Hoolihan: Sell-off misrepresented

Paul Hoolihan has come under fire from the community after the government announced it was going to sell key assets.

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MEMBER for Keppel Paul Hoolihan claims the media and LNP's “misrepresentation” of the Bligh government's asset sell-off had caused much fear for Queenslanders.

Speaking in parliament on Wednesday night and responding to Opposition attacks, Mr Hoolihan went on the offensive saying it was Labor who looked after workers while the LNP had a history of cutting government spending and sacrificing jobs.

He explained his position to parliament regarding the government's sale of key rail, ports and motorways, saying he had listened to the concerns of his electorate and acted accordingly.

“In 2008 serious concerns were expressed to me when the global financial crisis hit the worldwide economy and my constituents were bombarded almost on a daily basis with layoffs and reductions in jobs,” Mr Hoolihan said.

“Ordinary Queenslanders being thrown onto unemployment queues was of major concern to me and to the government as a whole.”

He said he had reservations at the 2009 budget briefing which proposed any asset sales but, with “some serious misgivings, I supported the limited asset sale”.

“In a world of shrinking finances for governments and private enterprise, our promise to the people of Queensland in relation to jobs became very difficult.

“Infrastructure spending by government was needed to replace private funds as many workers throughout other regions of Queensland were thrown on the scrap heap of unemployment.

“It has been the misrepresentation of the media and LNP which has caused so much fear for Queenslanders.”

He said the majority of concerns raised with him by constituents related to the sale of QR.

“I have received many complaints about asset sales, but I have also received many complaints about the way employees were treated,” Mr Hoolihan said.

“I have promoted the issues passed on to me by my constituents about asset sales.

“I raised the issue in May and promoted deputations by concerned union members with the Premier at the country cabinet at Emu Park.

“That is a proper discharge of my obligations to all of the people I represent in this House.

“I have continued my discussions with ministers and the Treasurer and have taken my constituents' worries about asset sales to them.

“I have been listening, I am still listening and I will continue to listen and act on the concerns of my constituents.

“I do not have to justify my actions to the LNP or the media unless the media persist in portraying the discharge of my obligations to my constituents as some argument with my caucus colleagues.”