By JONATHON HOWARD
THE Southern Free Times will regularly pose relevant set questions to candidates in the forthcoming Federal Election as part of its campaign coverage. Initally, the spotlight is on Liberal National Party member for Maranoa and incumbent for the forth-coming federal election, Bruce Scott, to find out more about the pressing matters facing one of Queensland’s biggest and safest LNP seats.
1. What are some of the most pressing matters facing the future of Maranoa?
FEDERAL LNP Member for Maranoa Bruce Scott said this at this year’s election; Australians face the clearest choice in a generation.
“It’s a choice between the stability and certainty of the Coalition or continued division and chaos under Labor,” Mr Scott said.
“From Warwick to Winton and from Blackbutt to Birdsville in the Maranoa, the high cost of living is affecting small business, farmers and families.
“Like families, governments need to live within their means and this Labor Government can only be described as chaotic.
“Families in the Maranoa will be, on average, more than $550 better off next financial year as a result of the Coalition’s plan to scrap the carbon tax.
“Only a Coalition Government will reduce your cost of living by abolishing the carbon tax.”
Mr Scott’s huge electorate, which spans 42 per cent of Queensland’s landmass, is also set to blossom under the Coalition’s NBN Policy.
Mr Scott says he has long-fought for better communication outcomes and infrastructure in the bush and his advocacy is represented in the Coalition’s NBN policy for fast broadband and an affordable NBN.
“For too long metropolitan areas have been spoilt for choice while people from the bush stand on one foot, on top a hill in the back paddock to pick up a signal,” he said.
“Regions and towns with the poorest services will receive top priority. Blackspots in the electorate will be identified and targeted.
“Rural areas and small communities, which have been sorely neglected under Labor, will receive much-needed attention so we can bring reliable internet services to these regions.
“Our policy will use a combination of fibre to the node, wireless and satellite technology to deliver internet speeds consumers want at an affordable price.
“There will be a fibre to the node connection in communities with less than 1000 premises, communities forgotten under Labor.
“Rural areas would benefit from e-learning, tele-medicine, video conferencing, tourism and business opportunities which a faster internet connection would provide.”
2. If re-elected, how do you hope to address these matters?
“I’M A team player in a strong Coalition team. I’m absolutely committed to getting the best for the Maranoa electorate and do everything I can for a change of government,” Mr Scott said.
“As a previous minister in the Howard Government and an experienced representative of regional and rural Australia, I am keen to make a significant contribution to an Abbott/Truss Government restoring the confidence in the economic management and direction of our nation.
“As your Federal Member, I’ve travelled the Maranoa electorate listening to your hopes, dreams and concerns.
“And I wanted to let you know, you shaped the Coalition’s plan for Australia.
“A plan for education, health, research and development as well as manufacturing and agriculture.
“The high cost of living is one thing that’s really hurting small business, farmers and families.
“Our plan is to reduce the cost of living by abolishing the carbon tax, we will cut personal income tax, we will restore the private health rebate and make childcare more affordable and flexible.
“I have long-fought for better communication outcomes and infrastructure in the bush and my advocacy is represented in the Coalition’s NBN policy for fast broadband and an affordable NBN.”
3. Could you please provide us with an itinerary of your campaign movements for the next seven days?
During the next seven days Mr Scott will travel thousands of kilometres visiting and listening to constituents across the Maranoa.
