Category Archives: Policy

Last Week in Queensland – 19 June 2017

The State budget dominated Queensland media* in the first half of last week, as did attacks under Parliamentary privilege on the integrity of Paul Pisisale, and the labelling of Caboolture as Australia’s dole bludger capital.

Queensland budget

See last week’s post for early “leaks” here https://ethicalconsultingservices.wordpress.com/2017/06/12/last-week-in-qld-170612/
Budget-at-a-glance www.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-13/queensland-budget-at-a-glance-what-you-need-to-know/8548014 and www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-budget-2017-jobs-infrastructure-spending-and-surpluses-20170612-gwpu2e.html
Treasurer Curtis Pitt
Budget winners and losers www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-budget-201718-winners-and-losers-20170613-gwqg1p.html
Hard to sell “jobs budget” when unemployment won’t fall http://au.news.yahoo.com/qld/a/35954728/queensland-govt-facing-hard-budget-sell/#page1
Budget recognises Queensland’s economic weaknesses www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/qld-budget-2017-queensland-a-state-of-economic-slump/news-story/48171622ed75fb6a41c8f00eb25ca31e
Cyclone Debbie cut $2bn off revenue www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/queensland-budget-cyclone-debbie-tears-2bn-hole-in-revenue/news-story/27ff8f23fd765bd498c21904ca70a956
Cross River Rail – State to fund half www.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-13/queensland-budget-2017-sets-public-expectations-high/8611082
Massive funding for social housing http://architectureau.com/articles/18b-investment-in-5000-social-and-affordable-homes-in-queensland-budget/
Foreign owners of investment property to pay 1.5 percent land tax surcharge http://sourceable.net/queensland-slugs-foreign-investors-more/
Katter’s Australian Party threaten to block the budget www.northweststar.com.au/story/4731736/kap-want-to-block-budget/
Superannuation liabilities to shrink substantially www.financialstandard.com.au/news/queensland-db-super-liabilities-tipped-to-fall-18pct-96407698
Drug Court to be reinstated www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-budget-to-reveal-227-million-for-new-drug-court-20170612-gwpc52.html
Every prep classroom to get a teacher aide www.9news.com.au/national/2017/06/15/14/24/qld-govt-gives-extra-school-preps-support
Compilation of budget reactions www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-201718-state-budget-reactions-racq-blasts-rego-hike-20170613-gwqgiu.html
Agricultural organisations generally disappointed www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2017-06-13/state-budget-cuts-agriculture-spend/8613162
Broken promise on employee numbers? www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/qld-budget-2017-government-breaks-promise-on-public-servant-numbers/news-story/d9e2db75d5048015d9b4a87ace309307
Record environmental spend not enough for The Greens www.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-14/budget-spend-for-environment-a-band-aid-solution,-greens-say/8615176
The budget’s forward projections http://queenslandeconomywatch.com/2017/06/13/qld-government-gets-lucky-in-election-budget-but-debt-to-climb-to-81-billion-in-2020-21/
Some budget-related items can be found under the “Politics” and “Opposition and Crossbench” below

Governing

Tony Fitzgerald (Photo: State Library)

Electoral Commission of Queensland Review finds major problems, calls for major change www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/report-following-queensland-electoral-complaints-blasts-ecq-management-20170614-gwrgks.html
Thirty years after Tony Fitzgerald www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/fitzgerald-inquiry-reform-which-followed-separated-it-from-dozens-of-prior-inquiries/news-story/4eb7dc37bf99ded1dc3b53add50a6270

Opposition and Crossbench

Opposition’s early rejection of State Budget www.9news.com.au/national/2017/06/15/03/32/nicholls-to-give-qld-budget-reply-speech
Liberal-National Party says Cross River Rail urgency is overstated www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/06/17/lnp-calls-out-qld-govt-over-rail-numbers
Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls
Tim Nicholls’ budget reply: no asset sales www.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-15/queensland-budget-swindle-con-opposition-leader-tim-nicholls-say/8621046
Katter’s Australian Party threaten to block the budget – see above under “State Budget”
Member of Parliament for Cairns raises local government corruption allegations www.qt.com.au/news/claims-pisasale-pressured-shops-for-haircuts-parli/3189693/
Liberal-National Party to propose legislation to control tow truck drivers www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/lnp-to-put-brakes-on-dodgy-tow-truck-drivers-with-fines-capped-fees/news-story/5d7d98f629ff30889bc3c4ebacc174ee

Politics

Questions asked about money transferred from Senator Hanson’s previous Party www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/pauline-hanson-took-200000-from-former-united-australia-party/news-story/21415f95993381afd723b338599f7606
Cross River Rail as an election issue? www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/cross-river-rail-to-dominate-queensland-election/news-story/450b75bf750eb5d5dae361b763d2c4a4
Premier Palaszczuk
Premier “intends” election in 2018, she says www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/palaszczuk-continues-budget-sell-and-insists-on-2018-election-20170614-gwqznp.html
“Newspaper” urges tough decisions www.couriermail.com.au/news/opinion/editorial-hard-decisions-needed-if-were-to-lead-again/news-story/ce269fe7c61122560d6a992d56e44c58
Analysts say State budget is designed to fend off One Nation Party www.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-14/political-analyst-queensland-budget-one-nation-election/8615304
Corruption fighter attacks fundraising tactics www.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-14/queensland-corruption-fighter-slams-palaszczuk-government/8613428
The Oz says Queensland budget infrastructure spend is pork barrelling www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/queensland-budget-curtis-pitt-pours-5bn-into-key-seats/news-story/a7a51ab206780332de982a4dfd6fed95

Community

Energy Minister Mark Bailey

Solar bonus scheme tightened to stop double dipping www.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-16/solar-energy-batteries-solar-bonus-scheme-changes-qld-parliament/8623628
No line closures during Commonwealth Games http://au.news.yahoo.com/qld/a/36020457/no-line-closures-during-comm-games-govt/#page1
Social housing plan will involve release of state land www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government-to-open-up-state-land-to-developers-in-push-for-community-and-social-housing/news-story/085ba6dd43dc876e447a26cff758adb7
Caboolture alleged to be Australia’s “dole bludger” capital www.caboolturenews.com.au/news/dole-bludger-capital-qld-town-named-australias-wor/3188895/

Economy and Infrastructure

Queensland jobs market: part-time replacing full-time www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-jobs-figures-show-dramatic-swing-to-parttime-employment/news-story/9e7cda808a13d2b3186de5092e42c1ff and http://queenslandeconomywatch.com/2017/06/16/qld-labour-market-continues-to-improve-but-part-time-jobs-account-for-bulk-of-employment-growth/
Premier off on trade mission www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/qld-premier-to-leave-on-us-trade-mission/news-story/7ff6f2d2519f5f6c63e38505996b1f5d
The Chief Entrepreneur’s frustrations with Governments (noting the article has been edited to remove profanities!) www.innovationaus.com/2017/06/Sowerby-unloads-Govt-is-hopeless/
Deputy Premier Jackie Trad
Cross River Rail business case to be released in two months www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/cross-river-rail-business-case-to-be-released-within-two-months-trad-20170614-gwr60l.html
Townsville Port widening proposal awaiting decision www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/business/jobs-hang-in-the-balance-as-port-of-townsville-waits-for-expansion-approval/news-story/25869ca6409bf2322470b1c4827acbcb
Residential construction decline foreseen www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/qld-budget-2017-southeast-queensland-unit-boom-over/news-story/54ffada2c0792111f5b95dc392c7a3a5
Internal Labor push for renewables investment www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/climate/lean-leads-queensland-push-on-renewable-energy/news-story/4679f25c4586d7c96ed4c41e5c71e385
The trouble with the Queensland economy http://queenslandeconomywatch.com/2017/06/12/qld-economy-needs-pick-up-in-private-sector-investment/
Regional disparities in Government’s capital expenditure http://queenslandeconomywatch.com/2017/06/14/huge-regional-disparities-in-qld-government-capital-spending-per-capita/

Parliament

Queensland’s Speaker Peter Wellington

Pass allegations dismissed, but lead to Parliamentary security tightening www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/queensland-parliament-mps-face-pass-breach-probe/news-story/8fe36288394bc61d66c3d0223fa3ae2d
With presentation last week of the State Budget, Queensland’s Parliament next convenes from Tuesday 18 July to Friday 21 July, for Estimates Committee hearings about the budget
The notice paper for the next sittings of the Queensland Parliament can be downloaded here www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/sitting-dates/latest-sitting-dates
The Queensland Parliament’s summary of what’s new, including newly-introduced and passed legislation, is here www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/whats-new
The Courier Mail’s blog from last week’s Question Time is here www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/queensland-parliament-question-time-live-blog/news-story/df5cbbe6c293b5b3de5dbca0e06d1f57
Federal Parliament sits this week, from Monday 19 June to Thursday 22 June
The forward agenda for the Federal Parliament can be found here www.dpmc.gov.au/resource-centre

Sleeper Issues?

