Hon. MAJ SCANLON (Gaven—ALP) (Minister for Housing, Local Government and Planning and Minister for Public Works) (10.11 am): We are delivering genuine infrastructure partnerships with councils right across Queensland to build more homes for Queenslanders faster. Yesterday I announced $100 million for South-East Queensland councils to build the water supply, roads, drainage and infrastructure that can help them deliver more homes. This adds to the Premier’s announcement last week for the largest round of the popular Works for Queensland program, with $300 million available to regional councils. That is on top of the $366 million we have provided to councils and industry to fuel residential lots and bolster community infrastructure, the $1 billion Townsville City Deal, the $1.8 billion South East Queensland City Deal and the $1.1 billion Recycling and Jobs Fund— funding we are able to provide councils because of progressive coal royalties.
‘Partnership’ is an easy word to say, but our government is backing it up with real action, working hand in hand with councils to deliver the infrastructure they need. For our government it is not just a slick slogan to slap on a glossy brochure; we have taken on big multinational mining companies to deliver genuine infrastructure partnerships with councils. One of the best ways we know we can unlock housing is by unlocking underutilised land close to public transport services and where people work. That is why we have announced a $350 million Incentivising Infill Fund to deliver more affordable housing in well-located areas. All of that is at risk under—
Mrs Frecklington: For the last decade?
Ms SCANLON: All of that is at risk under the LNP. I take the interjection from the member for Nanango and I remind this House that, on average, there have been more homes approved, delivered and built under our government than under the LNP.
Opposition members interjected.
Ms SCANLON: It is true. All of that is at risk under the LNP. When the member for Broadwater was the local government minister he cut funding to local councils, and he did not regret it. Now those opposite have a list of billions of dollars worth of cuts, and they have made it clear that they will hand those billions back to multinational mining companies. Come October, Queenslanders have a very clear choice: the Miles Labor government, which will build the homes and infrastructure Queenslanders deserve, or an LNP—
Mrs Frecklington: What have you been doing for the last decade?
Mr SPEAKER: Member for Nanango!
Ms SCANLON: I take the interjection from the member for Nanango. We have been building homes, unlike the LNP which sent social housing in this state backwards.
Mr POWELL: Mr Speaker, I rise to a point of order on standing order 62(1), which clearly defines what a ministerial statement should and should not be, as well as the longstanding convention. We are increasingly seeing a number of attacks on opposition members and the crossbench through these ministerial statements and I ask that you ask ministers to keep them to what is listed in standing order 62(1).
Mr SPEAKER: Thank you, member for Glass House. I am aware of the standing order and the convention. The convention is what dictates largely how ministerial statements are delivered. I would urge all members who are delivering those statements to adhere to that convention.
Ms SCANLON: It is only a Miles Labor government that will build the homes and infrastructure Queenslanders deserve.
