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 – 26 June 2017

Last week in Queensland, Paul Pisisale’s arrest, a boxing match, and the Premier’s trade mission to the US, dominated news*.

 

Governing

• Proposed labour hire regime criticised www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/proposed-palaszczuk-government-bill-hands-cfmeu-power-to-appeal-licensing-of-labour-hire-firms/news-story/e76416c5344d78861578013c75fe1801
  • … and industry says proposed labour hire laws won’t work http://www2.staffingindustry.com/row/Editorial/Daily-News/Australia-Proposed-labour-hire-law-destined-to-fail-says-Chief-Executive-of-the-Recruitment-and-Consulting-Services-Association-42516
    

    Premier Palaszczuk

• Premier pursuing biofuel options in US www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/premier-busy-shoring-up-jobs-in-biofuel-industry-during-us-trade-mission/news-story/51819035571591b637f316d46bcabc6a and www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/annastacia-palaszczuk-us-tour-premier-touts-queenslands-1-billion-biofuels-industry/news-story/3b30317b374c802f7556238b15eee612
  • … and wants a battery factory in Queensland www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/premier-wants-teslastyle-battery-factory-for-queensland/news-story/0d35ad2a6817862ae9cd234a612e0144
  • … and locks in a new biorefinery http://biofuels-news.com/display_news/12496/New_biorefinery_planned_for_Queensland__Australia/
• Cyclone Debbie motivates emergency services overhaul www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/cyclone-debbie-lessons-lead-to-overhaul-of-states-emergency-protocols/news-story/1a1413975889e69ca1dd752ae3ef6753
  

  Education Minister Kate Jones

• Federal education funding decision puts pressure on Queensland budget www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/gonski-20-queensland-schools-held-to-ransom-for-share-of-235bn-commonwealth-cash/news-story/936069b9d59b24aada657088257540b7 and www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/jun/23/gonski-20-states-say-they-will-face-budget-nightmare-under-school-funding-changes
• Will states levy bank taxes? www.couriermail.com.au/business/qld-could-squeeze-300-million-annually-from-the-big-banks-with-its-own-version-of-bank-tax/news-story/c2445a21742070a230aa51567dfa8244
• Sister State relationship with Nevada? www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/annastacia-palaszczuk-meets-nevada-governor-to-establish-sister-state-agreement/news-story/e79a6773ef1a5998341dcbc45e5a03b6
• KPMG hired to vet public sector jobs surge www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/palaszczuk-pays-kpmg-to-review-labors-jobs-surge/news-story/e00582d65d4e6736d2445fe09d583766
• Queensland probes supply chain for dodgy building products www.afr.com/real-estate/building-material-imports-queensland-to-probe-national-market-supply-chain-20170620-gwuvow
• Queensland Government calls for open mind on power solution www.theage.com.au/queensland/queensland-calls-for-open-mind-on-power-station-20170621-gwvc7h.html
• State Government contemplating electric vehicle charging station rollout www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-government-considering-electric-vehicle-charging-rollout-20170619-gwtt4l.html

 

Opposition and Crossbench

Rob Pyne, MP for Cairns

• Cairns MP agitates for an ICAC to replace Crime and Corruption Commission www.cairnspost.com.au/news/cairns/cook-ratepayers-back-cairns-mp-rob-pynes-call-for-queensland-icac/news-story/a09dc545f6db9b76b0bbba3a63f3e593
• Liberal-National Party promises Veterans’ Affairs Minister www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/news/vets-to-get-minister-under-lnp/news-story/35f84278b3ff4a7ada39823aa5794895
• Opposition criticises domestic violence measures www.9news.com.au/national/2017/06/20/12/42/domestic-violence-measures-criticised
• Nicholls labels Government soft on crime www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/opposition-leader-tim-nicholls-on-a-trip-to-the-glitter-strip-says-residents-biggest-fear-is-the-return-of-outlaw-motorcycle-gangs/news-story/7cb831b9639a35742ef9bb204b9242f8

 

Politics

• Labor divided over Adani mine www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/fresh-divide-between-state-and-federal-labor-over-support-for-adani-coal-mine/news-story/5a19d01b69652cbbbf53e35f1865cf8e
  

  Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce

   