Labor split on need for new coal-fired power station www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/news/labor-mps-go-rogue-and-back-coalfired-baseload-power-station/news-story/0b6ed39d3b3d742356867e1c370cd6d5
Rick Williams, MP for Pumicestone
Pumicestone Member of Parliament: the gift which keeps on giving www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/queensland-parliament-rick-williams-quizzed-over-water-bills/news-story/ca1b0d64caf9aad9729886b8e7dae0b5
Ongoing examination of private email account usage www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/minister-mark-bailey-trips-on-email-claims/news-story/c5fef9160fa35f5de576379534b14604
Crime and Corruption Commission continues local government election inquiry www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/ccc-investigates-queensland-local-government-elections/news-story/c56af1018814ea78fca0b418b3b199ba and www.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-12/logan-mayors-donors-benefited-from-decisions-councillors-claim/8604850
Pisisale story – more details, new claims www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/ipswich-branch-members-sought-have-paul-pisasale-expelled-from-the-labor-party-20170615-gws0m1.html

* We’re not representing that this is a complete coverage of news in Queensland – it certainly isn’t, and it’s what we find interesting or important, and sometimes what’s unusual. Some of the links will require subscriptions to read content.

Posted in Opposition, Opposition Leader, Policy, Political tactics, Premier, Queensland, queensland economy, Queensland Government, State Government, Tactics

1 Comment

Tags: Annastacia Palaszczuk, curtis pitt, Jackie Trad, queensland state budget, state budget, Tim Nicholls, Tony Fitzgerald

Last Week in Queensland – 29 May 2017

May 29

Posted by Mike Smith

Schapelle Corby’s release and the McCulkin murder trial and verdict drove a lot of other news* out, but:

Adani mine subsidies or maybe not, divisions in the State Government, and multiple scandals for One Nation Party … last week in Queensland.

Parliament

Queensland’s Parliament sat last week, and next sits from Tuesday 13 June to Friday 16 June – that’s budget week, which will be presented on the Tuesday
The notice paper for the next sittings of the Queensland Parliament can be downloaded here www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/sitting-dates/latest-sitting-dates
The Queensland Parliament’s summary of what’s new, including newly-introduced and passed legislation, is here www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/whats-new
Federal Parliament sat last week, and again this week, from Monday 29 May to Thursday 1 June – the House of Representatives will be sitting, and Senate Estimates Committees will be in session
Federal Parliament House
The forward agenda for the Federal Parliament can be found here www.dpmc.gov.au/resource-centre

Sleeper Issues?

Queensland prisons overcrowding could lead to violence www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/huge-frustration-as-prison-overcrowding-sparks-violence-concerns-20170521-gw9u6g.html
Islamic hub proposed for Durack www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/proposed-islamic-hub-draws-cross-chamber-accusations-among-brisbane-councillors-20170523-gwb98r.html

Posted in Opposition, Opposition Leader, Parliament, Policy, Political tactics, Politics, Premier, Queensland, queensland economy, Queensland Government, State Government

1 Comment

Tags: Adani, Annastacia Palaszczuk, Jackie Trad, James Ashby, one nation, Sean Black

Last Week in Queensland – 15 May 2017

May 15

Posted by Mike Smith

Corruption in Queensland’s towing industry, criticism of Queensland’s top cop, and reaction to the Federal budget, dominated the news* last week in Queensland.

Governing

Deputy Premier defends State Government position on Cross River Rail project www.couriermail.com.au/news/opinion/opinion-pms-excuses-about-not-funding-cross-river-rail-in-federal-budget-2017-dont-add-up/news-story/020d5721bbc394eb27ea9e13004a1932
- … while the business case is again labelled “weak” http://queenslandeconomywatch.com/2017/05/10/cross-river-rail-budget-snub-unsurprising-given-weak-business-case-will-qic-now-step-in/
  Premier Palaszczuk
What’s going on with the leadership in Premier Palaszczuk’s office? www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/annastacia-palaszczuks-office-hit-by-staff-shakeup/news-story/5e1de12d1601e07b7989f72ce9a78da6
State Government says Federal budget neglects Queensland www.skynews.com.au/news/politics/qld/2017/05/12/qld-premier-furious-with-pm-over-budget-snub.html
Police Commissioner to meet internal critics www.skynews.com.au/news/national/qld/2017/05/13/qld-police-commissioner-to-meet-union-boss.html
- … but the Premier backs him www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-premier-defends-police-boss-after-cop-blasts-top-brass-20170512-gw3k67.html
Queensland expunges past gay sex convictions www.news.com.au/national/queensland/courts-law/queensland-throws-out-past-gay-convictions-as-man-recalls-his-arrest-for-being-gay/news-story/4ab0c0e93ebc76e27a5326e3909f27b2
Brisbane’s Lord Mayor Graham Quirk
“City Deal” set to be signed off for Brisbane www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/quirk-set-to-sign-gamechanging-funding-city-deal-with-federal-government-20170510-gw1xoh.html
Emergency Services payroll replacement system in trouble www.itnews.com.au/news/the-qld-govt-is-headed-towards-another-payroll-disaster-461360
State Government decides to reconsider youth justice secrecy decision www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/queensland-youth-detention-report-government-backtracks-on-secrecy/news-story/e1a852e525197f083d0f6c1ea1d09994
Minister Lynham’s email use doesn’t break rules www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/private-email-use-by-state-minister-anthony-lynham-doesnt-break-rules/news-story/772184372a2ebd03499403a1fc50ebb3
Tow truck rorts revelations lead to Government inquiry www.ownerdriver.com.au/industry-news/1705/gov-clamps-down-on-towies

Opposition and Crossbench

Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls

Opposition wants to refer Pumicestone Member of Parliament to Ethics Committee www.abc.net.au/news/2017-05-11/opposition-wants-qld-mp-rick-wlliams-to-be-referred-ethics-ctte/8515458

Politics

Courier Mail demands Government act on Adani mine www.couriermail.com.au/news/opinion/editorial-premier-needs-to-seek-end-to-adani-impasse/news-story/de70e27a7890e665ccbdd4fa3081c13c
Turmoil in the Liberal National Party? www.brisbanetimes.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/shake-up-looming-for-queensland-lnp-senate-ticket-as-brandis-macdonald-osullivan-come-under-threat-20170512-gw39nx.html
Spit development proposals cause surge in One Nation Party support www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/gold-coast/pauline-hansons-party-popular-after-opposing-gold-coast-casinoresort-at-the-spit/news-story/a3e365056aa18fc1bda58af4e1375c4d
Liberal National Party selects ex-Army officer for hotly contested Buderim seat www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/lnp-picks-exarmy-officer-for-queensland-hot-seat/news-story/03dfb679dca90cdf47ee23bd85bbc73e

Community

“Youth foyers” approach to homelessness on the Gold Coast www.mygc.com.au/new-youth-foyers-support-homeless-young-people-gold-coast/
Some drought declarations revoked www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2017-05-11/drought-declarations-revoked-by-70-per-cent-of-queensland-dry/8518134
Impatience with slow airfare review www.northweststar.com.au/story/4649233/passenger-service-review-frustration-boils-over/

Economy and Infrastructure

Treasurer Curtis Pitt, with Deputy Premier Trad and Employment Minister Grace

Federal budget:
- Impacts on Queensland www.abc.net.au/news/story-streams/federal-budget-2017/2017-05-10/federal-budget-2017-whats-in-it-for-queensland/8511656
- Cuts complaints www.cairnspost.com.au/news/cairns/tropical-north-queensland-tourism-hurt-by-tourism-australia-budget-cuts/news-story/7d134dfacde62bd719dab300be6e3396
Selling Cairns as a tourist destination www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/news/national/bishop-and-palaszczuk-host-80-ambassadors-on-cairns-junket/news-story/7e18687c8a459032161cb4c83631d52a
Queensland leading solar energy push www.renewableenergymagazine.com/pv_solar/queensland-leads-the-australian-national-drive-towards-20170512
Townsville regional economic summit this week www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/summit-for-north/news-story/a3a10d71ccdbfb4889ca45c2df926a1f
Native title legislation won’t delay Adani mine www.9news.com.au/national/2017/05/11/10/30/senate-scuttles-govt-over-native-title
3 gas expansion projects move ahead www.cqnews.com.au/news/three-gas-expansion-projects-move-ahead-amid-short/3176189/
Byerwen coal mine given the go-ahead www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/news/almost-900-jobs-announced-for-bowen-basin-coal-project/news-story/5997e272af01472175f3dcfd74be7f30
Gas reservation policy may save industry www.theaustralian.com.au/business/incitec-pivot-md-says-government-gas-plans-would-save-plant/news-story/1d54c7404296ae2132e1367f1faa4825
Major shakeup planned for trotting and greyhound racing www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-racing-set-for-shakeup-with-proposed-redevelopment-of-albion-park/news-story/9a77e962e6f7fc7ac18c3ef61b3de892
Major development approved at Fortitude Valley Railway Station www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/brisbane-city-council-approves-valley-metro-project-above-train-station-20170509-gw0s2r.html

