Appropriation (Parliament) (2020-2021) Bill 2020

Criticised the budget as a post-election blowout from a debt-dependent government, arguing Labor used COVID as an excuse to further increase Queensland's debt.

“These post-election budget blowout bills are exactly what I expected from this debt dependent, fiscal failure of a Labor government, unfortunately re-elected on the back of a totally unrelated scare campaign over health.”— 2020-12-04View Hansard

As Treasurer, moved that the bills be read a second time, presenting the 2020-2021 budget focused on economic recovery from COVID-19.

“That the bills be now read a second time.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Criticised the government for being the only government in the nation not to hand down a budget earlier.

“The Palaszczuk Labor government was the only government in the nation not to hand down a budget.”— 2020-12-04View Hansard

As Leader of the Opposition, criticised the budget as a broken promise on debt, arguing it locks Queensland into a generation of borrowing without building for the future, while failing on service delivery.

“This budget locks us into a generation of borrowing for today, not building for tomorrow.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Spoke in support of the budget bills.

“I rise to support the budget bills introduced into the House.”— 2020-12-04View Hansard

Defended the budget, arguing that during a crisis it was critical for government to invest and support its people, and that opposing deficit spending logically demanded equivalent cuts.

“In times are tough it is critical that government invests to support its people. That is exactly what we are doing.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Spoke in support of the budget and the government's economic management during COVID.

“I rise to speak in support of the 2020-2021 appropriation bills.”— 2020-12-04View Hansard

As Deputy Leader of the Opposition, criticised the 539-day gap between budgets and described it as a rear-view-facing budget that failed to deliver immediate economic recovery measures.

“The Treasurer rose in this House to deliver what should have been one of the most important budgets in Queensland's history. It should have been a budget that rebuilt Queensland's economy.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Described the budget as a standard Labor budget, acknowledging good investments in roads and health services for his electorate while not explicitly endorsing or opposing the overall budget.

“In my eyes this year's state budget is a standard Labor state budget. It looks after roads, education, schools and the like.”— 2020-12-04View Hansard

Defended the budget as one that supports business and delivers jobs, criticising the opposition for offering no constructive alternatives.

“This is a budget that supports business. This is a budget about jobs, jobs, jobs.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Spoke in support of the appropriation bills.

“I am pleased to rise in this House to support the appropriation bills.”— 2020-12-04View Hansard

Criticised the budget as reflecting a history of broken promises by successive Labor governments, describing the debt increase as the biggest breach of faith since asset sales.

“The deliberate debt broken promise in this budget is the biggest breach of faith since 2009, when the Bligh Labor government promised not to sell assets.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Criticised the budget and government's financial management.

“I rise to speak on the 2020 appropriation bills.”— 2020-12-04View Hansard

Supported the budget as one for difficult times, congratulating the Treasurer and defending the government's pandemic response that put Queenslanders first.

“The Palaszczuk Labor government has provided support and protection to our great state.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Spoke in support of the 2020 budget.

“I rise to speak in support of the 2020 budget.”— 2020-12-04View Hansard

Disappointed by the budget's health spending, arguing that despite health workers' efforts during the pandemic, the budget failed to adequately support health services.

“It is one of the reasons why I was so disappointed by this year's budget. Despite the work of our health heroes in being ready to get Queensland through this pandemic.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Spoke in support of the appropriation bills.

“I rise in support of the Appropriation (2020-2021) Bill.”— 2020-12-04View Hansard

Spoke in support of the appropriation bills, congratulating the Treasurer and highlighting investment in her region and education.

“I rise to speak in support of the appropriation bills. In doing so, I first congratulate the Treasurer.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Criticised the government's infrastructure spending and fiscal management.

“Yet here we are looking at yet another state budget that fails to deliver.”— 2020-12-04View Hansard

Criticised the budget for failing to deliver on infrastructure and economic diversification for the Sunshine Coast, noting industry representatives found it underwhelming.