• State budget bickering and insults www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/budget-for-all-qld-not-just-labor-seats/news-story/8b3763a9562c270c43f7550bb6bf44cd
• Liberal-National Party calls in Deputy PM Barnaby Joyce to help secure regional seats www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/barnaby-joyce-to-campaign-for-lnp-at-queensland-election/news-story/8e1860d1ffa290e3d5ba5ab045b81835
• Aspirants line up to replace Pisisale www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/former-cop-the-second-ipswich-councillor-hoping-to-replace-pisasale-as-mayor-20170622-gwwp0g.html
  • … though he apparently had second thoughts about resigning www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/crime-and-justice/former-ipswich-mayor-paul-pisasale-a-man-with-no-comebacks/news-story/bca86a1599d95de955ac8e5b78a8bd75

 

Community

• Major backlog for TB vaccine www.news.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/kids/5000-queensland-babies-on-waiting-list-for-tuberculosis-vaccine/news-story/e015a3d08b91bff9633a9fb250b89214
• Safe Schools program funding cuts www.ldphub.com/general-news/government-axes-critical-teacher-training-237930.aspx
• Two areas getting 80% of Brisbane’s new homes www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/brisbane-property-greenfield-sites-and-inner-city-bear-burden-on-80-per-cent-of-new-homes/news-story/3fabb3e0b4d6e9494a5d8fb068e97b18

 

Economy and Infrastructure

• New Hope claims land court judge was biased www.southburnetttimes.com.au/news/new-hope-accused-judge-of-bias/3193077/
• Cabcharge allowed to buy Yellow Cabs www.theaustralian.com.au/business/companies/accc-will-not-oppose-cabcharge-plan-to-buy-brisbanes-yellow-cabs/news-story/3f783d6a85e644c0d1380a4820c7b4be
• Mining industry labels public servants “enviro-cops” www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/government-defends-bureaucrats-labelled-envirocops-by-mining-companies/news-story/3bf6922b06c751707a48111ee8b9bfaa
• Massive development proposed above Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/tower-would-house-1000-residents-above-queen-street-mall-20170621-gwvsmu.html

 

Parliament

Federal Parliament House

• 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?

Paul Pisisale

• Pisisale – new charges and he’ll fight them www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/06/21/ex-mayor-pisasale-plans-fight-charges
• Queensland land-clearing rates equal Brazil’s www.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-19/land-clearing-rates-qld-need-to-be-lowered-new-study/8628524

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* 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 – 12 June 2017

Budget “leaks”, Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisisale’s resignation, and Adani mine’s investment go-ahead dominated the news* last week in Queensland.

 

Governing

• State budget contents announced in advance: cost of living concessions, child safety, infrastructure www.couriermail.com.au/business/queensland-state-budget-2017-5b-in-concessions-to-ease-cost-of-living/news-story/68903e68929253c72f985174c4f7872b
  • … and increased Police numbers and training www.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-11/counter-terrorism-training-facility-wacol-brisbane-qld-police/8608180
    

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

     

  • … and new schools www.theurbandeveloper.com/first-inner-city-brisbane-school-decades/
• Queensland public service grows www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/queensland-treasurer-breaks-his-own-rules-on-public-servant-jobs/news-story/7e5158a483563a9b0c99580b3762086a
  • … while Treasurer says a return to AAA rating remains a target www.afr.com/news/politics/queensland-strives-to-reclaim-aaa-rating-20170607-gwmwet
• State government agencies opposing one another in Court www.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-05/qld-government-departments-in-battle-over-plan-to-mine-river/8583040

 

Opposition and Crossbench

• Liberal-National Party trumps Roma St entertainment proposal www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/lnp-trumps-brisbane-live-plan-for-roma-st-railyards-with-grander-vision/news-story/d3d25f40b35638f4e71f560f6c9c489e

 

Politics

• Liberal-National Party experiments with Chinese Branches www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/gold-coast-lnp-chinese-heritage-branch-gets-mixed-reception/news-story/f97a406165f8fded9359ef6dae27724e
• Federal Health Minister accuses Queensland Government of lying www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/just-lies-minister-slams-health-campaign/news-story/338554c09034a78aa65d4b4e51986303
  

  Paul Pisisale

   

• Former One Nation Party Treasurer (temporarily?) gagged from releasing recordings www.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-08/pauline-hanson-court-injunction-to-stop-abc-using-recordings/8599988
• Queensland’s most popular politician resigns amid health and corruption questions www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/its-been-a-long-way-to-the-top-for-queenslands-most-popular-politician-paul-pisasale-20170606-gwlvqn.html

