Media Release:  20 February 2012

Independent Candidate for Brisbane Central, Ruth Bonnett, has pointed to Campbell Newman’s form in the way of unprecedented rates hike in 2008 as evidence that it is not what he says he ‘Can do’, it is what he ‘won’t say’, that is likely to hit all Queenslanders in the hip pocket.

In 2008, Newman scrapped the rates cap, and employed a ‘pick and pay’ strategy for unit owners in the city by j****** unit owner’s rates up by $11.9 Million.

“Some owners saw their rates increase by factors of 5 or more, with small studio apartment owners paying many times the increases that penthouse owners received.”

 “Rates skyrocketed, pensioners were pushed out of their homes, working people copped massive rent increases and students were forced to cram into tiny units, just to survive this attack on unsuspecting city dwellers.”

“Campbell Newman was tricky and secretive in the way he went about balancing the budget.  He ambushed unit owners with a massive increase in cost of living, and then backed down when angry unit owners demanded a fair go.”

“I will stack my record up against the Newman’s Rates Rort any day of the week.”

“I have a proven record of delivering results for Brisbane Central residents.  I have been part of the team that won a $9.6 Million back flip from Newman, I now serve on a Body Corporate Committee which has passed on lower fees to the owners in the scheme and I have gone to bat for businesses impacted by these vicious rates hikes.”

“Every politician should stand on their record, and with Newman’s record in Brisbane Central, it is little wonder he won’t stand where he lives.”

“Brisbane Central residents can back Bonnett for solid results, or they can vote the LNP for poor form and higher living costs.”

“Newman made city living more expensive and less desirable.”

 “I want to ensure Brisbane Central is a safe, strong community where everyone can afford to live.”

MEDIA CONTACT: RUTH BONNETT  0407 580 028