LNP turns back on Maryborough workers

The Labor Opposition has held Community Cabinet in Maryborough in support of the 100-plus train manufacturing workers facing the axe under the LNP Government.

David Crisafulli continues to keep workers and their families in the dark about their future and refuse to say how they will protect the city’s much needed jobs.

In a show of force and support for the impacted workers, Labor has today held Shadow Cabinet in Maryborough.

Queensland Labor Leader Steven Miles, who on Wednesday will again meet with Downer workers, reaffirmed his promise to pressure the government to save the 100-plus jobs on the chopping board.

Despite denials from the LNP, whistle-blowers have told the Opposition of job losses at Downer after the Queensland Rail board rejected a works package for the overhaul of its diesel train.

Queensland Rail has only confirmed five “white collar” job losses, but the LNP Crisafulli Government refuses to say how many blue-collar jobs will face the axe.

David Crisafulli, Brent Mickelberg and John Barounis must come clean about how many jobs will be lost, when they knew about the cuts, and tell the people of Maryborough how they will protect the impacted workers.

Quotes attributable to Fraser Coast Regional Council Mayor George Seymour:

"I want to thank Steven Miles and the Shadow Cabinet for holding their meeting here and their continued support for our community, including local businesses, workers and their families.

"Maryborough has historically been at the forefront of Australian manufacturing and we want to see that continue into the future."

Quotes attributable to Queensland Labor Leader Steven Miles:

“The people of Maryborough have my word; we will not turn our backs on the workers like David Crisafulli and John Barounis have.

“We saw what the LNP did to Maryborough the last time in government and they are trying on the sequel.

“It’s why we’re in Maryborough for Shadow Cabinet in support of these workers who may not have a job by Christmas.

“David Crisafulli and the LNP can’t just bury their hands in the sand because this is not an issue that will go away.

“The Crisafulli Government can’t seem to get their story straight on this, despite whisteblowers confirming more than 100 jobs will be cut by Christmas.

“It’s time David Crisafulli, Brent Mickelberg and John Barounis own up to this disastrous decision and tell the people of Maryborough how they will protect these much-needed jobs.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Deputy Labor Leader Cameron Dick:

“This is yet another example of David Crisafulli saying one thing and doing another.

“David Crisafulli said Maryborough train jobs would be safe, now we find out that’s not the case.

“There are two very serious issues at play here.

“One is the terrible prospect of many Maryborough workers losing their livelihoods and the dramatic impact that will have on their families.

“The other issue becoming increasingly apparent is the untrustworthiness of David Crisafulli and his government.

“Queenslanders are quickly discovering that they can’t trust David Crisafulli and his government to do what they say they will do.”

Quotes attributable to Shadow Transport Minister Bart Mellish:

“David Crisafulli is proving time and time again that when his government says something, it means absolutely nothing.

“He said no cuts, and yet 100 workers are facing the axe by Christmas.

“The last time they were in government the LNP tore the heart out of Maryborough and decimated the local rail industry and it’s happening all over again.

“Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie and LNP MP John Barounis said before the election they would back rail jobs and yet just seven months in they’ve broken their word.

“The LNP must come clean about how many jobs are at risk and tell the people of Maryborough how they will protect these workers.”

ENDS