 

Community

• Police evaluating terrorism capabilities www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-police-numbers-boosted-in-face-of-increasingly-complex-terrorism-threat-20170611-gwourf.html
• Police Union wants “no pursuit” policy scrapped www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-police-no-pursuit-policy-should-be-scrapped-union/news-story/d41ab55299b3022548361f31b22596d6

 

Economy and Infrastructure

• State budget to focus on infrastructure spending: see under “governing” above
• Adani Board gives final investment approval www.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-06/adani-board-pushes-ahead-carmichael-coal-mine-palaszczuk-says/8593042
• Queensland’s apprenticeship numbers plummet www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/tradie-crisis-looms-for-queensland-as-apprenticeships-halved-in-past-four-years-20170610-gwoq3z.html
• Government investment in Mackay biorefinery http://biofuels-news.com/display_news/12441/queensland_government_invests_big_in_biorefinery/
  

  Energy Minister Mark Bailey

   

• Powering Queensland Plan and Powering North Queensland Plan www.mccullough.com.au/publications/f/View/269521 and www.afr.com/news/politics/annastacia-palaszczuks-116bn-energy-package-20170605-gwkgdc
• Cross River Rail project funding hopes dashed www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/06/09/qld-cross-river-rail-funding-hopes-dashed
• International visitors to Queensland spend big www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-tourist-operators-benefit-from-recordbreaking-52b-spending-spree-by-foreign-visitors/news-story/8be4fe721b627ea06d59afd1e495c082

 

Parliament

• Queensland’s Parliament sits this week from Tuesday 13 June to Friday 16 June – this is budget week, and the State budget will be presented on Tuesday
  

  Queensland Parliament, early 20th century

• 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 sits this week, from Tuesday 13 June to Thursday 15 June
• The forward agenda for the Federal Parliament can be found here www.dpmc.gov.au/resource-centre

 

Sleeper Issues?

• Environmental movement demanding minority Government pass legislation www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2017-06-07/wild-rivers-legislation-battle-reignites-as-environmental-group/8596674
• Toowoomba Hospital cancer under-dosing scandal www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/toowoomba-hospital-accused-of-underdosing-chemotherapy-on-cancer-patients/news-story/32819a1b4d9b757f77e998763da5a555

 

 

 

 

 

 

* 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 – 25 May 2017

A claimed split in the Government over Adani mine, and blame-shifting over the Cross River Rail project dominated news* in Queensland last week.

 

Governing

• Commission to tackle obesity www.abc.net.au/news/2017-05-21/queensland-obesity-crisis-tackled-with-$20m-commission/8545096
  

  Deputy Premier Jackie Trad

• Is Cabinet divided over Adani project? www.theaustralian.com.au/news/latest-news/no-rift-in-labor-ranks-over-adani-deal/news-story/06963d4c8872ef96e44c39c8a5e9cdaf
• New Queensland Auditor General www.financialstandard.com.au/news/crowe-horwath-managing-partner-to-depart-for-government-role-95519770
• Government considering return of drug courts www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-drug-court-could-return-with-alcohol-also-in-the-mix-20170517-gw70f1.html
• Premier hints at water infrastructure for Townsville www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/news/opinion/premiers-will-on-utilities-key-to-power/news-story/c009976806f0d77b16517934376249fa
• Queensland to criminalise workplace negligence causing death www.9news.com.au/national/2017/05/19/14/49/qld-govt-urged-to-create-workplace-offence
  

  Premier Palaszczuk

• Premier will listen to Spit development protestors www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/gold-coast/premier-annastacia-palaszczuk-will-listen-to-gold-coast-residents-after-majority-opposed-asf-plan/news-story/7d15eb261d5422c4b783ed64b2b32a51
• Corrections Department IT project falling behind www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government-it-glitch-lets-prisoners-out-early/news-story/4368925609f3e398c8549901af48408b

 

Opposition and Crossbench

Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls

• Liberal-National Party whacks Government over vehicle registration costs www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/no-relief-for-motorists-in-qld-budget/news-story/b2efbc4b08883c331d73caa7a6649b82
• Opposition’s red-tape-slash plan www.9news.com.au/national/2017/05/15/10/43/qld-lnp-s-plan-to-slash-red-tape

 

