Youth crime funding exchange gets tense at Nicklin forum

Marty Hunt answers his critics at the event. "We are going to be left with a very tight budget."

by Cameron Outridge

A heated exchange unfolded between local Labor figure Tony Millroy and LNP candidate for Nicklin Marty Hunt at the Business Yandina Meet the Candidates event on Tuesday (September 24), with youth crime funding at the centre of the debate.

Mr Millroy, the Nicklin electorate campaign manager, questioned Mr Hunt on how the LNP would fund its campaign promises around youth crime. In response, Mr Hunt admitted it would be a challenge, given the current Labor government’s financial record. He highlighted last week’s revelation of a $9 billion budget overspend—the largest since Anna Bligh was premier.

“Yeah, that’s a good question, Tony,” said Mr Hunt. “As we’ve seen, a $9 billion blowout in the budget today – extraordinary wastes of money across Queensland. We are going to be left with a very tight budget. Absolutely. And I’ve got to say I’m disappointed because I come to these community events, I love coming to them, and we always get the star chamber (from) Labor asking the questions, putting the LNP member on the spot. Give the community a go, guys.

“Don’t follow me around the community events. This is for the community to ask questions. I’d really like them to ask the questions,” he added.

Mr Millroy, backed by those at his table, said Mr Hunt hadn’t answered the question. He said he only asked a question because no one else wanted to. Mr Hunt, looking tense, responded, “We will have our costings out well before the election so people will have those costings before they make a decision.”

Legalise Cannabis Queensland Candidate Melody Lindsay then added a new perspective to the issue. “We can legalise cannabis, that would help create billions of dollars and stimulate our economy, and we can give those young people employment in agriculture,” she said.