Minister for State Development Cameron Dick has today slammed the Queensland LNP for false and cruel attacks on Virgin workers in their time of need.
“Today Tim Mander accused Virgin Australia of having ‘severe operational issues’ before COVID-19,” Mr Dick said.
“This is a slur against hardworking Virgin Australia staff who performed to the highest standard, operating with 10-15% greater efficiency than Qantas.[1]
“It is also at odds with the NSW LNP Government, whose Treasurer has observed that the company did not have poor financial management, and was failing only due to the pandemic.
“Virgin Australia has been a great airline for regional Queensland and Australia, and they can be great again with the right support.”
Mr Dick said that not only were the remarks baseless and cruel towards staff, they could undermine the potential for Virgin Australia to start serving regional Queensland again.
“Right now, administrators are trying to attract investors to help recapitalise Virgin, they should not have to contend with politicians circulating false claims.
“Now is the time for all leaders to come together and support the return of Virgin Australia with 5000 Queensland jobs and flights for regional Queensland.
“It’s clear that the LNP have no interest in Virgin Australia succeeding or for regional Queensland, they would rather just score political points.”
Mr Dick said the remarks were further evidence that the LNP was unfit to govern Queensland.
“Yesterday, Deb Frecklington was happy to let her ‘very good friend,’ Gladys Berejiklian, steal Virgin’s headquarters and relocate them to Western Sydney.
“Today Tim Mander is turning his back on regional Queensland and launching false and cruel attacks on Virgin workers.
“The conduct of Tim Mander and Deb Frecklington in the last few days have shown that they should not be trusted with jobs, the economy or the future of this state.
“”Queenslanders deserve leaders who lead the charge for jobs, not lead the charge against workers.
“The LNP were happy to spend $100 million to taxpayer funds to get Queensland’s assets ready for sale to foreign investors but won’t support Queenslanders and Queensland jobs.”