Politics

• Polling in Buderim reveals third-party strength www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/what-voters-really-think-about-palaszczuk-and-nich/3179983/
• Union’s poll shows Labor in front by narrow margin, and voter responses on issues www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/labor-could-win-election-if-we-voted-today-poll-20170519-gw8m58.html
  

  Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce

• Deputy PM attacks Queensland Government for position on dam at Rockhampton www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/barnaby-joyce-buckets-queensland-government-over-dam-funding/news-story/2a4235f2e8c8cbb56f8e0e0e9c3ab8a8
• One Nation Party split “outed” on opposition to Spit development www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/gold-coast/pauline-hansons-one-nation-party-wobbly-about-spit-development-and-all-at-sea-about-their-gold-coast-captain/news-story/4a4b9e5f64671483493e7ef272507402
• Liberal National Party’s fraught preselection in Broadwater www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/gold-coast/members-threaten-to-walk-out-if-mp-verity-barton-is-turfed-out-by-former-minister-david-crisafulli/news-story/9c00b799cd7e3cc61441e848eb22f8b9

 

Community

• Illegal bikie gangs “regrouping”? www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-consorting-laws-outlaw-gangs-rev-up-again/news-story/826ca0c2b023c4c64aa2964e37440f67
• Black Lung disease: new screening accreditation standards www.miningweekly.com/article/qld-seeks-to-improve-black-lung-screening-with-new-standards-2017-05-17

 

Economy and Infrastructure

• State Government says Cross River Rail’s Federal project evaluation is politicised www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/jackie-trad-accuses-infrastructure-australia-of-politicising-cross-river-rail-funding/news-story/0d01c23222ae2dcd7174219d18e7c005
  • … in spite of productive discussions www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/premier-and-pm-discuss-couple-of-issues-holding-up-cross-river-rail-20170518-gw7h0l.html
  • … and rejection by Infrastructure Australia of politicisation claims www.9news.com.au/national/2017/05/19/09/36/pm-playing-politics-on-rail-qld-govt
    

    Fitzroy River, not recent (State Library collection)

• Rookwood Weir water over-subscribed http://m.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/rookwood-weir-insiders-confirm-over-subscripton-fo/3180007/
• Bombardier not yet paid, trains not yet fixed www.abc.net.au/news/2017-05-19/queensland-sticks-with-train-manufacturer-despite-delays-issues/8543056
• Queensland’s jobless rate stable http://au.news.yahoo.com/qld/a/35551774/queenslands-jobless-rate-stuck-at-6-3/#page1
  • … but unemployment soars in Brisbane’s western corridor www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/southwest/youth-unemployment-at-17-year-high/news-story/dfc7b3a6e2ba059c5b97c24144468f11
  • … while full time job numbers have grown http://queenslandeconomywatch.com/2017/05/19/qld-full-time-jobs-growth-since-election-back-in-positive-territory/
• “Small cell” coverage to boost regional phone reception www.arnnet.com.au/article/619507/queensland-patches-mobile-black-spots-new-small-cell-sites/?fp=2&fpid=1
  

  Minister Leeanne Enoch with MP Peter Russo

• Israel trade mission for start-ups www.technologydecisions.com.au/content/it-management/news/qld-start-ups-to-visit-israel-on-trade-mission-838051542#axzz4hlGl3RF6
• Queensland moves closer to 3D cadastre www.spatialsource.com.au/gis-data/3d-qld-promises-bring-2-2bn-value
• Criticism of subsidies for movie blockbusters http://queenslandeconomywatch.com/2017/05/16/subsidised-blockbusters-like-aquaman-crowding-out-local-film-productions/
• Construction industry downswing – more to come? http://queenslandeconomywatch.com/2017/05/17/trouble-in-qld-construction-industry-worse-may-be-to-come/

 

Parliament

• Queensland’s Parliament sits this week, 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 sits this week 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?

• Mine rehabilitation costs are enormous www.abc.net.au/news/2017-05-19/queensland-mine-rehabilitation-progressive-reform-steven-miles/8540586
• Koala crisis raised again www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/may/18/tree-clearing-may-have-killed-180-koalas-in-queensland-in-two-years-says-wildlife-group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* 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 – 24 April 2017

Crime and Corruption Commission investigating local government elections, roads maybe unready for Commonwealth Games, and the Liberal-National Party clearly lifting their hit-rate on the State Government … last week in Queensland.

