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Queensland government accused of silencing frontline organizations

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Unnamed sources Context piece
  • Queensland's opposition accuses the state government of silencing frontline community organizations by threatening to cut funding.
  • Organizations reportedly fear speaking out will lead to loss of state funding, comparing the situation to "Trump's America."
  • The premier denies these claims, stating record investment has been made and accountability is expected for taxpayer money.

Queensland's opposition claims the state government is "gagging" frontline community organizations, preventing them from speaking out for fear of losing vital funding. Shadow housing minister Meaghan Scanlon drew a comparison to "Trump's America," suggesting that criticizing the government could lead to threats of service cuts.

It feels an awful lot like Trump's America. Criticise the government and they'll threaten to cut services' funding.

— Meaghan ScanlonShadow housing minister comparing the Queensland government's actions to those in the US under Donald Trump.

Anonymous providers, speaking to ABC News, described a reluctance to speak freely, fearing they would be labeled as "agitators." One expert reportedly stated, "you are a service delivery provider, not an activist." This environment, they claim, leads to crucial issues not being aired and government decisions being made without understanding their impact on the frontline.

you are a service delivery provider, not an activist.

— ExpertAn expert's account of what they were told by the government.

Premier David Crisafulli has vehemently denied any threats were made. He asserted that record investment has been made across the board and emphasized the importance of accountability and respecting taxpayers' money. Opposition leader Steven Miles countered, stating numerous organizations have shared similar stories, accusing the premier of micromanaging narratives and overreacting to criticism, causing advocates and experts to "cower in fear."

He's got such a glass jaw that every piece of criticism is met with this kind of overreaction, this kind of response, and it's got advocates and experts cowering in fear.

— Steven MilesQueensland Labor leader criticizing the premier's reaction to criticism.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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