession of vague responses from the State Government.
The style of answering synonymous with parliamentary question time - a reference to Queensland's dire fiscal situation followed by a pointed point at Labor, rounded off with a generic statement about widespread review - was used to answer queries about regional issues on Tuesday.
Following speculation the State Reporting Bureau for the state's court system could be outsourced, Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie steered clear of confirming or denying such a move.
Instead, he said he would make no excuses for reviewing such situations in light of identified problems in the past and told the question-posing Opposition they would have to wait and see.
"We are looking at every potential savings measure in terms of the State Reporting Bureau," he said.
Mackay MP Tim Mulherin told parliament outsourcing the court reporting could lead to 200 job losses not only in Brisbane but in regional centres such as Rockhampton.
In relation to closures of regional courthouses, Mr Bleijie ruled out any closures in the September budget but said everything was on the table in relation to waste and inefficiencies in Queensland.
South Brisbane MP Jackie Trad asked Premier Campbell Newman whether paramedic numbers at regional and rural ambulance stations would be maintained or enhanced this financial year.
Mr Newman commented on the need to claw back Queensland's credit rating before stating he would not be making any guarantees on any matters.
"All things are being looked at," he said