Governing

• Government completes disaster relief paperwork to ensure funding release www.skynews.com.au/news/national/qld/2017/04/22/disaster-aid-on-the-way-to-queensland-farmers.html
• Crime and Corruption Commission probes Local Government elections www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/ccc-has-its-work-cut-out-for-it-in-probe-of-council-elections/news-story/0fe0d197329f4ad03a1d8ceb4ee85ae9
  • … with calls for bans on developer donations http://sourceable.net/ban-developer-donations-qld-deputy-mayor/
  • … and last-campaign-week donation bans mooted www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/should-donations-be-banned-in-the-last-seven-days-of-political-campaigns/news-story/1f7dd0e5fce96711135f6a3e1c12aef3
  • … as details trickle out www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/apr/20/queensland-mayors-election-campaign-bankrolled-by-unknown-trust
    

    Commonwealth Games supremo Peter Beattie

• Police dispute budget cuts claimed by Courier Mail www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/qld-police-dismiss-coast-budget-cut-claims/news-story/969630108d9082b005645fcbd6d75936
• Readiness for Commonwealth Games questioned www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/04/23/games-transport-standard-beattie
  • … while Games traffic plan is released www.9news.com.au/national/2017/04/19/07/42/qld-govt-to-announce-games-traffic-plan
• Councils investigate buying street lights network www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/local-government-association-of-queensland-investigates-buying-states-streetlight-network/news-story/61fc969ea97186b8a883dd87fd93e0e9
• First medicinal cannabis license granted www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-company-awarded-medicinal-cannabis-licence-20170421-gvpbkv.html
• Renewables hub proposed near Gladstone www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/breaking-gladstone-land-transform-new-industry-sit/3168521/
  

  Cyclone Debbie

• Cyclone Debbie will hit the State Budget www.abc.net.au/news/2017-04-18/cyclone-debbie-hits-queensland-budget-bottom-line/8450170
• New export plan launched www.couriermail.com.au/business/queensland-government-unveils-new-export-push/news-story/16a00a8eed6980475080872af287c9f5 and http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2017/4/18/new-35m-queensland-trade-strategy-to-tap-into-international-markets
• Government considering intervention in milk pricing argument www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/state-government-may-support-push-to-identify-milk-supplied-by-local-dairy-farmers/news-story/c7c60e5326f968e428e109770f1c8dae

 

Opposition and Crossbench

Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls

• Liberal-National Party capitalising on unemployment hot-spots www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/1000s-of-jobs-lost-over-last-month-in-capricornia/3169431/
• Opposition & Courier Mail (but I repeat myself) characterise jobs decline as “frontline cuts” www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-public-service-deflates-for-first-time-under-palaszczuk-government/news-story/ae2430e26a5f2f4eb9256e43c9cbec62
• Labor Government attacked for ANZAC Day weapons ban www.skynews.com.au/news/national/qld/2017/04/23/qld-govt-slammed-over-anzac-weapons-ban.html
• Government slammed for delays in notice of water contamination www.couriermail.com.au/news/breaking-news/qld-opposition-says-spill-warning-too-slow/news-story/8594409061d0464a977106b3ee5697fa

 

Politics

• Minor party infighting over crocodile policy credit http://au.news.yahoo.com/qld/a/35112527/one-nation-promises-qld-crocodile-farms/#page1
• Courier Mail says Government must fix urban commuter rail before election www.couriermail.com.au/news/opinion/editorial-high-time-to-get-queensland-rail-back-on-track/news-story/f56e1a8b57e9be27a9b8f61fc0af28c1
  

  PUP’s founder Clive Palmer

• Palmer United Party disbands www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/clive-palmer-disbands-palmer-united-party/news-story/2f24bbcf6da1257a26bf39ba5a454520

 

Community

• Hendra vaccine safe for horses www.horsetalk.co.nz/2017/04/22/hendra-report-queensland/#axzz4f2lfksgq
• Easter prawns probably contaminated www.ntnews.com.au/lifestyle/fishing/poison-prawns-most-likely-served-over-easter/news-story/18395bc6f3ff00ebc7017e5c323ad78b
• “Texting bays” coming to Queensland highways? www.thechronicle.com.au/news/texting-bays-could-be-tested-queensland-highways/3167693/
• Sunshine Coast University Hospital opens www.theaustralian.com.au/news/latest-news/qld-govt-opens-new-sunshine-coast-hospital/news-story/829d48b07deaae75b06e2e34399161b9
• 457 visa changes could reduce hospital staffing www.abc.net.au/news/2017-04-19/annastacia-palaszczuk-fears-hospital-shortages-from-457-changes/8453790
• 20% of Queensland teens living with mental illness www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/rising-number-of-queensland-teens-face-mental-illness-mission-australia-report-20170418-gvn1t5.html

