The Queensland premier’s political fortunes continue to slide in the wake of his government’s cost-cutting budget.

Among the latest groups to show their discontent, the rural fire service and the gay community.

Benjamin Phillips reports.

TRANSCRIPT

Their Far Northern counterparts are threatening to let Government property burn but today The Rural Fire Brigade was more concerned with talking.

They say the Government’s austerity measures will cut 45 paid staff and 15 administrative jobs.

Mike Garrahy, Rural Fire Brigade President:”It will drastically reduce the safety umbrella that we have established for our volunteers and in that regard I fear the worst.”

In a statement, the minister responsible says Queensland volunteers are good people who always come to the fore when the chips are down.

He says nothing is set in stone until the Department comes back with a structure agreed to by all parties.

Firefighters aren’t the only ones unhappy.

Gay rights activists also featured in Sunday’s protests as a result of policy changes that have effectively watered down their rights to marriage.

The President of Brisbane’s Pride Festival says there’s a lack of confidence in the gay community as a result of Campbell Newman’s policy changes.

Deeje Hancock, Brisbane Pride Festival: “There’s a lot of angst, depression and in the worst case scenarios, people do hurt themselves.”

A recent ReachTel poll of more than one thousand voters has reflected the wider discontent shown by the rural fire brigade and the gay community. THe poll found that the majority of Queenslanders are unhappy with Campbell Newman’s performance as premier.

Luckily for the premier, he won’t face voters for another two years.

Benjamin Phillips, Qut News.