Newman backlash shows up in federal poll

Widespread concerns about cuts to jobs and services have been reflected in the federal Coalition’s poor showing in Queensland.

Queensland Council of Unions President John Battams said Queensland voters had shown they did not trust the Coalition on core issues such as secure jobs, essential services and industrial relations.

“Tony Abbott throughout the campaign consistently refused to guarantee important working rights such as penalty rates,” he said.

“Indeed no Coalition candidate would give any undertakings to Queensland workers about protecting working conditions and essential services.

“Queenslanders have seen the damaging impact of Campbell Newman’s cuts on their state and sent Tony Abbott a message that they do not want a repeat.

“In some seats – like Moreton and Lilley – the Coalition’s vote even went backwards,” Mr Battams said.

“Australians may have spoken yesterday but the backlash against the State Government shows that Queenslanders value jobs and essential services.”

Mr Battams said he expected the Newman Government to recommence further cuts with the federal election decided.

“We believe it has been sitting on its hands until after the federal election before it moves on workers’ compensation, school closures and the review into emergency services, just to name a few,” he said.