 

Economy and Infrastructure

• Moody’s upgrades Queensland’s economic outlook, but … http://queenslandeconomywatch.com/2017/04/21/moody-blues-guest-post-by-joe-branigan/
• Greens call for referendum on Queens Wharf project www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/greens-call-for-a-referendum-on-3-billion-queens-wharf-project-20170421-gvpwne.html
• Property sector sentiment improving www.theurbandeveloper.com/queensland-property-sector-sentiment-remains-positive-property-council/
• Funding agreed and Ipswich Motorway upgrade to commence www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/ipswich-motorway-upgrade-announced/news-story/6df45396ea175db47d312629c2288db8
  

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

• Jobs growth focussed in regional economies www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-jobs-regions-lead-way-for-growth/news-story/0016e3f1fe2d4bb8b2c4585bec6e32f4
• Treasurer blames Federal policy uncertainty for electricity prices www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/were-not-to-blame-queensland-treasurer-shifts-powe/3168469/
• Queensland economy to benefit from international economic environment? www.couriermail.com.au/business/exporters-set-to-win-from-lower-aussie-dollar-as-global-uncertainty-increases/news-story/737746b2998273f22fd222a2aaa152be
• Confidential inducements are confidential www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/elton-john-details-of-confidential-deal-to-bring-performer-to-regional-queensland-kept-secret-20170416-gvlq17.html
• Brisbane house prices drop www.domain.com.au/news/brisbane-house-prices-fall-largest-quarterly-drop-since-2011-20170419-gvnsis/

 

Parliament

• 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

 

Sleeper Issues?

• Casino policy propriety argued www.cairnspost.com.au/news/cairns/labors-anthony-lynham-slams-lnp-pledge-for-regional-casino-licence/news-story/310c4c52cd84cba44f69ee541f6701aa
• Are developers making Brisbane ugly? www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/its-too-big-its-too-dense-unsympathetic-developers-changing-the-nature-of-brisbane-20170412-gvjh5w.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 – 18 April 2017

Crocodiles sinking the State budget, a secret child protection report, toxic foam in the Brisbane River, and delays in post-cyclone aid, dominated news* last week in Queensland.

Did you know you can have this newsletter emailed to you weekly?  Just enter your email address in the box in the top right corner of the blog.

 

Governing

• Government to launch new trade and investment strategy www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/queensland-trade-strategy-to-be-launched-in-rockha/3167182/
• Katter’s Australian Party again threatening to block the budget www.news.com.au/travel/australian-holidays/queensland/katters-australian-party-wants-to-allow-tourists-to-hunt-crocodiles/news-story/3893b7d2ae287371537f1dea579c5104
• 2011 Flood victims’ case to mediation www.abc.net.au/news/2017-04-13/2011-queensland-flood-court-order-mediate-class-action-lawsuit/8443092
• Government refuses to release child protection report until trial is finished www.canberratimes.com.au/comment/that-thinking-feeling/the-premier-is-right-not-to-release-mason-lee-report-20170412-gvjv1n.html
• Plans to protect subcontractors rejected www.theaustralian.com.au/business/property/construction-heavyweights-to-fight-governments-subbies-payment-plan/news-story/79b242183b68f54e8fd44c858c7522dc
• Government increases obligation on agencies to review procedures www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/government-agencies-will-be-forced-to-review-following-child-deaths-20170410-gvhpws.html

 

Opposition and Crossbench

• See above under “Governing” re budget blocking
• One Nation Party says it will call in Twin Waters West development www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/one-nation-vows-to-call-in-development-bid/3165621/
• Liberal-National Party reopens taxi vs. Uber debate www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/uber-v-taxis-battle-continues-with-parties-laying-out-where-they-stand-20170410-gvhj0k.html

 

Politics

• What motivates One Nation Party voters www.couriermail.com.au/lifestyle/jed-smith-travels-deep-into-pauline-hanson-country-and-sees-a-different-side-of-australia/news-story/77ea827db68c11487ab1efa71b4c82ac