“Industry representatives really nailed it when they received and studied the budget, looking forward to seeing what it would hold in these times of uncertainty.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Spoke in enthusiastic support of the budget.

“I rise to speak in support of this fantastic budget.”— 2020-12-04View Hansard

Congratulated the Treasurer on a budget that delivers for Ipswich West and all of Queensland, highlighting local projects and infrastructure commitments.

“I begin by congratulating the Treasurer, Cameron Dick, on a budget that delivers not just for my electorate of Ipswich West but for all of Queensland.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Spoke in support of the budget.

“The Treasurer said in his statement that this budget puts Queensland on the path to economic recovery.”— 2020-12-04View Hansard

Criticised the budget as built on broken promises and failed commitments, arguing it did not go far enough to support the arts, cultural sector, or address infrastructure needs.

“The Palaszczuk state Labor government's budget for 2020-21 is one that is built entirely on a broken promise by Labor and also a failed commitment.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Criticised the budget and government's economic management.

“I rise to speak on the appropriation bills.”— 2020-12-04View Hansard

Highlighted budget investment in Cairns including economic diversification, acknowledging the city was first impacted by COVID-19 and needed continued investment.

“This budget continues the ongoing investment in our community and will stimulate further private sector investment in every sector of our community.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Spoke in support of the budget.

“I rise to speak on the appropriation bills 2020.”— 2020-12-04View Hansard

Criticised the budget as not being about economic recovery but about Labor's political priorities, raising concerns about road infrastructure and transport spending.

“About 10 minutes into the Treasurer's budget speech I thought to myself that this was not about an economic recovery.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Spoke in support of the 2020-21 budget.

“I rise today to give my support to the 2020-21 appropriation bills.”— 2020-12-04View Hansard

Supported the budget, highlighting investment in Maryborough including train manufacturing and criticising the opposition's economic credentials.

“I commend the bill to the House.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Spoke in support of the budget.

“It is a pleasure to rise today to speak in support of the appropriation bills.”— 2020-12-04View Hansard

Described the budget as all smoke and mirrors, criticising the government's light rail plans through Palm Beach and raising concerns about Gold Coast infrastructure.

“This budget is all smoke and mirrors.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Criticised the budget and government's fiscal management.

“I rise to speak on the appropriation bills.”— 2020-12-04View Hansard

Spoke in support of the 2020 budget, commending the government's COVID response and investment in local services.

“I rise to speak in support of the 2020 budget we have before us.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Spoke in support of the budget.

“I rise to speak in support of the appropriation bills.”— 2020-12-04View Hansard

Criticised the budget for failing regional Queensland, though commended the Premier's investment in cluster fencing in Western Queensland.

“This is a budget Labor would not release before the election, but I cannot really see why.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Spoke in support of the budget, praising the Premier's leadership during COVID.

“She has kept Queenslanders safe and she is leading the recovery.”— 2020-12-04View Hansard

Spoke in support, congratulating the Treasurer and expressing confidence the budget would provide certainty to Queenslanders during uncertain times.

“I rise to speak in support of the appropriation bills and start by congratulating the Treasurer and his team on their tremendous efforts.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Criticised the budget and government's fiscal management.

“I rise to make a contribution to the appropriation bills.”— 2020-12-04View Hansard

Criticised the government for delaying the budget and using every excuse, arguing it provided next to nothing for state roads, bridges and regional projects in Gympie.

“The government has twisted, ducked and weaved. It used every excuse not to deliver a budget.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Spoke in support of the appropriation bills.

“Today I am proud to speak to this year's appropriation bills.”— 2020-12-04View Hansard

Spoke in support of the budget, highlighting investment in infrastructure and disability services, and the government's commitment to economic and emotional recovery.

“I rise in support of the Palaszczuk government's 2020 state budget.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Criticised the budget from a regional perspective.