Parliament

Federal Parliament House

Queensland’s Parliament sat last week, and next sits again from Tuesday 23 May to Thursday 25 May
The notice paper for the next sittings of the Queensland Parliament can be downloaded here www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/sitting-dates/latest-sitting-dates
The Queensland Parliament’s summary of what’s new, including newly-introduced and passed legislation, is here www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/whats-new
Federal Parliament sat last week and saw the Federal Budget will delivered on 9 May; they next sit from Monday 22 May to Thursday 25 May – the House of Representatives will be sitting, and Senate Estimates Committees will be in session
The forward agenda for the Federal Parliament can be found here www.dpmc.gov.au/resource-centre

Sleeper Issues?

Electricity pricing an ongoing concern www.cqnews.com.au/news/electricity-bill-a-shocker/3176788/

* We’re not representing that this is a complete coverage of news in Queensland – it certainly isn’t, and it’s what we find interesting or important, and sometimes what’s unusual. Some of the links will require subscriptions to read content.

Posted in Opposition, Opposition Leader, Parliament, Policy, Political tactics, Politics, Queensland, queensland economy, Queensland Government

1 Comment

Tags: Annastacia Palaszczuk, Federal Budget, queensland police, Tim Nicholls, towing industry

Last Week in Queensland – 3 April 2017

Apr 3

Posted by Mike Smith

Death, destruction & recovery from Cyclone Debbie has dominated the news* last week in Queensland and still does, with ongoing evacuations, flooding and damage, whilst some communities begin their recovery.

Governing

Cyclone Debbie drives Government activity www.9news.com.au/national/2017/04/01/03/32/premier-to-head-back-to-debbie-hit-north
Daylight saving petition rejected by Government www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government-rejects-petition-calling-for-referendum-on-daylight-saving/news-story/f69a24406ea271ead9f4912ec76ad7cc
Crime and Corruption Commission scope expanding www.themandarin.com.au/77303-queenslands-corruption-reform-welcome-but-theres-more-to-be-done/
Premier Palaszczuk
Premier to press for more family-friendly sittings hours www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/mps-lose-sleep-over-long-days-as-premier-seeks-more-familyfriendly-hours/news-story/1acc50367762dd35af98fe14564e6c38

Opposition and Crossbench

Four sitting Liberal-National Party Members of Parliament facing selection challenges www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/sitting-queensland-lnp-members-face-preselection-challenges/news-story/660fa1978eb591e9b6deaf5a3b6533b4

Politics

Courier Mail criticises infrastructure spending www.couriermail.com.au/business/measly-expenditure-on-vital-projects-in-queensland-is-putting-a-handbrake-on-growth/news-story/a93e14e4d07de085b3f44e32e4d3588b
Courier Mail alleges corrupt resource allocation www.couriermail.com.au/news/opinion/opinion-labor-must-explain-how-school-improvement-funds-were-allocated/news-story/da95bba9bcb8d2bbec20dcde1681e93e
Rick Williams, MP for Pumicestone
You think the Courier Mail is the Queensland leader in mean-spirited, partisan, headlines? www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/premier-interrupts-ses-workers-barricading-rocky-a/3161905/
Courier Mail questions re-endorsement of Rick Williams MP www.couriermail.com.au/news/opinion/editorial-regrets-rick-williams-should-have-a-few/news-story/9d5b27a1f3a5a500452894a07eecff27

Community

Days after Cyclone Debbie, rivers continue to rise & communities evacuate www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/four-people-die-as-rivers-peak-at-historic-levels-in-aftermath-of-cyclone-debbie/news-story/f1987c153a0f037c758d88c81fa95be5
- … ongoing impacts: long-term rebuild, flooding continues www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/debbie-is-not-done-with-us-yet-premier-20170401-gvbmq4.html
- … victims denied incorrectly assistance www.qt.com.au/news/mp-claims-cyclone-debbie-victims-falsely-denied-di/3162107/
- … flooding expected to peak in Rocky on Wednesday www.abc.net.au/news/2017-04-01/cyclone-debbie-rockhampton-faces-huge-flooding/8406838
Are biofuels increasing petrol prices? http://biofuels-news.com/display_news/12088/Biofuels_accused_of_raising_petrol_prices_in_Queensland__Australia/
Some children not getting welfare visits www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/children-in-foster-care-detention-centres-and-mental-health-facilities-missing-welfare-checks/news-story/c4199744f484832fc4c9c2c189d5eda1
LGBTI legal service receives first-time funding www.starobserver.com.au/news/national-news/queensland-news/queensland-welcome-legal-funding/156938
Brisbane River’s raw sewage spill www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/raw-sewage-spill-in-brisbane-river-could-warrant-fine-queensland-government-20170326-gv6x1q.html

Economy and Infrastructure

Queensland economy should prove resilient, post Cyclone Debbie http://queenslandeconomywatch.com/2017/03/31/qld-economy-should-be-resilient-to-cyclone-debbie/
Adani reaffirms works will commence between June and September www.theguardian.com/business/2017/mar/31/adani-chief-executive-says-queensland-project-will-go-ahead-this-year
How much is a horse race worth? www.thechronicle.com.au/news/backing-right-race-brings-800000-boost-toowoomba/3160517/
Minister Leeanne Enoch with MP Peter Russo
Start-up hub opens in Fortitude Valley www.technologydecisions.com.au/content/it-management/news/queensland-opens-new-start-up-precinct-886859211#axzz4d5C0DIwk
Productivity Commission calls for sugar industry deregulation www.skynews.com.au/news/national/qld/2017/03/28/calls-for-sugar-deregulation.html
- … while Federal Government says they won’t intervene in QSL/Wilmar dispute www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/hanson-to-go-on-strike-over-sugar/news-story/f4b85148a7ecfb79a564bc0c1f5fa0a5

Parliament

Federal Parliament House

Queensland’s Parliament next sits again from Tuesday 9 May to Thursday 11 May
The notice paper for the next sittings of the Queensland Parliament can be downloaded here www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/sitting-dates/latest-sitting-dates
The Queensland Parliament’s summary of what’s new, including newly-introduced and passed legislation, is here www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/whats-new
Federal Parliament sat last week, and next sits from Monday 9 May to Thursday 11 May – the Federal Budget will be delivered on 9 May
The forward agenda for the Federal Parliament can be found here www.dpmc.gov.au/resource-centre

* We’re not representing that this is a complete coverage of news in Queensland – it certainly isn’t, and it’s what we find interesting or important, and sometimes what’s unusual. Some of the links will require subscriptions to read content.

Posted in Crisis management, Parliament, Policy, Political tactics, Politics, Premier, Queensland, queensland economy, Queensland Government, State Government

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Tags: cyclone debbie, Liberal National Party, LNP;

Last Week in Queensland – 27 March 2017

Mar 27

Posted by Mike Smith

Cyclone Debbie bearing down, M1 upgrade funding secured, the LNP caught offering deals to One Nation, and Adani mine viability is debated (again, still) – last week in Queensland*.

