Pitt says Budget will back new jobs for FNQ

TREASURER Curtis Pitt says the 2017-18 State Budget will directly support 3800 jobs in Far North Queensland despite being framed in the wake of a natural disaster.

In reviewing the government’s performance, Mr Pitt said almost 60,000 new jobs were created statewide since 2015.

“We have implemented a clear economic plan to strengthen and grow our regional, and state economies and deliver jobs,” he said.

“As a result, our $300 billion Queensland economy is growing. Confidence is up.

“Our unemployment rate is lower.”

Today’s budget document will say the Far North received 314 extra nurses, 99 more doctors and another 135 teachers between March 2015 and March this year.

Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls rubbished the government’s jobs message during a media conference yesterday, saying its 10-year, $1.8 billion social housing plan should not be taken seriously.

“No matter what they put in their budget, it can’t be believed,” he said.

“We’ve heard today about a proposal in relation to affordable housing and social housing. It’s over 10 years, so we don’t know how much it’s going to cost, and it involves land giveaways and even Labor can’t tell you where it’s going to be.”

Mr Nicholls warned cost of living prices would continue to balloon without a change of government.

“You wouldn’t need a jobs bonanza if you hadn’t had a jobs drought,” he said.