“I rise to speak on the appropriation bills.”— 2020-12-04View Hansard

Argued the Treasurer was delusional about the budget's achievements, criticising failures in housing supply, falling home ownership rates and rising rents.

“This budget has proven one thing: this Treasurer is absolutely delusional.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Criticised the budget as years of financial mismanagement.

“This is a budget where years of financial mismanagement have come home to roost.”— 2020-12-04View Hansard

Supported the budget as pro-growth and based on working together, praising the community's COVID response and the government's investment in recovery.

“This budget is based on that principle. It is unashamedly pro growth and is about working with communities.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Spoke against the budget as Manager of Opposition Business.

“I rise to speak on the appropriation bills.”— 2020-12-04View Hansard

Supported the budget, highlighting record investment in frontline workers, skills and infrastructure for the Bundamba electorate.

“We are creating jobs and supporting skills, and we are investing in bricks and mortar. This budget delivers a fair go for Bundamba.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Expressed concern about the budget's impact on future generations, criticising inadequate support for small business and insufficient road infrastructure upgrades.

“This budget, this moment, makes me think of my two young girls. It makes me think of 2040 when they will be my age.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Spoke in support, noting he promised Stafford constituents his first priority would be working with the Premier on jobs and local investment.

“It gives me great pleasure to rise to speak in support of the government's budget.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Criticised the budget for failing Bundaberg and the Burnett, noting debt had blown out to $28 billion and the government had contempt for regional infrastructure projects.

“The government asked for a mandate on $4 billion of borrowings. That figure has now blown out to $28 billion.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Congratulated the Treasurer and commended the appropriation bills, criticising the opposition leader for refusing to confirm support for a new Bribie Island bridge.

“I am proud that this is exactly what this budget does. I commend the appropriation bills to the House.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Raised regional concerns while acknowledging positive spending on local train manufacturing in Maryborough and the importance of representing constituents' issues.

“It is a good thing which I fully support and great news for Maryborough—local trains, local manufacturing, local jobs.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Spoke in support, highlighting significant investment in the Gold Coast and commending the bills to the House.

“I rise to speak in support of the appropriation bills. The Palaszczuk government is certainly getting on with the job.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Criticised the budget for failing North Queensland, noting no funding for dangerous road stretches and inadequate investment in resources and agriculture despite their contribution to the state.

“Despite that fact, there is no money in this budget to make this stretch of road safer.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Spoke in support, commending the Treasurer on his first budget and describing it as appropriate for a year of turmoil and uncertainty.

“I rise to speak in support of the appropriation bill and I commend the Treasurer on this, his first, budget.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

As former Treasurer, criticised Labor's record of increasing debt every year in government, arguing much had changed since the last budget but Labor's spending habits remained the same.

“Every year that I have been in this place Labor governments have increased debt—every year—even in the best of times.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Supported the budget, highlighting road infrastructure investment including the Centenary Motorway and partnership with the federal government.

“This project has been a long time coming. The Centenary Motorway in my neck of the woods has seen significant investment.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Criticised the government for making Queenslanders wait 539 days for a budget and then hiding behind it, raising water security as a key neglected issue.

“Queenslanders have been waiting for this budget for so long—in fact, for 539 days. That is way too long.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Supported the budget, highlighting working initiatives and ABS labour force data showing positive employment trends.

“They highlight and support initiatives that we know are working.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Criticised the government for using COVID as an excuse to delay the budget, while campaigning on investment in aquaculture and growth for the Whitsunday region.

“For the Labor government, delivering a budget before the election was their challenge—using the excuse that the federal government had not delivered.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Proud to speak in support, describing it as a great budget for the people of Mansfield and crediting the Australian Labor Party.

“I am proud to rise today to speak in support of the appropriation bill delivered by the honourable Treasurer.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Acknowledged some positive budget items for his electorate including dialysis in Charters Towers, but criticised the lack of vision and major infrastructure investment such as the Hells Gates Dam.