Governing

M1 upgrade funding deal struck with Federal Government www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/national/gold-coast-stretch-of-m1-to-be-upgraded-under-a-funding-deal-between-governments/news-story/c323f6f93a09e1abdbb7007e2fc809df
- … and other roads too http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2017/3/24/half-a-billion-dollar-roads-package-announced-for-queensland
Queensland abolishes “gay panic” defence www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/03/22/queensland-abolishes-gay-panic-defence-murder-0
Domestic violence bail laws improved www.skynews.com.au/news/national/qld/2017/03/23/queensland-bail-laws-pass.html
New Auditor General appointed www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queenslands-new-auditor-general-announced/news-story/6324ba2e0b51d7cbbd92dba71cdcf833
Energy Minister Mark Bailey
Department of Premier and Cabinet Director-General stands aside from Bailey email probe www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/public-service-boss-ordered-off-bailey-email-probe/news-story/eb697d56dee2190f7392baa575d16c45
Due diligence to commence at next stage of Gold Coast Spit project www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/business/gold-coast-spit-proposal-palaszczuk-government-admits-it-is-yet-to-do-due-diligence-on-3-billion-project/news-story/a0a006151516928a9601f2f11e16f356

Opposition and Crossbench

See “Domestic violence bail laws improved” above
Katter’s Australian Party proposes crocodile cull www.news.com.au/technology/science/animals/katters-australia-party-to-introduce-croc-cull-legislation-after-two-attacks-in-queensland/news-story/af44cebac42ee2c67ac0736f276b2cfe
Liberal-National Party touts Farm Debt Restructure Office www.northqueenslandregister.com.au/story/4547695/farm-debt-restructure-office-delivered/?cs=4736
Premier caught out on gang connections www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/crime-court/annastacia-palaszczuk-admits-she-did-not-know-middle-eastern-radicals-were-hooking-up-with-gold-coast-bikies/news-story/63cd98034f21484b7132d284ab459c15
Queensland’s Speaker Peter Wellington
Katter’s Australian Party begins to announce candidates www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/local-councillor-announced-as-katter-party-candida/3157277/
Government delivering on independent Member of Parliament’s 21 demands www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/how-qld-labor-is-ticking-off-the-21-demands-of-the-man-who-gave-them-power-20170320-gv1ux0.html

Politics

Liberal-National Party seeking a deal with One Nation Party www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/lnp-wanted-cooperative-approach-to-queensland-election-leaked-one-nation-emails-show/news-story/abfbc59da7ef04c1d37689be13258f17
Premier Palaszczuk
- … while a Liberal National Party “elder statesman” slams role of One Nation Party www.northqueenslandregister.com.au/story/4549678/why-pauline-hansons-one-nation-is-catastrophic-comment/?cs=4763
Queensland Premier’s focus on jobs www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/adani-coal-mine-premier-digs-in-for-regional-jobs/news-story/40071b0b0c570ae7d6ecc180c5a137b9
- … in the face of Labor Party divisions over coal? www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/state-and-federal-labor-splits-at-coal-seams/news-story/60eb911ee24ae878f6d2b6794a75631b
Who wears the blame for the Gabba’s failure? www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/03/22/womens-afl-final-shift-turns-costly
Courier Mail appalled to discover unionists can be appointed to Government jobs www.couriermail.com.au/news/opinion/editorial-queenslanders-pay-for-labors-union-cronyism/news-story/eb9bfdbd605c74490033a34efa570f00

Community

State Government improves protections against “Black Lung” http://content.safetyculture.com.au/news/index.php/03/queensland-ramps-support-coal-workers/#.WNTTvvmGNPY
Townsville’s unemployment growing www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/news/thousands-lose-jobs-across-townsville-as-unemployment-rises/news-story/731862294185b3faa6940e9732e2bde4
Cyclone Debbie arriving Monday as Category 4 www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/cyclone-debbie-zeroing-in-on-north-queensland-20170325-gv6jwb.html
Motor traders and caravanning industry oppose 7-day trading deregulation www.9news.com.au/national/2017/03/21/13/16/car-yard-operators-to-fight-sunday-trading

Economy and Infrastructure

Advance Queensland fellowships announced www.uq.edu.au/news/article/2017/03/state-backs-uq-researchers-create-change
Mining, equipment, technology and services access to state government accelerator program www.australianmining.com.au/news/queensland-boost-mets-sector-innovations/
2017 Major Projects Pipeline Report doubts Adani project is viable http://csq.org.au/publications-resources/major-projects-pipeline-report-2017
- … while Adani says work will start in August www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/work-on-adani-coal-mine-in-queensland-set-to-start-in-august-says-gautam-adani/news-story/a8d618950dbbb58639d71672c92a5fb7
Can Cairns cope with more inbound tourists? www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/premier-and-tourism-boss-at-odds-over-flights-to-cairns-20170324-gv5ihs.html
Brisbane’s Lord Mayor Graham Quirk
Queensland mayors take multi-billion dollar infrastructure wish-list to Federal Government www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-mayors-take-multibilliondollar-wish-list-to-canberra-20170322-gv3zu1.html
Government seeking to retrospectively authorise Glencore mining works – undermining QCoal project? www.abc.net.au/news/2017-03-23/bill-glencore-continue-alleged-illegal-mining-bowen-basin-qld/8379108
Commitment to gas sales to domestic market www.afr.com/business/energy/gas/shell-commits-to-10pc-more-gas-for-domestic-market-in-new-drilling-push-20170321-gv2y7z
Queensland Government targets Beijing-Brisbane direct flights www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/direct-flights-from-beijing-to-brisbane-on-agenda/news-story/7a6262a31953fa8eef9862f7f01dc9a9
Low population growth correlated with low economic growth? http://queenslandeconomywatch.com/2017/03/25/qlds-lacklustre-population-and-jobs-growth-have-gone-hand-in-hand-over-the-current-decade/
See above under “Governing” re the M1

Parliament

Federal Parliament House

Queensland’s Parliament sat last week, and next sits again from Tuesday 9 May to Thursday 11 May
The Queensland Parliament’s summary of what’s new, including newly-introduced and passed legislation, is here www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/whats-new
Both chambers of the Federal Parliament sit this week, from Monday 27 March to Thursday 30 March

Sleeper Issues?

Stuart Robert, former Minister

Former Federal Minister called to give evidence in local government election investigation www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/03/23/stuart-robert-front-qld-elections-probe
Further class action over 2001 floods www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/lawyers-to-call-for-flood-victims-as-second-queensland-floods-class-action-advances-20170324-gv634f.html
Tree clearing rate spikes www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/breakfast/spike-in-queensland-landclearing/8375714

* We’re not representing that this is a complete coverage of news in Queensland – it certainly isn’t, and it’s what we find interesting or important, and sometimes what’s unusual. Some of the links will require subscriptions to read content.

Posted in Local Government, Opposition, Opposition Leader, Parliament, Policy, Political tactics, Politics, Premier, Queensland, queensland economy, Queensland Government

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Tags: Adani, black lung, cyclone debbie, gay panic, Katter

Last Week in Queensland – 20 March 2017

Mar 20

Posted by Mike Smith

Last week in Queensland: unemployment rising, activists continue trying to block Adani mine, LNP’s regional tour & stronger media coverage rolls on, while the One Nation Party also garners ongoing media coverage*.

Governing

Conservation activists confront Premier in India over Adani mine www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/activists-confront-premier-in-india-over-adani-megamine-in-central-queensland/news-story/21bbeb56d826dd6ba2d9078066daf5e1
- … as the Premier urges Adani to broaden their investments in Queensland www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/premier-to-urge-indian-billionaire-gautam-adani-to-make-agricultural-investments-in-queensland/news-story/6999f4baa1587d82abb7a1950c7fa812
  Premier Palaszczuk
Queensland Rail’s overtime bill keeps rail services in the news www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-rail-still-paying-1m-a-fortnight-in-overtime-for-drivers-and-guards/news-story/d4f979671bbe6d7db42ed96413a2aeba
Queensland not signing up for national unexplained wealth laws www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/queensland-urged-to-sign-up-to-uniform-national-unexplained-wealth-laws/news-story/0a64144719ece9edfbed7b84b435900f&
Government may expand gas reservation exploration program www.afr.com/news/politics/queensland-flags-more-gas-exploration-leases-for-domestic-use-only-20170313-guxfcc
“Indigenous” Cabinet meeting in Cairns www.cairnspost.com.au/news/cairns/states-first-indigenous-cabinet-meeting-brings-leaders-to-cairns/news-story/28efea12d192a9613bec7d306e1e4eeb
Anti-violence food trial in emergency departments www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/whileyouwait-dining-for-qld-ed-patients/news-story/236ac1f7a14d76e463943218f7db52c8
No culling in crocodile management plan www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/crocodiles-spared-cull-in-queenslands-sixzone-solution/news-story/747372fe1912af48b02685dec77fc697

Opposition and Crossbench

Tim Nicholls’ regional tour continues www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/tim-nicholls-regional-tour-the-question-that-captured-concerns/news-story/fc521d791be71a3fd27e4e1dd15441a7
- … including a taxi driver confrontation www.abc.net.au/news/2017-03-17/uber-tim-nicholls-confronted-taxi-driver-lnp-queensland-tour/8362798
  Deputy Opposition Leader Deb Frecklingon
Opposition attacks tourism performance www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/qlds-tourism-numbers-not-good-enough-lnp/news-story/f43cf3ea14a31b05801251272f1e7258
- … but see two articles below under “Economy and Infrastructure”
Liberal-National Party attacks speed of Government Spit planning www.theaustralian.com.au/news/latest-news/lnp-attacks-qld-govt-on-slow-spit-plan/news-story/498d47aba43c7b935dc714f9b4b5b316
Liberal-National Party promises to bring back “royalties for regions” www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/news/deputy-opposition-leader-deb-frecklington-announces-pledge-to-bring-back-royalties-for-regions/news-story/7f089c4d0d5036b24f298d50d6b1cd76
Katter’s Australian Party thinks they can win six seats in Queensland State Election www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/news/bob-katter-confident-of-katters-australia-party-surge-in-queensland-election/news-story/d9ab043732a47d63af8dce09400493c6
Liberal-National Party refuses to rule out One Nation Party preference deal www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/wa-election-one-nation-preference-deal-still-on-table-for-queensland-lnp/news-story/0b58a9d71da89b8816c200f34d5d0c8a

Politics

CFMEU Secretary not to be prosecuted in spite of Murdoch media campaign** www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/dpp-rejects-suggestion-of-political-meddling-in-michael-ravbar-case/news-story/af6578bb8d7b1f987e3cd4dc20b7b10d
Courier Mail again pressing fruitlessly for an early election www.couriermail.com.au/news/opinion/opinion-time-is-right-for-queensland-premier-annastacia-palaszczuk-to-call-election/news-story/3383cd3277fe875ca9b9c5605013eb73
Election campaigning already www.abc.net.au/news/2017-03-13/political-leaders-in-the-spotlight-ahead-of-state-poll/8350066
One Nation Party role at the next Queensland election www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/the-role-one-nation-will-play-in-the-queensland-as-deal-with-wa-libs-fizzles-20170313-guwrq8.html
Nicholls says Turnbull needs to “get Queensland” www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/western-australia-election-tim-nicholls-has-warning-for-malcolm-turnbull/news-story/d6a25557920ebaa99574a2978cf81599
More Western Australia election fallout:
- … The impact in Queensland of One Nation Party www.abc.net.au/news/2017-03-13/what-does-one-nation-wa-election-flop-mean-for-qld-parties/8348846
- … delayed election to allow One Nation Party to implode? www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/wa-aftermath-labor-to-delay-queensland-state-election-in-hope-one-nation-implodes-20170313-guwwki.html
- … Pauline Hanson reviewing strategy www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/pauline-hanson-thrilled-with-result-but-reviewing-one-nation-strategy/news-story/640e086bc3a729380cfab3394b00bf21

Community

Community support for apartment smoking ban www.mygc.com.au/queenslanders-support-calls-ban-smoking-apartments-balconies/
Black lung and silicosis – successive State Governments may have mismanaged www.msn.com/en-au/lifestyle/smart-living/queensland-government-accused-over-black-lung-scandal/vp-AAondcF

Economy and Infrastructure

90% of Queensland in drought www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/latest-declarations-reveal-almost-90-per-cent-of-queensland-now-in-drought/news-story/302b8b0a5f9d618302e62c05286e7050
Adani mine approval remains a live issue www.indialivetoday.com/adani-group-get-queensland-governments-committment-16-5-billion-carmichael-mine-project-galilee-basin/137416.html
Queensland unemployment rises www.9news.com.au/national/2017/03/17/03/33/qld-jobs-figures-to-turn-around-treasurer
- … having plateaued after falling from early 2016 http://queenslandeconomywatch.com/2017/03/17/qld-economy-not-generating-enough-jobs-for-uni-vet-school-leavers/
White spot disease spreads, seafood export bans in place www.fis.com/fis/worldnews/worldnews.asp?l=e&country=0&special=&monthyear=&day=&id=90599
Record visitor numbers, says Government www.mygc.com.au/record-number-international-visitors-queensland/
- … but see above under “Opposition and Crossbench”
More action on Townsville’s water security www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/news/frustrating-inaction-over-townsvilles-water-security/news-story/5b9a5cf8d1f6e4af08fde10079d83044

Parliament

Queensland’s Parliament sits this week, from Tuesday 21 March to Thursday 23 March
The Queensland Parliament’s summary of what’s new, including newly-introduced and passed legislation, is here www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/whats-new
Both chambers of the Federal Parliament also sit this week, from Monday 20 March to Thursday 23 March

Sleeper Issues?

Prisons massively over-crowded www.frasercoastchronicle.com.au/news/queensland-prisons-overcrowded/3153671/

* We’re not representing that this is a complete coverage of news in Queensland – it certainly isn’t, and it’s what we find interesting or important, and sometimes what’s unusual. Some of the links will require subscriptions to read content.

** Anyone who thinks Michael Ravbar is a friend of the Premier is wrong; anyone who claims that, without believing it, is a liar.

Posted in Election, Opposition, Opposition Leader, Parliament, Policy, Political tactics, Politics, Premier, Queensland, queensland economy, Queensland Government, State Government, Voting

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Tags: Adani, Annastacia Palaszczuk, one nation, pauline hanson, Tim Nicholls

Last Week in Queensland – 13 March 2017

Mar 13

Posted by Mike Smith

Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls built better media coverage, until former Premier Newman crashed it for him, while the Government released their plan to fix Queensland Rail, last week in Queensland*.

Governing

Proposed subcontractor protections criticised by industry www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/palaszczuk-governments-building-reforms-come-under-fire-from-construction-industry-peak-bodies/news-story/8865be7fc751032f85491b12b6c18184
How much are Ministerial offices costing? www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-ministerial-offices-spent-more-than-17-million-in-six-months-20170310-guv551.html
Government releases action plan to fix Queensland Rail www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/new-queensland-rail-boss-named/news-story/7ff86e59dd1cac1652b16e8bfdfd1b57 and www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/fixing-the-trains-what-will-happen-in-first-100-days-of-govt-strike-plan-20170308-guthqt.html
Stock route management proposals to be amended? www.abc.net.au/news/2017-03-09/government-told-to-go-back-to-the-drawing-board-on-stock-routes/8339530
Premier’s trade mission to Singapore and Europe www.9news.com.au/national/2017/03/09/03/33/qld-premier-off-to-london-to-see-the-queen

Opposition and Crossbench

Current & past LNP Leaders, Nicholls & Newman

Tim Nicholls’ plan to lead www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/tim-nicholls-five-priorities-six-key-drivers-fivepoint-plan-to-lead/news-story/ba22a90a6d5c49dee389f5cd28a58e81 and http://thewest.com.au/politics/nicholls-makes-case-to-be-next-qld-premier-ng-s-1688232
Liberal-National Party’s Townsville forum www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/news/opposition-leader-wants-all-voters-to-have-a-say-at-forum-in-townsville/news-story/2d5df6e6e96ea8603786ca7fc9976b68
- … and Townsville promises www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/news/dams-and-jobs-for-townsville-under-lnp-government/news-story/3e917cae0fe8719d904b3a56fca2e488
Former Premier won’t let Tim Nicholls off the hook for past policy leadership www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/mar/08/campbell-newman-hits-back-as-tim-nicholls-says-sorry-for-mistakes-of-the-past and www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/03/08/qld-leaders-pitch-voters-ahead-poll

Politics

Western Australia election fallout, relevant to Queensland?
- … Should the Liberal-National Party do a deal with One Nation Party? www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/liberals-poorly-misjudged-the-anger-with-voters-over-its-deal-with-one-nation-20170312-guw8ug.html
  - … the impact of that deal in WA www.couriermail.com.au/business/work/western-australian-state-election-2017-results-labor-looks-to-topple-the-coalition-following-controversial-one-nation-deal/news-story/1cff6a9875f480af597c783cdb753fa1
- … GST policy pronouncements could hurt One Nation Party in Queensland www.skynews.com.au/news/politics/state/2017/03/09/hanson-criticised-for-qld-gst-stance.html
- … has One Nation or Pauline Hanson matured? www.couriermail.com.au/news/opinion/party-games-who-said-pauline-hanson-had-matured/news-story/950c775018db8ab264c5acfcf4707a47
- … One Nation Party deals criticised by LNP elder statesman www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/mar/07/voters-will-desert-coalition-if-deals-done-with-one-nation-former-nationals-senator-warns
- … Is One Nation still viable in Queensland? www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/one-nation-still-viable-in-queesland-experts-20170312-guw9u1.html
  Energy Minister Mark Bailey
Government attacks Murdoch media and Liberal-National Party for renewables scare tactics http://reneweconomy.com.au/queensland-govt-slaps-lnp-murdoch-renewable-scares-43765/
- … such as this editorial www.theaustralian.com.au/opinion/editorials/disregard-for-reliable-energy/news-story/e6fb509b6de56dd56fa51bb2a1de3a78
Liberal-National Party won’t change Queensland leadership, say insiders www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/tim-nicholls-will-lead-lnp-to-next-election-says-senior-insider/news-story/79a2f3d151e39bab6998f553d7fafa58

Economy and Infrastructure

Townsville: stadium vs. water supply http://queenslandeconomywatch.com/2017/03/07/townsville-getting-250m-super-stadium-but-running-out-of-water/
Elton John – coming to NQ
Big international performers boosting the Queensland economy www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/international-acts-bring-big-bucks-to-queensland-economy/news-story/1d85c3e32642d27e95649221a4ba802e
Penalty rates protests closed dozens of building sites www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/unions-illegal-protest-against-penalty-rate-cuts-cost-queensland-economy-8-million/news-story/470e257244e94a94d2fd15bf068b923d
- … as the Liberal-National Party labels Queensland Australia’s “strike capital” http://au.news.yahoo.com/qld/a/34613814/qld-the-strike-capital-of-australia-lnp/
Gas exploration domestic reservation policy seen as positive www.afr.com/business/energy/gas/energyaustralia-backs-qlds-domestic-exploration-move-20170309-guufqb
… anticipating future gas shortages www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/power-shortage-states-should-consider-queensland-gas-solution/news-story/c0c0ff62be1feb2f4b3d5385b676a2bd
Government labels new coal fired power stations irrational www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/new-coalfired-power-stations-for-queensland-not-rational-state-government-says/news-story/ed92e8a3cbc0af7e4045933a09d69a5c
Great Barrier Reef might yet be listed as “in danger” www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/queensland-to-plead-over-unesco-in-danger-listing-for-great-barrier-reef/news-story/47c0e70a3b987b82341a33aede07c019
- … as Government releases proposals for enhanced protection www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/state-moves-to-improve-great-barrier-reef/news-story/b419a0d10fce5a1fff759fef2c1e99f4
“Experts” continue to urge Queensland public asset sales http://sourceable.net/expert-urges-queensland-to-sell-assets-to-fund-infrastructure/
Can the Gold Coast’s Spit project be completed? www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/gold-coast/main-beach-residents-call-on-premier-annastacia-palaszczuk-to-ensure-gold-coast-subbies-wont-be-placed-in-financial-difficulty/news-story/88cef3cca7f359ab4bf8bb1615782bed
Large-scale solar projects moving forward http://reneweconomy.com.au/queensland-govt-underwrites-98mw-of-large-scale-solar-farms-13862/

Parliament

Queensland Parliament, early 20th century

Queensland’s Parliament will next sit from Tuesday 21 March to Thursday 23 March
The Queensland Parliament’s summary of what’s new, including newly-introduced and passed legislation, is here www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/whats-new
Both chambers of the Federal Parliament next sit from Monday 20 March to Thursday 23 March

Sleeper Issues?

Strata Law review won’t be simple or tidy www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/opinion-queensland-strata-law-review-must-consider-rights-of-the-vulnerable-elderly/news-story/477fd627aed6d81287c897a0e2aaa7db
Parliamentary email used for fundraising www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/second-email-fail-electorate-letterhead-used-to-solicit-funds/news-story/86ea34a0448b17500c11db246dd612ad

* We’re not representing that this is a complete coverage of news in Queensland – it certainly isn’t, and it’s what we find interesting or important, and sometimes what’s unusual. Some of the links will require subscriptions to read content.

Posted in Opposition Leader, Parliament, Policy, Political tactics, Politics, Premier, Queensland, queensland economy, Queensland Government, State Government

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Tags: Campbell Newman, mark bailey, one nation, pauline hanson, queensland rail, Tim Nicholls

Last Week in Queensland – Monday 6 March 2017

Mar 6

Posted by Mike Smith

Ministerial private email use, the rise of One Nation, electoral district redistribution fallout, and withdrawal of abortion law reform bills, drowned out dodgy trains, and the unwinding of lock-out laws, last week in Queensland*.

Governing

Palaszczuk stands by embattled Minister Bailey www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/palaszczuk-stands-by-bailey-as-lnp-pushes-pub-test-rule/news-story/7a699be82cf7a46743a31c7d5d9e3aa2
- … who is forced to reactivate his private email account www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/probe-forces-energy-minister-mark-bailey-to-reactivate-private-email/news-story/9aed5b317275e6b4843703f8e0904c4b
Lock-out laws reversed www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queenslands-lockout-laws-scrapped-latenight-permits-halved-20170302-gupag8.html

Mark Bailey, Minister for Energy et al

Opposition and Crossbench

Opposition harrying Minister Bailey to resign www.9news.com.au/national/2017/03/03/10/08/calls-for-bailey-to-resign-over-emails
- … as they reveal Ministerial staff using private emails too www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/queensland-ministers-using-personal-email-for-official-business/news-story/9cd5e703f952fdc5344e9332484fb8b5
Jeff Seeney’s, former Deputy Premier’s, retirement announced www.abc.net.au/news/2017-03-03/one-nation-threat-callide-rises-qld-lnp-mp-jeff-seeney-bows-out/8320922
David Crisafulli, full of leadership ambition, to return to Parliament? www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/david-crisafulli-shaping-as-queenslands-next-conservative-premier/news-story/3a495170bad30070e720974c4ae107e6

Politics

Labor’s response to One Nation Party www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/era-of-discontent-upon-us-warns-premier-annastacia-palaszczuk/news-story/36793284ea0770e5bb4459061bf75c77
Redistribution pushes Miles to Murrumba www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/moreton/labor-minister-chooses-kallangur-as-base-of-operations/news-story/6638e27c9e195bf7c0e2bdee40cf961a
Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls

One Nation Party contemplating victory in Queensland www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/dickson-ready-for-one-nation-government/3150565/
Liberal-National Party convenes emergency meeting in Queensland to counter rise of One Nation Party www.abc.net.au/news/2017-03-02/lnp-call-emergency-meeting-as-one-nation-surge-spooks-party/8318074
- … or does it? www.9news.com.au/national/2017/03/03/13/33/lnp-meeting-not-about-one-nation-nicholls
- … and if they are, is this why? www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-27/lnp-and-one-nation-tie-in-polls-in-qld-seat-of-dawson/8304818
Call to demerge Liberal and National Parties in Queensland www.afr.com/news/call-to-undo-liberals-nationals-coalition-to-fend-off-one-nation-20170227-gump8d
- … but Deputy Prime Minister says “no” www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/were-one-happy-family-say-lnp-mps/news-story/abaf2eab4463464d5b92f4c10c55396e
Economic analysis of the rise of One Nation Party www.theaustralian.com.au/news/pwc-modelling-reveals-one-nation-split-into-haves-and-have-nots/news-story/4cefff3976f517e07e85f14d7b480a8c
Labor commences candidate selection process www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/logan/alp-preselection-process-starts-for-jordan-macalister/news-story/498a8c0dd315a1ca527a96dc149133e5
Peter Dutton making a move on Malcolm Turnbull? www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/conservative-powerbrokers-mathias-cormann-and-peter-dutton-in-secret-morning-talks/news-story/552603182a3669782f636e4e50f08b4b

Rob Pyne MP for Cairns – moved abortion law reform bill

Community

Out of date housing data impedes planning www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/trad-agrees-queensland-needs-a-housing-supply-council-to-stop-housing-shortfalls-20170303-guq9g8.html
Abortion law reform bills withdrawn www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/queensland-abortion-laws-decriminalisation-off-the-table-as-reform-bills-withdrawn/news-story/5bf26a34255d6f2bd4545d5682d22dc6
Palm Island appeal dropped by Government www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-28/appeal-dropped-palm-island-riots-court-ruling-qld-government/8310044
Prosecutors seek more staff www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/crime-and-justice/queensland-director-of-public-prosecutions-in-plea-for-more-staff/news-story/2a16669e626b1d231d96afe418a64c36

Economy and Infrastructure

Sugar dispute resolution in sight? www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/news/dawson-mp-george-christensen-to-push-for-code-of-conduct-on-sugar/news-story/591b6021b53f22561aea5b1bbab27361
- … as Feds threaten intervention www.abc.net.au/news/2017-03-02/coalition-sugar-announcement/8317554
AGL’s Dalby wind farm passes environmental test www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/wind-farm-big-enough-to-power-240000-to-be-built-near-dalby-20170303-gupybr.html
Rolling stock order halted over concerns at design flaws http://au.news.yahoo.com/qld/a/34529987/qld-govt-halts-train-orders-over-flaws/
Government chasing $1.2 bn in unpaid fines www.9news.com.au/national/2017/03/02/17/08/qld-govt-owed-1-2-billion-in-unpaid-fines
Cheap power demanded for Gladstone www.cqnews.com.au/news/major-concern-cheap-power-vital-for-gladstones-big/3148663/
Cross River Rail delayed by changing plans, political intransigence? www.thecourier.com.au/story/4496406/senior-bureaucrat-puts-cross-river-rail-delay-at-feet-of-newman-government/
Economist Gene Tunny, author of Qld Economy Watch

State of the Queensland economy www.couriermail.com.au/news/opinion/opinion-how-queensland-economy-is-tracking/news-story/ed0df216b64e432fb6dbcba2ab1fb434
- … including a fantastic December quarter http://queenslandeconomywatch.com/2017/03/01/fantastic-december-quarter-result-for-qld-economy/
- … though residential construction may have peaked http://queenslandeconomywatch.com/2017/03/02/residential-construction-at-peak-in-current-cycle-in-qld/
Brisbane Metro proposals upgraded www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/brisbane-metro-plan-overhauled-to-include-two-lines-instead-of-one/news-story/3e28ae5ff20760639a128695d6fb47f4

Federal Parliament House

Parliament

Queensland’s Parliament sat last week from Tuesday 28 February to Thursday 2 March, now has two weeks off, and will sit again from Tuesday 21 March to Thursday 23 March
The Queensland Parliament’s summary of what’s new, including newly-introduced and passed legislation, is here www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/whats-new
The House of Representatives sits alone last week, from Monday 27 February to Thursday 2 March, now has two weeks off, and then both chambers of the Federal Parliament next sit from Monday 20 March to Thursday 23 March

* We’re not representing that this is a complete coverage of news in Queensland – it certainly isn’t, and it’s what we find interesting or important, and sometimes what’s unusual. Some of the links will require subscriptions to read content.

Posted in Ethical Consulting, Opposition, Opposition Leader, Parliament, Policy, Political tactics, Politics, Premier, Queensland, queensland economy, Queensland Government, State Government

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Tags: abortion, mark bailey, private email account, steven miles

Last Week in Queensland – 6 February 2017

Feb 6

Posted by Mike Smith

Dreadful family violence stories and the new US President, marginalised other news in Queensland, but Pauline Hanson’s One Nation Party made plenty of news, as did impending changes at Queensland Rail.

Governing

Premier rules out governing with One Nation Party www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/premier-annastacia-palaszczuk-rules-out-governing-deal-with-one-nation/news-story/c8e8fb0c4fc254151c01b084bd7e974a
Major Queensland Rail changes anticipated this coming week http://au.news.yahoo.com/qld/a/34328504/qld-premier-to-meet-with-qr-probe-chief/#page1 and www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/queensland-rail-more-heads-to-roll-as-independent-review-concludes/news-story/ca52ae5ae59c5f20c0d7aeed28346978
Government rules out expanding home-owner grant www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/first-homeowner-grant-treasuer-curtis-pitt-rules-out-extending-it/news-story/5b4572949a52f2bea394107dcd7ac93e
Internal Government tension over discrimination appeal www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/feb/03/palaszczuk-government-faced-internal-revolt-over-palm-island-appeal
Government-Owned Corporation dividends confirmed returning to region www.cqnews.com.au/news/revealed-64m-dividends-flow-back-gladstone/3138744/
Police Minister Mark Ryan
Domestic violence law reform under consideration www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/crime-and-justice/queensland-bail-review-could-see-onus-placed-on-accused/news-story/1a54a0dba362ccf3281460991596d53c and www.9news.com.au/national/2017/02/01/11/41/palaszczuk-considering-bail-overhaul
- … but see below under “Opposition and Crossbench”
Vouchers for families to get kids into sport www.9news.com.au/national/2017/02/01/16/33/government-offers-150-vouchers-for-queensland-kids-to-get-into-sport
Auditor notes health budget over-runs www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queenslands-hospital-and-health-services-posts-46-million-deficit-in-past-financial-year/news-story/84fc91ff1a0f0dd0e2dc1757b6d78aa9
Revised Information and Communication Technology strategy under development www.technologydecisions.com.au/content/gov-tech-review/news/queensland-to-launch-new-ict-strategy-717892027#axzz4Xo7eY5mu

Opposition and Crossbench

Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls

Opposition steals Government’s thunder on bail reform www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-05/domestic-violence-murder-victim-teresa-bradford-lnp-bail-laws/8242526 vs www.9news.com.au/national/2017/02/02/20/21/plans-underway-to-tighten-bail-laws-across-queensland-following-death-of-teresa-bradford
One Nation Party’s policy proposals, with particular Queensland focus www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/hansons-blueprint-for-australia-under-one-nation/news-story/84b647417dec44e42ff580a22f622b4c
John-Paul Langbroek to repay expenses claimed www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-02/hookers-john-paul-langbroek-vows-to-repay-hotel-costs/8235924
Opposition’s crime policies released in regional Queensland www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/news/opposition-leader-tim-nicholls-pledges-to-bring-back-tough-approach-to-young-criminals/news-story/38c208d0498462e66df2cf986a692706
Opposition Leader won’t rule out a deal with One Nation Party www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/lnpone-nation-deal-not-off-the-table-but-labor-rules-it-out/news-story/96828fd450aecc56dbb2865e61944e61

Politics

One Nation Party surging in Central Queensland www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/labor-struggling-to-slow-one-nations-momentum-in-regional-queensland/news-story/0327b94af2aa6ed01623cadcec479650
Labor’s close vetting of candidates http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/suitability-panel-tests-alp-candidates-with-more-extensive-background-checks/news-story/6b7d1eb697c8f4c8bb2a8fd31ec83cd6
Greens say they expect to win seats at next State Election www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/queensland-politics-greens-expect-to-pick-up-four-seats-at-next-election/news-story/83f77d838927191abcab77b8a2776438
Fourth Liberal-National Party member defects to One Nation Party www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/jan/31/fourth-queensland-lnp-member-michael-pucci-defects-to-one-nation

Community

Defence land acquisitions in NQ and FNQ cause ongoing confusion www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/defence/defence-grab-for-moore-brothersinarms-queensland-farm/news-story/93985edf646bbcaf375780cbbe9e69f4
Greens press for city and high rise schools www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/greens-want-government-incentives-to-motivate-private-sector-on-city-schools-20170202-gu4dxi.html

Economy and Infrastructure

Federal Urban Infrastructure Minister Paul Fletcher

Native title court ruling threatens Adani and other developments www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/news/adanis-carmichael-mine-in-doubt-after-shock-court-decision/news-story/d35b55a936d8e19d4cad85a16eb9dbf6
Brisbane’s Cross-River Rail derailed by Federal positioning www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/federal-government-rejects-city-crossriver-rail-network-project/news-story/161a647b4f1c5464b72f6c004d521195
Brisbane residential market less likely than Melbourne to see ongoing extreme stress http://queenslandeconomywatch.com/2017/02/02/brisbane-unit-values-fell-nearly-3-on-average-over-12-months-to-end-of-january/

Parliament

Queensland’s Parliament sits next week, from Tuesday 14 February to Thursday 16 February
Federal Parliament House
The Queensland Parliament’s summary of what’s new, including newly-introduced and passed legislation, is here www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/whats-new
Federal Parliament sits this week, from Tuesday 7 February to Thursday 9 February

Sleeper Issues?

Complaint to Crime and Corruption Commission over data leak www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/complaint-to-crime-and-corruption-commission-qld-over-alleged-councillor-domestic-violence-data-leak/news-story/adb48cf44c28101d24b61c8db92cdf71
Digital hospital rollouts see massive budget overrun www.pulseitmagazine.com.au/australian-ehealth/3570-queensland-s-digital-hospital-roll-outs-blow-their-budgets
Union taskforce axed www.couriermail.com.au/news/opinion/state-labor-government-must-not-stop-trade-union-joint-police-taskforce-from-doing-its-job-for-hardworking-queenslanders/news-story/f1acc0f333dc23d7159233f983c50744

* We’re not representing that this is a complete coverage of news in Queensland – it certainly isn’t, and it’s what we find interesting or important, and sometimes what’s unusual. Some of the links will require subscriptions to read content.

Posted in Australian Government, Commonwealth Government, Federal Government, Opposition, Opposition Leader, Parliament, Policy, Political tactics, Queensland, queensland economy, Queensland Government, State Government, Strategy, Tactics, Women

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Tags: domestic violence, family violence, queensland rail, Tim Nicholls

Last Week in Queensland – 30 January 2017

Jan 30

Posted by Mike Smith

Significant changes to lockout laws were announced, the State economy picked up, domestic gas reservation got industry excited, and the Federal Government seemed intent on usurping the State Opposition’s role, last week in Queensland*.

Governing

Government modifies lockout laws www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-23/lockout-laws-in-queensland-wound-back/8205374
- … and is attacked for it www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-24/lockout-laws-queensland-government-rejects-claims-of-influence/8209320
New specialist youth Court for North Queensland www.9news.com.au/national/2017/01/27/12/17/new-north-qld-court-to-curb-youth-crime
Australia’s first clinical guidelines for medical marijuana www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/qld-gets-medicinal-cannabis-guidelines/news-story/4ae79ef6091353d1a1906438e46b5609
New South Wales/Queensland cross-border collaboration agreement struck www.tweedvalleyweekly.net.au/tweed-set-benefit-cross-border-collaboration/
Queensland Treasury Corporation adopts new integrated finance, risk, and reporting platform www.waterstechnology.com/sell-side-technology/news/2480869/queensland-treasury-corporation-opts-for-wolters-kluwer-for-reporting
Queensland Government’s unusual approach to domestic gas reservation www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/alarm-as-queensland-moves-to-reserve-gas-for-domestic-use/news-story/0892812d006eba5597e7db9d12491f35
Defence meeting demanded over military land acquisition www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/defence-facility-plan-concerns-qld-govt/news-story/cc2f874dd894f2c6bf6cc4741b439fec
- … and see below under “Politics”
Cabinet meeting in Rockhampton www.chinchillanews.com.au/news/state-cabinet-to-meet-in-rockhampton-next-week/3135409/
Growth in public sector numbers criticised www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/palaszczuk-government-appoints-bloats-public-sector-with-bureaucrats-and-media-spinners-despite-need-for-frontline-workers/news-story/29441040e5d8bf1be681f77a9bf4b802

Opposition and Crossbench

Opposition demands election date – one year early www.9news.com.au/national/2017/01/29/03/32/calls-for-palaszczuk-to-set-qld-poll-date

Politics

Federal Government accuses Queensland Government of going soft on union corruption www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/queensland-police-withdrew-from-union-taskforce-due-to-resourcing/news-story/6944af395309e5cc6ce6ebba8df8e695
Federal Government attacks Queensland Government over review of Townsville military base expansion www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-lnp-senator-blasts-palaszczuk-government-over-townsville-military-base-expansion-review/news-story/0e1dc1eda730645e3fde558f98386cda
One Nation Party says they’re ready to do a deal with anyone www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/defector-steve-dickson-will-do-deals-with-anyone/news-story/cad48a1168b24542ead4e32cecdcdbc4
Taxi Council builds election fund as Government considers improving their offer to industry www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-25/qld-taxi-council-builds-fund-ahead-of-state-election/8210244
Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls
One Nation Party loses yet another candidate www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/pauline-hansons-one-nation-dumps-candidate-peter-rogers-over-website/news-story/8ae335da52e01999985e66163d545ca6
Courier Mail on Saturday profiled Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls with plenty of nice pics – but we can’t find a link to it – sorry

Community

Queensland property half the price of Sydney www.domain.com.au/news/house-price-disparity-between-sydney-and-brisbane-set-to-spur-northern-migration-20170126-gtz0hj/
Government’s Palm Island appeal decision angers indigenous leaders www.9news.com.au/national/2017/01/25/16/13/gordon-slams-qld-govt-palm-island-appeal

Economy and Infrastructure

Queensland economy starting to pick up www.couriermail.com.au/business/queensland-economy-commsec-report-shows-state-is-finally-on-the-move/news-story/8d50169491876f5061a9737891af3e91
Economist Gene Tunny, author of Qld Economy Watch
- … analysed by Gene Tunny http://queenslandeconomywatch.com/2017/01/23/commsec-highlights-importance-of-residential-construction-to-qld-economy/
  - … as Queensland falls behind on “league table” www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/state-of-the-states-queensland-economy-jumped-by-tasmania-20170122-gtwkyn.html
Emergency assistance for Queensland prawn farmers www.9news.com.au/national/2017/01/26/16/34/emergency-assistance-for-qld-prawn-farmers
Queensland bids for boxing match www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/01/29/qld-govt-formally-bids-pacquiao-bout
Argy-bargy over proposed new Styx Coal Project near Rockhampton http://m.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/clive-palmer-threatens-qld-premier-over-cq-coal-mi/3135016/

Parliament

Queensland’s Parliament next sits from Tuesday 14 February to Thursday 16 February
The Queensland Parliament’s summary of what’s new, including newly-introduced and passed legislation, is here www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/whats-new
Federal Parliament next sits from Tuesday 7 February to Thursday 9 February

Sleeper Issues?

Mark Bailey, Minister for Energy et al

Major city infrastructure to be funded? www.qt.com.au/news/trad-vows-to-champion-our-major-city-projects/3135356/
Ongoing fallout from use of private email accounts www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/mark-bailey-refuses-to-release-emails-on-super-fund-merger/news-story/1030135156c9f0cf7f077690a4bc28d1
Queensland’s biosecurity questioned www.couriermail.com.au/business/white-spot-prawn-disease-farmers-fury-at-failure-to-test-imports/news-story/8784dad2cc5edbf9b328fba6b1ce4738
Courier Mail campaigning hard on union disclosures issue www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/palaszczuk-government-stands-by-its-decision-to-roll-back-newman-governments-union-disclosure-laws/news-story/b0e186edf671a2e60c95b4eb01e92a52
Slow start to checking electoral allegations www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/queensland-electoral-body-failed-to-probe-political-donations/news-story/3f60334bd36020890d6c3303682a6952

* We’re not representing that this is a complete coverage of news in Queensland – it certainly isn’t, and it’s what we find interesting or important, and sometimes what’s unusual. Some of the links will require subscriptions to read content.

Posted in Opposition, Opposition Leader, Policy, Political tactics, Politics, Premier, Queensland, queensland economy, Queensland Government, State Government

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Tags: Annastacia Palaszczuk, domestic gas reservation, lockout laws, Tim Nicholls

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Politics

Community

Economy and Infrastructure

Parliament

Sleeper Issues?

Governing

Opposition and Crossbench

Politics

Community

Economy and Infrastructure

Parliament

Sleeper Issues?

Governing

Opposition and Crossbench

Politics

Community

Economy and Infrastructure

Parliament

Sleeper Issues?

* We’re not representing that this is a complete coverage of news in Queensland – it certainly isn’t, and it’s what we find interesting or important, and sometimes what’s unusual. Some of the links will require subscriptions to read content.

Governing

Opposition and Crossbench

Politics

Community

Economy and Infrastructure

Parliament

* We’re not representing that this is a complete coverage of news in Queensland – it certainly isn’t, and it’s what we find interesting or important, and sometimes what’s unusual. Some of the links will require subscriptions to read content.

Governing

Opposition and Crossbench

Politics

Community

Economy and Infrastructure

Parliament

Sleeper Issues?

* We’re not representing that this is a complete coverage of news in Queensland – it certainly isn’t, and it’s what we find interesting or important, and sometimes what’s unusual. Some of the links will require subscriptions to read content.

Governing

Opposition and Crossbench

Politics

Community

Economy and Infrastructure

Parliament

Sleeper Issues?

* We’re not representing that this is a complete coverage of news in Queensland – it certainly isn’t, and it’s what we find interesting or important, and sometimes what’s unusual. Some of the links will require subscriptions to read content.

** Anyone who thinks Michael Ravbar is a friend of the Premier is wrong; anyone who claims that, without believing it, is a liar.

Governing

Opposition and Crossbench

Politics

Economy and Infrastructure

Parliament

Sleeper Issues?

* We’re not representing that this is a complete coverage of news in Queensland – it certainly isn’t, and it’s what we find interesting or important, and sometimes what’s unusual. Some of the links will require subscriptions to read content.

Governing

Opposition and Crossbench

Politics

Community

Economy and Infrastructure

Parliament

* We’re not representing that this is a complete coverage of news in Queensland – it certainly isn’t, and it’s what we find interesting or important, and sometimes what’s unusual. Some of the links will require subscriptions to read content.

Governing

Opposition and Crossbench

Politics

Community

Economy and Infrastructure

Parliament

Sleeper Issues?

* We’re not representing that this is a complete coverage of news in Queensland – it certainly isn’t, and it’s what we find interesting or important, and sometimes what’s unusual. Some of the links will require subscriptions to read content.

Governing

Opposition and Crossbench

Politics

Community

Economy and Infrastructure

Parliament

Sleeper Issues?

* We’re not representing that this is a complete coverage of news in Queensland – it certainly isn’t, and it’s what we find interesting or important, and sometimes what’s unusual. Some of the links will require subscriptions to read content.