Newman’s gag order is business as usual for Liberals

The Queensland Government’s move to gag the State’s community sector after subjecting it to massive funding cuts shows the shameful way Coalition governments do business, the Minister for Community Services, Julie Collins, said today.

“This Queensland Government gag order has all the trademarks of your typical slash and burn Coalition Government,” Ms Collins said.

“It’s business as usual for them – cut services to the most vulnerable in our community and then suppress anyone who dares try speak up for them.

“It was up to this Labor Government to abolish the former Federal Coalition Government’s gag clause.

“In a shameful reminder of what Liberal governments do, Campbell Newman has wasted no time in slapping the same gag clause on community groups in Queensland,” Ms Collins said.

The gag order is confirmed in a quote from the Queensland Health Minister’s office in a Brisbane media report today.

“A spokesman for Mr Springborg last night confirmed conditions limiting advocacy were being imposed as part of the grants process. It’s now a clause that we apply,” he (the Minister’s spokesman) told brisbanetimes.com.au.

“Campbell Newman’s ruthless cuts have been across the board of vital services – including in mental health, support for victims of domestic violence, family planning, rent support, women’s health services and Indigenous employment,” Ms Collins said.

“While Liberal governments rip money away from the vulnerable in our community and stop community organisations from speaking out, Labor will get on with the job of giving them the support they deserve,” Ms Collins said.