“It is such a big project and it needs vision, which is what we want to see in the budget.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Described the budget as a game changer for Queensland and her electorate, commending the bills to the House.

“I commend the bills to the House.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Criticised the long-awaited budget for insufficient police support and education planning in his electorate, while raising concerns about regional infrastructure.

“The long-awaited budget was finally delivered by the Treasurer.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Welcomed the budget's investment in Caloundra, highlighting support for small business and community upgrades.

“These upgrades will be most welcome, as indeed this budget will be most welcome in Caloundra.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Acknowledged some good features of the budget including road safety upgrades he had campaigned for, while raising concerns about matters important to his electors.

“There are some good features of this budget which I am happy to acknowledge.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Supported the budget as focused on getting the economy moving, highlighting education investment and infrastructure in the Waterford electorate.

“Our 2020-21 budget is focused on getting the economy moving sooner.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Criticised the government for failing to support agriculture and regional Queensland, arguing the state deserved better than a tired, complacent Labor government.

“Agriculture is one of our state's most important industries, and it is receiving no support from this government.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Spoke in support, highlighting the government's strong economic response and supercharged recovery plan over the previous 12 months of unprecedented challenges.

“I rise to speak in support of the 2020 appropriation bills.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Congratulated the government on the budget, criticising the opposition for voting against essential works on Paradise Dam and failing to commit to infrastructure for Bundaberg.

“They did not commit to one major infrastructure or jobs project for the Bundaberg region.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Criticised the budget as demonstrating why the LNP dominates the Gold Coast, arguing Labor's efforts to support tourism and small business were dismal compared to the federal government.

“If there is anywhere where the LNP has proven to be dominant, it is the Gold Coast, and this budget is an example of why.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Raised concerns about the Parliamentary Annexe's condition and criticised the estimates process, but participated in the debate on the appropriation bills.

“This is the first of the appropriation debates dealing with the Committee of the Legislative Assembly.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

As committee chair, formally endorsed the committee report recommending the proposed expenditure be agreed to.

“I formally endorse the report of the Economics and Governance Committee, of which I was the chair, in relation to the Appropriation (Parliament) (2020-2021) Bill 2020.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Spoke on the Appropriation (Parliament) Bill report, noting investment needed in parliamentary facilities.

“In our statement of reservation we referred to the Speaker's request that more investment was required in the ageing facilities of the Queensland parliament.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

As Treasurer, thanked the committee and defended the government's economic response and budget.

“I wish to begin my contribution on this report by thanking the members of the Economics and Governance Committee for their very detailed work.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

As Premier, thanked the committee and defended the estimates process and the government's COVID-19 response.

“I thank the chair and members of the Economics and Governance Committee for providing us with the opportunity to appear at the estimates hearing and to answer questions.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

As Leader of the Opposition, criticised the government for lacking an economic vision and charting a clear path for the state.

“Unlike the Premier, I will not use the first minute of my contribution to comment on a government that will have been 10 years concluded at the time of the next election, because this side of the House wishes to look forward and chart an economic future for this state.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

As Deputy Leader of the Opposition, criticised the 539-day gap between budgets and the Treasurer's self-congratulatory approach.

“It is important before we even consider the estimates process to reflect on the fact that it had been 539 days between budgets—539 days while this state languished with no clear path.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

As Tourism Minister, contributed to the estimates report debate and thanked departmental officers.

“It is with pleasure that I rise to contribute to the debate of the Economics and Governance Committee estimates report.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

As committee member, endorsed the Economics and Governance Committee report on the COVID-19 response budget.

“As a member of the committee I rise to endorse report No. 3 of the Economics and Governance Committee.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Criticised the Premier's responses at estimates and raised concerns about the committee process.

“I rise to make a contribution to the debate on the estimates report for the Economics and Governance Committee.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Supported the committee report and praised the government's detailed responses at the estimates hearing.

