Newman delivers another stunt and no detail: Fraser

Campbell Newman's latest election stunt - committing to a 4% unemployment target - is just more sloganeering from a politician incapable of demonstrating substance, Treasurer Andrew Fraser said today.

"Mr Newman claims he will achieve a 4% unemployment rate by creating 420 000 jobs over the next six years," Mr Fraser said.

"He says he has 'done the modelling' to show how this can be done."

Mr Fraser called on Mr Newman to back up his claim by releasing the modelling.

"We know Mr Newman doesn't like scrutiny and he doesn't like answering questions - that's why he scarpered this morning and refused to answer questions from journalists," Mr Fraser said.

"He ran because he can't back up his stunt today. The fact is he can run, but he can't hide."

Mr Fraser said the Labor Government had delivered 420 000 jobs over the last 7 years and 1 month.

ABS data: total jobs 10/04 1.929 million
ABS data: total jobs 11/11* 2.351 million
Total increase in jobs 422,000

*November 2011 latest data released from ABS

"Over this same period of time we saw unemployment move from near historic lows at 4.9% at the height of the global boom to today registering at 5.8% as Queensland recovers from the lingering effects of the GFC and natural disasters," Mr Fraser said.

"Mr Newman claims however that delivering 420 000 jobs will drive unemployment down to 4%.

"Any economist will tell you jobs growth needs to not only match population growth but also take account of the labour force participation rate in projecting a change in the unemployment rate."

Mr Newman needs then to explain how he arrived at a forecast of 420 000 jobs being sufficient to reach a 4% unemployment rate to prove he is fair dinkum and not just performing another "stunt and run" routine.

"Only by making wild presumptions about the labour force participation rate and a collapse in population growth could Mr Newman conclude his 4% target can be delivered with 420 000 jobs," Mr Fraser said.

"I predict you will see nothing released from Mr Newman today - and if he doesn't release the modelling every Queenslander will be entitled to conclude that his statement today is just the latest in a string of stunts from a man without substance.

"It is up to Campbell Newman to explain his policy - not me - and Queenslanders deserve to see the details."

Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for State Development and Trade
The Honourable Andrew Fraser
17/01/2012
Newman delivers another stunt and no detail: Fraser

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Publish Date: 18 Jan 12

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