‘ BUY LOCAL’ BID WILL DEFY FREE TRADE DEALS
A MOTION to bind the Palaszczuk Government to legalise voluntary assisted dying in Queensland was passed at the Labor conference.
Previously, in Queensland, an adult could refuse medical treatment if they understood the doctor’s information about the treatment and were able to make reasonable choices based on that information. People can also refuse certain types of treatment if they have an advanced health directive, also known as a living will, which is completed when a person is still competent to do so.
Arguably the most controversial motion to pass at the conference, it was the only one to attract debate, with most others carefully negotiated at the pre- election conference.
The Labor Party has had dozens of MPS publicly support euthanasia within its caucus, with Townsville MP Scott Stewart speaking in support of the motion.
“I think it’s time Queensland had a mature discussion about this,” he said. THE Premier has unveiled the multibillion- dollar Queensland Procurement Strategy and Policy at the Queensland ALP Conference in Townsville.
The new “Buy Queensland” procurement policy will apply across all agencies, statutory bodies and governmentowned corporations.
“Value for money means a lot more than choosing the cheapest price, especially when it comes to allocating taxpayers’ dollars,” the Premier said.
“The value of a dollar spent can be greatly increased if it is spent where it’s earned – right here in Queensland.”
The Palaszczuk Government spends $ 14 billion a year buying supplies and services.
An extra $ 4 billion is invested each year in building and maintaining the state’s infrastructure – roads, schools and hospitals. In an Australian first, Cabinet has agreed the State Government would no longer be constrained or bound by free trade agreements that have seen jobs go offshore or interstate.
“We are going our own way,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“We will ignore restrictions that go against our interests.
“As Premier, my entire job is protecting the interests of Queenslanders. Queensland will show the way.
“We already have terrific local engagement in the Townsville Stadium project
Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association assistant secretary Justin Power spoke against the motion, telling the conference it could embarrass Labor as it headed to the election becoming an albatross around the party’s neck.
A Labor spokesman said the party platform supported euthanasia, and this formalises our commitment to local jobs.”
The Australia- New Zealand Government Procurement Agreement defines “local” as anywhere in Australia and New Zealand. “Suggesting to a Queensland taxpayer that funding a job in Christchurch is the same as funding one in Cairns is patently ridiculous,” the Premier said.
“We know some Queenslanders are doing it tough, especially in the regions.
“That’s why we need to keep looking for new ways to strengthen and grow Queensland jobs and our state’s economy.”
From September 1, the Government’s new procurement policy will define a “local supplier” as a business that maintains a workforce within a 125km radius of where the goods or workers are needed.
Local suppliers will receive a local weighting of up to 30 per cent on any tender lodged for a significant procurement.