 

Community

Minister leading anti-domestic violence moves, Shannon Fentiman

• HIV notifications down 16% in Queensland www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/hiv-notifications-down-16-per-cent-in-queensland-compared-to-same-period-in-2016-20170414-gvl9di.html
• Toxic foam spill poisons river www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/government-notified-of-toxic-foam-spill-three-days-before-public-20170415-gvlgga.html
• Queensland recognised as national leader in fighting domestic violence www.mygc.com.au/queensland-recognised-national-leader-preventing-domestic-violence/
• War of words over delays in community aid post-Cyclone www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/political-battle-erupts-as-cq-farmers-wait-for-cru/3166784/ and www.news.com.au/national/queensland/barnaby-joyce-under-fire-for-slow-release-of-funding-for-cycloneaffected-queenslanders/news-story/b084cc43a5687a48086988fe6ada6ae5 and still more http://m.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/big-read-pollies-battle-over-funding-for-rockys-fl/3166209/
• Most overseas entrants to Queensland are from NZ www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/census-2016-kiwi-invasion-of-queensland-is-only-gaining-pace/news-story/7f5327a4651108888e65cebda0a7c1cd

 

Economy and Infrastructure

• Rare earth minerals – potential bonanza? www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/04/16/hopes-rare-minerals-could-net-9bn-qld
• Federal funding for gas infrastructure? www.cqnews.com.au/news/resources-council-backs-funding-for-gas-infrastruc/3167189/
• Is the Queensland racing industry in trouble? www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/racing-identities-say-industry-in-desperate-need-of-funding-and-stronger-leadership/news-story/80fdb621fa749c134158530c88fdae7c
• Island resorts take a big hit from Cyclone Debbie www.theaustralian.com.au/business/companies/queensland-islands-take-a-big-hit-from-cyclone-debbie/news-story/66a692e9395f76a81b77ca889fb71b59
• More criticism of consultation over Gold Coast resort project www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/lack-of-detail-for-chinese-gold-coast-resort-angers-locals/news-story/50b326aa2bc053d7419fdc3557a1e758
• Queensland jobless rate falls www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/queensland-jobless-rate-falls-in-march/news-story/2c8a5ddf6e50aaad0a944da017b662a4
  • … though employment levels are below pre-Newman levels http://queenslandeconomywatch.com/2017/04/15/qld-full-time-employment-still-below-level-of-five-years-ago-but-hopefully-is-on-the-upswing/
• Government hits back over Adani mine water use www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/giant-adani-mine-would-use-less-water-than-cane-farmers/news-story/54fe22698bfaa868fed090e14af55207
  

  Economist Gene Tunny, author of Qld Economy Watch

  • … while the Federal Government promises to “fix” native title issues www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/native-title-will-be-fixed-for-carmichael-coal-min/3165546/
  • … and the proposed $900m loan is seen as economically inefficient http://queenslandeconomywatch.com/2017/04/13/naif-900m-loan-to-adani-for-mega-mine-rail-line-is-far-from-a-first-best-solution-possibly-second-or-third-best/
• Feedback sought on Petrie University proposal www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/moreton/queensland-government-calls-for-feedback-on-university-plans-at-petrie/news-story/1cadb78241bcf35125c2f2e6d35e0138
• Taxi transition scheme funding taken up www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/only-eight-taxi-licence-holders-have-not-applied-for-compensation-as-60m-is-paid-out-20170412-gvj874.html
• Massive economic loss if reef bleaching continues www.cairnspost.com.au/business/queensland-to-suffer-1-billion-loss-if-barrier-reef-bleaching-continues/news-story/4b86018333c51acf91fab52451bb8fdd

 

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 – 10 April 2017

Cyclone Debbie – cleaning up, counting the cost, waiting for flood peaks – continued news* domination last week in Queensland, along with debate about the Adani mine, and Liberal-National Party/One Nation Party relations.

