Premier Anna Bligh says Queensland should be recognised in tonight’s federal budget as the growth state of Australia.
The Federal Government hopes the budget will give it a much-needed bounce in the polls but faced by the debt hangover from its stimulus spending, there is not much scope for pre-election sweeteners.
Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan says his third budget will be responsible with major investments in the health sector and a boost to superannuation.
The Federal Opposition has warned the Government against unveiling any big new spending measures in tonight’s budget.
Ms Bligh says Queensland needs continued investment in service areas like health.
“I hear the federal Treasurer saying that this is a ‘no-frills’ budget,” he said.
“I do hope that Queensland will be recognised as the growth state of Australia.
“To the extent that there are some good outcomes for Australians, I hope Queensland gets its fair share.
“We need infrastructure investment, our growing population needs continued investment from all levels of government, particularly in those high priority service areas like health.”
Proposed resources tax
Queensland Opposition Leader John-Paul Langbroek says he and Premier Anna Bligh should join forces to fight the Commonwealth’s proposed mining tax.
Mr Langbroek has invited Ms Bligh to fly to Canberra with him tomorrow if as expected the tax is included in tonight’s budget.
He says state jobs are at risk.
“If Kevin Rudd brings in this mining tax, I call on her to have a bipartisan mercy dash to Canberra to stop this tax being inflicted on Queensland,” he said.
“I’m prepared to go with Anna Bligh to represent on behalf of all Queenslanders with Anna Bligh to stand up for Queensland.”