Tag Archives: qca

Qld Gov’t to waste $53M attracting temporary film industry activity

After the Queensland Government was willing to spend $8 million to attract a one-night State of Origin game to Townsville last week, it’s unsurprising it will be willing to spend $53 million attracting film productions providing only temporary economic activity … Continue reading

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QCA warned against bidding wars (e.g. on Origin games) back in 2015

As a Townsvillian by birth, I am happy that Townsville will host the first 2021 State of Origin game, but I’m also appalled that Queensland taxpayers have to pay (reportedly) up to $8 million to the NRL so Townsville can … Continue reading

Posted in Townsville | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

What the QCA had to say about special deals like the Downer Maryborough trains deal

As a Queenslander who grew up during the days of Sir Joh, I’ve come to expect a certain level of impropriety in Queensland politics, so I haven’t been surprised governments since Sir Joh’s have had questionable dealings, although they’ve been … Continue reading

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Qantas call for state gov’t incentives highlights the prisoners’ dilemma of interstate bidding wars

Queensland Government agencies such as Treasury and State Development will be busy developing an incentive package, no doubt containing payroll tax concessions and possibly a grant, to attract Qantas’s HQ. As the Australian reported yesterday: Qantas is asking state governments … Continue reading

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My comments in Saturday’s Courier-Mail on payroll tax concessions—e.g. for BrewDog & Disney

With the possible exception of President Trump, the most interesting American politician at the moment is the millennial, freshman member of the House from New York, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC). She is one of the main players is what The Economist … Continue reading

Posted in Industry policy, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Interview with Steve Austin on Qld election issues incl. LNP’s fiscal principles & Greens’ promises

Yesterday, on Steve Austin’s 612 ABC Brisbane Mornings radio show, I had another enjoyable chat with Steve and some of his listeners regarding a range of state election issues. These included John Quiggin’s critique of the LNP’s fiscal principles, the … Continue reading

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Protectionist Buy Queensland policy unlikely to survive in current form

Queensland’s new protectionist procurement policy, Buy Queensland, was the subject of discussions today between Australia’s and New Zealand’s Trade Ministers, Steve Ciobo and Todd McClay (see this AAP report). You may recall that late last month the Queensland Government announced … Continue reading

Posted in Queensland Government, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Sweetheart deal to lure Land 400 “war machine” contract winner to Qld undesirable

If we want the most efficient and productive economy possible, with the largest number of sustainable jobs, then we should aim to minimise the taxes and charges on all businesses, not just the favoured few which have the resources to … Continue reading

Posted in Queensland Government, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Merger savings good if they occur, but debt shuffle dubious

I am very flattered the Courier-Mail has a story about me this morning with the title on its website of The man who could clear Qld’s deficit: THE forecast deficit of $1.5 billion could be overcome by courageous decisions made … Continue reading

Posted in Budget, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

QCA and Premier’s Department have shown where Government can find budget savings

The need for difficult decisions to repair Queensland’s Budget is reinforced by news that, due to the drop in coal prices and a slower economy, revenue will be further written down by $1.5 billion over the next four years. The … Continue reading

Posted in Budget, Transport, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments