Last Week in Queensland – 3 July 2017

The value of the Great Barrier Reef, a boxing match, and Gordon Nuttall’s superannuation dominated news* last week in Queensland.

 

Governing

• Premier defends Attorney General over youth detention review www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/premier-annastacia-palaszczuk-defends-attorneygenerals-handling-of-youth-detention-review/news-story/104b635e4d035185e5e0a13c1989f7c7
• Reaction against new scanner laws www.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-01/queensland-nightclub-identification-laws-explained/8667818
• Taskforce checking building products www.9news.com.au/health/2017/07/01/03/32/qld-investigates-sub-par-building-supplies
• Blueprint takes shape for whole-of-government federated identity system www.itnews.com.au/news/queensland-has-built-a-federated-identity-blueprint-466465
  

  Premier Palaszczuk

   

• New Integrity Commissioner announced www.9news.com.au/national/2017/06/29/17/24/queensland-appoints-integrity-commissioner
• Queensland announces world’s longest electric vehicle highway http://reneweconomy.com.au/worlds-longest-electric-vehicle-super-highway-revs-up-92841/
• Disgraced former Minister to repay 25% of pension funds http://au.news.yahoo.com/qld/a/36195650/nuttall-ordered-to-pay-govt-about-400k/
• “Problem trains” service commencement date unknown www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/rollout-of-qrs-problem-trains-delayed-to-before-the-games-20170628-gx0ij0.html
• Ongoing demands to reduce public servant numbers www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/cuts-needed-to-save-budget-as-queensland-public-service-employee-expenses-blow-out/news-story/5253b0c99796c02877964febae06e424

 

Opposition and Crossbench

Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls

• Liberal-National Party reserves it’s Far North Queensland funding promises www.cairnspost.com.au/business/tim-nicholls-refuses-preelection-funding-pledges-for-far-north/news-story/3430a8983029e12711e9a872fd96bcdc
  • … but promises to fix South-East Queensland rail problems www.qt.com.au/news/nicholls-promises-to-fix-the-rail-chaos/3195665/
• Opposition Leader touring the north www.cairnspost.com.au/news/cairns/opposition-leader-tim-nicholls-touches-down-in-cairns/news-story/0d3720d466da05660092e3b58250155f
• One Nation Party will fund school chaplaincy www.news-mail.com.au/news/one-nation-vows-fund-school-chaplaincy-programs/3194368/

 

Politics

• Liberal-National Party canvasses voter views on preference deal with One Nation Party www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/lnp-canvass-one-nation-preference-deal-in-phone-poll/news-story/b7cc56b1230095741346a0b033c54108
  • … as Tim Nicholls declines to rule out working with One Nation www.9news.com.au/national/2017/06/26/11/20/one-nation-could-decide-next-qld-election
• … and the One Nation Party vote holds up in latest polling www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/newspoll-queensland-one-nation-vote-unaffected-by-paulines-perils/news-story/d0bd33e18f05a986ff78266a529dddec
• Not sure why it is news again, but the election due by May next year hasn’t been called yet www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/no-election-date-for-queensland-yet/news-story/5e3b75be23c94f5948afe5a50d9b0351

 

Community

• State Government charges up from 1 July www.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-01/queenslanders-brace-higher-costs-and-fees-from-july-1/8668882
• Ongoing attacks on parole decisions www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-parole-new-fulltime-board-aims-to-address-prison-overcrowding/news-story/a3ba9d8e189e1c051d7228196d4baab7
  • … and the chief Magistrate is unconcerned about Bail Act changes www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/judge-is-ok-with-tougher-bail-law/news-story/b7c1b6768020787ae1e5c0cfcc72fc82
• Census 2016: where Queensland is changing www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/census-2016-queensland-population-booms-in-buderim-surfers-paradise-and-caloundra/news-story/d1f8700d38bf0fb3da9412c9863518a
  • … where Queensland is earning www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/single-atheist-and-making-money-how-brisbane-compares-20170627-gwzc3h.html
  • … and changes in Queensland’s population trends http://queenslandeconomywatch.com/2017/06/29/population-growth-queenslands-recent-slump-guest-post-from-alistair-robson/

 

Economy and Infrastructure

• New economic analysis of the viability of the Adani mine www.tai.org.au/node/3727
• Direct Guangzhou – Darwin flights from December www.ntnews.com.au/news/national/china-southern-airlines-flies-guangzhou-to-cairns-from-dec/news-story/f56694469d64b4bd74a0d8f6fdcb0d7e
• Financial fallout from Pacquiao-Horn fight www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/battle-of-brisbane-turns-into-a-goldmine-for-pacquiao-and-horn/news-story/a0254d6853895fac9dddc53847d5bd0a
• QSuper loses public servant superannuation monopoly www.couriermail.com.au/business/super-funds-eye-public-servant-nest-eggs-as-qsuper-loses-monopoly/news-story/3b1aac84966265e3d2fa9bc866c79e2a
• Water Security Taskforce to recommend Townsville pipeline duplication www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/news/new-pipeline-to-fix-townsvilles-water-crisis/news-story/fa5f51fff3daadee25e0aad523060ed3
• Great Barrier Reef benefits and value tallied www.governmentnews.com.au/2017/06/coal-coral-queensland-government-undecided/
  • … and compared with Adani mine www.theaustralian.com.au/news/latest-news/the-reef-vs-adanis-mine-in-numbers/news-story/9775e29f51c0b02262a3a41875ecee17
• Queensland Investment Corporation might invest in Galilee coal www.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-27/queensland-government-finance-body-in-talks-fund-galilee-coal/8655786
• Government requests delay in Acland closure decision www.triplem.com.au/news/darling-downs/request-for-delay-in-the-decision-of-stage-3-of-the-acland-mine-expansion
• Queensland’s Labor market improving http://queenslandeconomywatch.com/2017/06/30/vacancies-data-support-improving-employment-outlook-in-lead-up-to-qld-election/

 

Parliament

Queensland Parliament, early 20th century

• Queensland’s Parliament next convenes from Tuesday 18 July to Friday 21 July, for Estimates Committee hearings about the budget
• Federal Parliament has commenced their long winter break, and next sits from Tuesday 8 August to Thursday 10 August
• 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 forward agenda for the Federal Parliament can be found here www.dpmc.gov.au/resource-centre

 

Sleeper Issues?

• By-election for Ipswich Mayor: date set www.qt.com.au/news/electoral-commission-announces-election-date-ipswi/3195550/
• Queensland water systems vulnerable to cyber attack www.cio.com.au/article/621233/queensland-water-systems-wide-open-cyberattacks-audit
• Man behind local government corruption allegations bashed www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/jun/26/queensland-anti-corruption-campaigner-jim-dodrill-attacked-in-bushland
  

  Jo-Ann Miller, MP for Bundamba

   

• Complaint to Crime and Corruption Commission about Member of Parliament for Bundamba www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/joann-miller-ccc-rejects-mayors-report-over-call/news-story/17b32c4faa7c689a65f4a191d6f17592

 

 

 

 

 

 

* 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.

 

 

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.

 

Last Week in Queensland – 29 May 2017

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.

 

Governing

• Adani: Government decides:
  • No support for Federal loan www.abc.net.au/news/2017-05-27/adani-coal-mine-in-doubt-over-qld-stance-on-federal-loan/8565940
  • No royalty holiday: www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/palaszczuk-denies-adani-royalties-backflip/news-story/49b564e0a977052d1d69004826b35334
    • … when should a royalties holiday be given? http://queenslandeconomywatch.com/2017/05/23/pros-and-cons-of-a-300m-royalties-holiday-for-the-adani-mega-mine/
      

      Deputy Premier Jackie Trad

    • … and praise for the final royalties outcome http://queenslandeconomywatch.com/2017/05/27/more-details-needed-but-royalties-deal-better-than-the-one-before-trads-intervention/
• Cyber security protection causes major health IT problems http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-05/25/c_136314618.htm
• Palaszczuk and Newman blamed for solar project failure www.smh.com.au/business/procoal-newman-and-palaszczuk-regimes-blamed-for-45-million-solar-failure-20170525-gwct6k.html
• Successful pay system migration in Queensland Corrective Services, and more to come www.technologydecisions.com.au/content/gov-tech-review/news/second-qld-agency-migrated-to-aurion-payroll-system-771626755#axzz4iQZKd2Ly
• Puppy farm ban laws introduced www.abc.net.au/news/2017-05-25/qld-dog-breeder-laws/8554570
• Government defers retail trading hours changes, fearing defeat www.9news.com.au/national/2017/05/25/13/27/crossbench-to-block-qld-trading-hours-bill
• Further changes – and no changes – to ride-sharing laws www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/queensland-ridesharing-laws-security-cameras-remain-mandatory-for-taxis/news-story/f35383fe06b1616c350c12d1010e5757
• Queensland Health gets stronger powers to monitor health providers www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/queensland-health-gets-greater-powers-to-audit-healthcare-providers/news-story/d09b6e9bba9927806358130052cc66ff
• “No body, no parole” laws finalised: Government says it fixed sloppy Opposition proposals www.9news.com.au/national/2017/05/23/13/15/no-body-no-parole-laws-for-queensland
  

  Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni

• State Government sticks to project bank accounts “to protect subcontractors” www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/business/state-government-sticks-to-plans-to-introduce-project-bank-accounts/news-story/a72f8a9044a47ba532d3cd8bff73ff9d

 

Opposition and Crossbench

• Child Safety Minister under attack again http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/35666622/charges-over-death-of-northgate-queensland-toddler-maddilyn-rose-stokes-may-not-be-laid-for-weeks/
• Nicholls paints Palaszczuk Government as back-flipping and divided www.themercury.com.au/news/breaking-news/palaszczuk-keeping-mum-on-adani-deal/news-story/c9fdf86385f9bfbd37808a30685ce54a and www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/queensland-government-parliament-sitting-may-24-2017/news-story/821b437777ce2b46eab8415f8904afd6
• Liberal-National Party: Jail for attacks on nurses, doctors, ambos www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/qld-lnp-promises-jail-for-ambo-attackers/news-story/ee71984d4574e392c0f0d7a413b25f03
  

  Robbie Katter MP, on the right

• Katter’s Australian Party introduces crocodile cull laws to State Parliament www.skynews.com.au/news/politics/state/2017/05/25/katter-croc-cull-laws-introduced.html
• National Retailers Association attacks Liberal-National Party over retail law block www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/crossbench-to-block-qld-trading-hours-bill/news-story/4ac05a57f4ba2d8eec8803837c20f5a3

 

Politics

• Member of Parliament for Broadwater ousted by David Crisafulli’s return www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/05/27/qld-lnp-mp-ousted-pre-selection
• Internal Labor feud over Adani decision? http://thenewdaily.com.au/news/national/2017/05/26/queensland-labor-adani-mine/
• Electoral Commission investigating One Nation Party donation declarations www.abc.net.au/news/2017-05-26/electoral-commission-investigates-one-nation-plane/8560062
  • … with more to come www.news.com.au/finance/work/leaders/if-james-ashby-is-really-in-charge-of-pauline-hansons-one-nation-who-is-accountable/news-story/8d88dd4051d6bddb7bced1ceb6695021
  • … and staff issues as well www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/one-nation-policy-adviser-sean-black-arrested/news-story/92e166d47f1c914f9e2a8f5753506134
  • … as their support plummets www.buzzfeed.com/aliceworkman/down-down-one-nation-is-down
• Strong voter dissatisfaction over Queensland’s infrastructure developments www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-poll-paints-bleak-infrastructure-picture-20170523-gwawsc.html

 

Community

• Housing design content to produce better and disruptive market choices? www.architectureanddesign.com.au/news/queensland-government-announces-disruptive-medium
• Queensland Globe website upgraded, relaunched www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-globe-relaunched-and-now-on-mobile-phones-20170525-gwdbpu.html
• Increased powers to block shoddy building supplies www.domain.com.au/news/new-powers-for-the-qbcc-to-crack-down-to-dodgy-building-materials-20170525-gwdacf/
  • … and a worksite safety crackdown www.abc.net.au/news/2017-05-25/qld-introduce-tougher-laws-crack-down-on-workplace-deaths/8556296
• ID scanner regime complaints, now lockout laws are gone www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/fortitude-valley-club-owners-set-to-pass-on-cost-of-compulsory-id-scanners/news-story/8b4d3dd2c129e7827fee50bad663076c
  

  MP for Ashgrove, including Upper Kedron, Kate Jones

• Bob Katter regrets attack on Fitzgerald-era Judge Angelo Vasta www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/katters-in-bid-to-clear-former-supreme-court-judge-angelo-vasta-20170524-gwbsdx.html
• Community win as Upper Kedron density ruling agreed to be in error, and amended www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/state-government-backs-down-after-upper-kedron-density-ruling-error-20170522-gwacwf.html

 

Economy and Infrastructure

• Adani project now in doubt? See under ‘governing’ above
• Queensland Rail: should it go to a private provider? www.smh.com.au/comment/is-time-running-out-for-queensland-rail-20170526-gwe8o4.html
• Moreton Bay rail link delay ‘justified’ www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/moreton-bay-rail-link-opening-delay-justified-report-20170527-gwefnl.html
• Any way forward for Cross River Rail? www.couriermail.com.au/news/opinion/opinion-doing-nothing-on-cross-river-rail-not-an-option-for-minority-labor-government/news-story/ca5adb63c6d7ac520e59681bca9c1ad9 and www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/public-transport-franchising-could-fund-cross-river-rail-report-20170525-gwdf4x.html
  • … while voters are more interested in clogged roads www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/congested-roads-of-more-concern-to-southeast-queenslanders-than-cross-river-rail-poll-finds/news-story/c4d21389a55a654f0824f19eed83e6ba
• 50000 private sector jobs lost, or misinterpretation of ABS data? www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-lost-almost-50000-private-sector-jobs-in-two-years-according-to-abs-data/news-story/3f6826b99db486cb81775736105e2fd8
  • … while mining jobs are up www.miningweekly.com/article/queensland-coal-mining-jobs-growing-again-2017-05-23/rep_id:3650
• Live entertainment precinct for Brisbane CBD? www.architectureanddesign.com.au/news/brisbane-live-entertainment-precinct-on-track-for
• Solar is Queensland’s largest power station http://reneweconomy.com.au/solar-now-queenslands-largest-power-station-97471/
  

  Energy Minister Mark Bailey

• Economist predicts positive Queensland economic future www.rpmonline.com.au/news/15290-economist-forecasts-queensland-market-trends
  • … while another notes the current construction industry downswing http://queenslandeconomywatch.com/2017/05/26/nervous-times-for-construction-industry-with-downswing-underway/
• Demand for Western Freeway widening www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/widen-the-western-freeway-says-states-biggest-engineering-companies-20170522-gwanmo.html

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* 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.

 

 

Last Week in Queensland – 15 May 2017

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.

 

 

Last Week in Queensland – 3 April 2017

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.

 

 

Last Week in Queensland – 27 March 2017

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.

 

 

Last Week in Queensland – 20 March 2017

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.

 

 

Last Week in Queensland – 13 March 2017

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.

 

 

Last Week in Queensland – Monday 6 March 2017

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.

 

 

Last Week in Queensland – 6 February 2017

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.