Locals continue to raise with me concerns about accessing doctors’ appointments at local GP clinics. It can take a long time to get in to see a doctor, and that’s why it was outrageous that the Palaszczuk Government carried on with plans to impose a payroll tax burden on GP doctor clinics – a GP tax - that would threaten bulk billing, make it cost you more to see a doctor, and see doctors driven out of general practice.

Tax rises like this would need to be passed on to patients. The LNP fought against this, forcing the Government to act. Unfortunately, the Government’s action has not removed all uncertainty. Rather than abolishing this tax altogether, GP practices may be forced to apply for an exemption or undergo expensive restructuring of business arrangements to avoid payroll tax. All of this adds costs to GP practices, putting pressure on bulk billing and fees charged to patients. The LNP will continue to fight against this GP tax and hold the Government to account.
HOUSING CRISIS: PALASZCZUK GOVERNMENT FAILS ON NEW LOTS
At a time when people simply cannot find a place to live, recently released data from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office has revealed that the rate of new residential lots approved in Queensland has fallen by 30% since 2015, even though Queensland’s population has increased by around 13% in that period. This data underlines the failure the Palaszczuk Government to plan for Queensland’s growth, in conjunction with local government. We see evidence of this failure with housing shortages and skyrocketing rents.
YMCA YOUTH PARLIAMENT
Youth Member for Scenic Rim, Luka Allen (pictured at right) from Tamborine Mountain State High School, gave a terrific speech during the Queensland Youth Parliament. It was good to be in the chamber acting as a Chair of proceedings when Luka spoke to a youth bill about protecting agricultural land from urban encroachment – an issue quite relevant to our region. Congratulations, Luka, on your part in the Youth Parliament. We have had many talented people from our region participate in Youth Parliament over the years. Meeting with them to talk about issues and how policy ideas can be developed is something I enjoy doing and it was good to see great ideas and opinions on display in Parliament House.
LIONS CLUB OF TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN: DANCING WITH CELEBRITIES
I look forward to attending this event on Saturday 14 October, and congratulate the Lions Club and all participants involved in putting this event on for the second year.
HAVE A QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT ISSUE?
Please email scenicrim@parliament.qld.gov.au, call 5515 1100 or SMS 0401 634 488 if you have any Queensland Government matters you would like to raise with me.