Media Release

Independent Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has welcomed Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan’s show of Christmas spirit in saving more than 150 permanent and casual jobs at the Townsville Tax Office at risk of being axed or shifted to Sydney.

“The Treasurer’s swift intervention would provide certainty to hundreds of families in the lead-up to Christmas,” said Mr Katter this afternoon.

Mr Katter said the Treasurer’s immediate response demonstrated just how appalling the ATO proposal was.
“Jobs are vital for our regional areas not only for the services they provide, they are also critical for much-needed population growth,” he said.

“With infrastructure in places like Sydney and South East Qld already collapsing under the strain of overpopulation, moving these jobs 2500km away made absolutely no sense at all; and I commend the Treasurer for nipping such a preposterous proposal in the bud.”