Kerry shines harsh light
Ex-MP hits out at Watts over claims
KERRY Shine’s campaign launch turned into a fiery attack on MP Trevor Watts, claiming his opponent was taking credit for a number of his major achievements or pet projects.
In a stunning change in campaign rhetoric, Mr Shine’s extraordinary spray was the notable highlight in front of the Labor faithful yesterday at Laurel Bank Park.
The former Toowoomba North MP, who will attempt to win the seat he lost in 2012, labelled Mr Watts a “disgrace” for claiming he would deliver on projects like the Newtown police beat, the Highfields police station and taking credit for the $5.7 million Wilsonton High School hall.
“(The Highfields police station) was fortunately guaranteed in this year’s budget in terms of the design work and the construction of it will take place in the next financial year,” he said.
“The current member made no speeches in parliament, didn’t call for it, didn’t ask the question in Question Time.
“That was an absolute disgrace, but what was even more of a disgrace is the fact that now he’s got a pamphlet claiming that he has delivered that police station.”
Mr Watts and opposition spokesman Tim Mander announced a $2.7m commitment to a new police station at Highfields, as well as $300,000 for the return of the Newtown police beat.
This is despite the police beat closing under the Newman Government after the previous officer retired.
Mr Shine also claimed the delivery of the Second Range Crossing as a Labor achievement, despite the LNP asserting the majority of negotiations were completed before 2015 and was merely signed off by the Palaszczuk Government.
The campaign was launched by former Labor treasurer Wayne Swan in front of more than 60-strong crowd, mostly made up of older members and retirees.
❝made (Mr Watts) no speeches in parliament, didn’t call for it, didn’t ask in Question Time.
— Kerry Shine