 

Governing

• Ongoing urban rail service problems plague Government www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/major-flaw-of-new-queensland-trains-still-not-fixed/news-story/8f4e30d69f11d138aa10b61d66691338
• Water deal for Adani mine criticised www.nationalgeographic.com.au/australia/coal-giant-adani-given-unlimited-water-till-2077.aspx and www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/breakfast/ministers-claim-beggars-belief:-water-expert/8420824
• Demand for long-term solution to high-flood-risk zones www.abc.net.au/news/2017-04-07/high-risk-flood-zone-homes/8424232
  • … while there was plenty of focus on preparing for Rockhampton flood peaks www.msn.com/en-au/news/other/queensland-government-ready-for-rockhampton-river-peak/vp-BBzsx0L
    

    Emergency Services & Police Minister Mark Ryan

• Container deposit scheme coming www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/queensland-will-join-other-states-in-offering-cash-back-for-plastic-containers/news-story/e5944b7b8e1afa18d08ba93ec14391fc
• Cyclone readiness review ordered www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/cyclone-debbie-response-to-be-reviewed-as-rockhampton-residents-start-cleanup-20170409-gvh9cz.html

 

Opposition and Crossbench

• See under ‘Politics’ re an alleged deal between Liberal-National Party and One Nation Party

 

Politics

• Courier Mail again says a State Election is imminent, and it isn’t www.couriermail.com.au/news/opinion/opinion-timing-of-state-election-is-critical-for-labor-following-cyclone-debbie/news-story/17fce30320f661c91a926fa831f4a051
• Liberal-National Party staffer’s “unauthorised” approach to One Nation Party about a deal www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/lnp-staffer-approached-one-nation-to-set-up-deal-between-parties/news-story/a859f208163a55b63c14d4014586d1d5
• One Nation Party referred to Electoral Commission over allegations of donations www.abc.net.au/news/2017-04-04/labor-refers-one-nation-to-australia-electoral-commission/8414366

 

Community

Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga & Rockhampton Mayor Margaret Strelow brief media about the floods

• Rockhampton floods recede, and levee proposed as long-term solution www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/rockhampton-floods-mayor-claims-levees-would-have-cost-less-than-flood-damage/news-story/a8b41b5546d9278e1aeaac161fd0a455
• Farmers and environment groups working to save rare parrot www.abc.net.au/news/2017-04-07/farmers-and-conservation-groups-protect-rare-night-parrot/8421962
• Fraser Island traditional owners seek compensation www.abc.net.au/news/2017-04-07/fraser-island-traditional-owners-seeking-compensation/8421974

 

Economy and Infrastructure

• Cyclone Debbie damages costs “in the billions” www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/debbie-qld-bill-in-the-billions/news-story/7ca155f7d531abc93de54e15363522f5
• Queensland’s building approvals continue downward trend www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-building-approvals-trending-down-for-13th-straight-month-20170406-gvf8yy.html
• Call for road-toll removal www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/southwest/calls-for-tolls-to-be-removed-from-logan-motorway/news-story/d7bc7ba97d6dee10e4c436b8fc2fba02
  

  Wivenhoe Dam Wall; pic by Soozlepip – Own work, public domain

• South-East Queensland dams need major safety upgrade www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/dam-upgrades-expensive-but-safety-of-brisbane-and-ipswich-come-first-for-mayors-20170405-gve6la.html
• $2m investment in smart monitoring technology company Redback www.msn.com/en-au/news/other/queensland-government-ready-for-rockhampton-river-peak/vp-BBzsx0L
• Queensland, ACT and Northern Territory Governments criticise NBN rollout www.computerworld.com.au/article/617201/queensland-act-governments-assail-nbn/
• Boxing match in Brisbane expected to be economic boon www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/manny-pacquiao-and-jeff-horn-to-fight-for-wbo-welterweight-title-in-brisbane-on-july-2/news-story/f3fdacb2b25a4d5edbe7db5664e1e8cc
• New Brisbane River cruise terminal? www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/agreement-reached-over-new-brisbane-megacruise-ship-terminal-20170409-gvgz7t.html
• Brisbane Metro proposal growing www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/brisbane-metro-to-expand-to-chermside-carindale-and-springwood-20170407-gvgf0j.html

 

Parliament

Queensland Parliament, early 20th century

• 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

 

Sleeper Issues?

• Government funding of Environmental Defenders Office slammed www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/news/green-group-responsible-for-adani-legal-challenges-granted-600000-by-state-government/news-story/2ff77b183a8b7bf1d24b3b1d9d9633d1
• Mayors added to witness list in donations investigation www.9news.com.au/national/2017/04/03/12/05/gc-mayor-to-front-qld-elections-probe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* 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.