Shadow Minister for Police, Corrective Services & Emergency Services Minister John-Paul Langbroek has slammed Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts for his arrogance in denying red tape is driving volunteers and resources away from the SES.

“The SES has lost 5600 volunteers over the last five years, but all Mr Roberts has to say is that the 2005 volunteer numbers were inflated,” Mr Langbroek said.

Many of the volunteers were tradesmen fed up with red tape forcing them to complete courses teaching them things they already know such as how to climb ladders.

Reports also emerged today that the SES was forced to knock back a donation of five flood boats in the middle of the January floods because the paper work could not be completed in time.

Cutting waste in health and putting the money back into frontline services drew community feedback at a Health Waste Watch forum in New Farm initiated by LNP Candidate for Brisbane Central Rob Cavallucci, LNP Waste Watch Shadow Minister Fiona Simpson and Shadow Health Minister Mark McArdle.

Residents and health workers had their say about how to cut Queensland Health waste so more doctors, nurses and allied services can be funded to deliver better health care.

Pictured left are Bowen Hills resident Robert Althaus, Brisbane Central LNP Candidate Rob Cavallucci and Shadow Minister for Waste Watch Fiona Simpson MP.

Ms Simpson and Shadow Health Minister Mark McArdle organised the forum with help from Mr Cavallucci.

Mackay region homeowners have told the State Opposition today how bureaucratic red tape has increased the cost of living and added to the housing affordability crisis.  Some locals have also complained that they’re forced to rely on generators because it is taking too long to get their electricity connected.

LNP Waste Watch Shadow Minister Fiona Simpson and LNP Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations, Employment and Skills Ted Malone joined the LNP Candidates for Mackay and Whitsunday at a roundtable discussion with business owners, council and community representatives to share their concerns.