Lawrence Springborg has underlined his complete lack of economic credibility by again denying the effect the global financial crisis has had on Queensland.
Lawrence Springborg has underlined his complete lack of economic credibility by again denying the effect the global financial crisis has had on Queensland.
Southport Labor MP Peter Lawlor said as the global recession annihilates demand, there is no doubt Queensland’s export-orientated economy would suffer.
“This election is about a choice of who will steer this state through the toughest economic period in generations,” he said.
“On ABC Radio (24/2), Mr Springborg said the crisis was ‘external’ to Queensland, and only ‘peripheral’ to Queensland’s economic position.
“He should tell that to the Gold Coast boat builder who lost his job, or the real estate agent or car retailers whose businesss have slowed up.
“There’s not too much on the periphery for them. It is right in their face. The global crisis is on their door,” he said.
"This is an insult to the Queenslanders who have lost their jobs because of the flow-on effect of the global credit crunch.
“I know people on the Coast are feeling the impact of these job losses.
“To these people, the economic crisis is no ‘external issue’ – it’s a very real and serious issue for our community.
“Lawrence Springborg is the only person I know of who thinks the global financial crisis is ‘not serious’.
“Even his colleagues have a different view:
o On 29 January, NP benefactor Clive Palmer said there was an ‘economic crisis’.
o On 30 January, the Shadow Treasurer said he’s never seen such a ‘perfect (financial ) storm’ take place.
o And on 2 February, NP President Bruce McIvor spoke on radio of ‘hard economic times’.
“But Mr Springborg continues to deny the reality of the global financial crisis.
“What do the Coasts’ NP candidates think? Will they agree with Mr Springborg that the economic crisis effecting Gold Coasters is an ‘external issue’?
“The facts are these: Queensland’s trading partners are collectively in recession, with Japan bordering on depression.
“The downturn will see us lose $12 billion in revenue over the next four years.
“Every economist, every central bank, even members of Mr Springborg’s own party acknowledge the devastating effects of the global financial crisis.
“Lawrence Springborg is a global financial crisis denier who isn’t up to the task of running this state.
“He can’t be part of the solution when he doesn’t even understand the problem.
“Now is not the time to take a risk on Springborg and the Nationals,” Mr Lawlor said.
Lawrence Springborg has underlined his complete lack of economic credibility by again denying the effect the global financial crisis has had on Queensland.
Lawrence Springborg has underlined his complete lack of economic credibility by again denying the effect the global financial crisis has had on Queensland. 
