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Wednesday, 01 February 2012 16:50

Three times a failure – latest Labor stunt leaves racing in disarray

Deputy Opposition Leader and Shadow Racing Minister Tim Nicholls today called on the tired, 20-year Labor Government to stop playing games with the racing industry.

"Labor's announcement today of its third different infrastructure plan in just over a year is a rushed, botched mess. It has no business plan and no more funding has been delivered for industry to date," Mr Nicholls said.

"Only the LNP has a sensible, commonsense plan to give industry back a voice for all three industry codes, and to deliver the vital infrastructure that the industry wants and needs," he said.

"The racing industry has suffered enough under this long-term Labor government. It needs certainty and a clear plan for the future.

"The racing codes have still not been properly consulted and they will see this for what it is - another desperate, ham-fisted attempt to placate an angry industry on the home straight to an election.

"The tired, 20-year Labor government has been a nightmare for the racing industry across all codes in Queensland. In the past few years the relationship between the government and industry have been particularly toxic.

"Labor appointed and entrenched an out-of-touch and unaccountable racing industry control body. They washed their hands of responsibility and they've repeatedly tried to weasel out of delivering on infrastructure across all codes.

"The Bligh Government first announced $80 million two years ago, and it continues to promise $110 million for racing infrastructure projects in Queensland, but less than $10 million has actually been spent to date. More than $7 million of this money was spent in the Racing Minister's own electorate.

"The LNP position is clear. We won't sell Albion Park, and we won't go against the industry and local people on the development of Deagon.

"The CanDo LNP team is committed to consulting with the industry and to deliver the funding for racing infrastructure where it is needed. We're not into election-eve stunts.

"The LNP will give a voice to the people who are involved in all three racing codes, not betray them.

"We've pledged renewed support for country racing, and will work with the industry to ensure Queensland's wagering system is competitive with other Australian states.

"It's time for a change in Queensland.  It's time to get Queensland back on track," Mr Nicholls said.

Tim Nicholls

Tim Nicholls

Tim Nicholls is the Treasurer and Minister for Trade and your Member for Clayfield.

Having lived in the electorate for over 28 years, Tim is a well-known and active member of the community. Being first elected to Parliament in 2006 after six years as Councillor for Hamilton Ward in the Brisbane City Council, Tim has a strong record of standing up for our local area and getting things done.

Before joining Council in 2000 Tim worked as a lawyer. He graduated from Church of England Grammar School (Churchie) and obtained his law degree from the Queensland University of Technology in 1989. As a Councillor, Tim was the Lord Mayor's Finance Spokesman and a member of the Expenditure Review Committee

Tim has been Shadow Treasurer since August 2008 and was Elected Deputy Leader of the Opposition in March 2011.

Tim is married to Mary, an occupational therapist and together they have three young children.

Tim enjoys reading, helping his kids at sport, fishing in the family's 14 foot tinnie (dinghy) and listening to Jimmy Buffett, while relaxing and watching whales from Point Lookout on Stradbroke Island.

 

Electorate Contacts

Email clayfield@parliament.qld.gov.au
Phone 3262 8819
Website   timnicholls.com.au

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