Kamis, 08 Mei 2014

Unpopular Qld asset sales still possible (AAP)

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The Queensland government could override the results of its own $6 million public consultation program on the sale of public assets.

Preliminary results show most of the 40,000 voters who've had their say would rather see gaming and mining taxes increased than assets sold.

Treasurer Tim Nicholls says public opinion will be just one consideration when the government makes a decision on asset sales.

He says the government will ultimately be guided by what's in the best interest of the state as it grapples with $80 billion worth of debt.

"Ultimately, when the government does make its decision, we'll have to take that (public opinion) into account, as we take into account the best economic advice, and also the impacts on jobs, the economy and society as a whole," he told ABC Radio.

Mr Nicholls said raising mining and gaming taxes could have negative economic consequences.

"The government has already increased gaming taxes, and has already increased mining revenues," he said.

"Raising those sorts of taxes may have an impact on jobs, on economic growth, on mines being developed, and tourism."

Mr Nicholls said support for higher taxes over asset sales didn't surprise him, given the hikes voters favour will be borne by "multi-national companies that they don't see".

The treasurer said gaming and mining tax hikes would raise quite a lot of money, but not enough to pay down the $80 billion.

The government is spending $6 million in a TV, radio, print and website campaign dubbed Strong Choices.

It's repeatedly told voters they face a stark choice to address the state's debt - sell assets, raise taxes, reduce services or a combination of all three.

Asked if he was panicked by the results, Mr Nicholls said he was heartened so many voters had taken the time to express their views.

He said the results put paid to political opponents' claims the Strong Choices campaign was engineered to return a result in favour of asset sales.


http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/latest/23357750/unpopular-qld-asset-sales-still-possible/

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