“I rise in support of report No. 3 that has been tabled on the estimates hearing of the Economics and Governance Committee.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Stated the LNP does not oppose the bill but raised significant concerns about the budget.

“The LNP does not oppose the bill, but there are some significant concerns that should be raised.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Commended the committee report and congratulated the Treasurer on delivering a strong budget during the pandemic.

“I rise to commend the report of the committee to the House. I would like to congratulate the Treasurer on bringing in what we have seen is a strong budget during this COVID-19 pandemic.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Criticised the contrast between government and opposition views on the estimates process.

“I rise to speak on the estimates for the portfolios of state development, regional infrastructure, planning and local government.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

As Deputy Premier, welcomed the committee report and defended the budget as driving Queensland's economic recovery from COVID.

“The 2020-21 Queensland state budget is a budget that will drive Queensland's economic recovery from the COVID pandemic.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Criticised the lack of clarity in the infrastructure pipeline and concerns from the construction industry.

“There was a lack of clarity in the estimates process about the real infrastructure pipeline.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

As Agriculture Minister, praised the government's commitment to regions, farmers and the people of Queensland.

“The committee report makes clear that the Palaszczuk government is one of commitment to our regions, commitment to our farmers and commitment to the people of Queensland.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Criticised the Agriculture Minister for failing to adequately advocate for the agricultural industry in Queensland.

“What an absolute joke of an agriculture minister in Queensland if that is the best he has!”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

As Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing, spoke about the government's vision for manufacturing, water and growth.

“Today it gives me great pleasure to speak about the Palaszczuk government's vision for manufacturing, water and growth.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Stated the LNP agrees with passing the budget but holds concerns about increasing debt and the government's spending.

“Whilst the LNP opposition agrees with passing the budget, we do hold concerns about the Palaszczuk Labor government's 2020 budget.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Supported the committee report and the government's response to the COVID pandemic.

“I rise to speak in support of the State Development and Regional Industries Committee report in relation to the Appropriation (2020-2021) Bill.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Criticised the minister for ducking scrutiny during estimates and failing to answer questions.

“During the estimates hearing the minister ducked for cover from scrutiny. He cannot answer because he does not know what is going on.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Praised the Palaszczuk government's leadership in managing the economy during the health pandemic.

“It was the Palaszczuk Labor government that led the way in how to manage an economy in the time of a health pandemic.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Commented on the limited opportunities for non-government members in the estimates process, criticising both sides of politics.

“Members of the opposition have commented on the conduct and purpose of the budget estimates committee process. In my time I have experienced both sides of politics being in government.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

As committee chair, spoke to the Education, Employment and Training Committee report recommending expenditure be agreed to.

“The committee made one recommendation: that the proposed expenditure be agreed to.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Criticised the committee chair's one-sided view and the government's handling of the estimates process.

“I rise to speak on the committee report for the Education, Employment and Training Committee.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

As Education Minister, commended the committee's budget estimates report.

“I commend the Education, Employment and Training Committee for its budget estimates report.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

As shadow education minister, criticised the government's handling of school infrastructure across Queensland.

“As the Liberal National Party's shadow minister for education, I rise to address the Appropriation (2020-2021) Bill and the budget estimates hearings.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

As Employment Minister, thanked the committee and spoke to the appropriation bills.

“I rise to speak to the appropriation bills. I thank the committee and our excellent chair, the member for Redlands.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Criticised the estimates process and raised concerns about the opposition's ability to scrutinise the government.

“I rise to speak to report No. 2 of the 57th Parliament's Education, Employment and Training Committee to do with the estimates process.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Thanked the ministers for their genuine participation in the estimates appearance.

“I would like to thank the Minister for Education and the Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills for their genuine and fulsome participation in their estimates appearance.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Spoke to the Education, Employment and Training Committee estimates report.

“I rise to speak to the estimates committee report for the Education, Employment and Training Committee.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Criticised the truncated estimates process that limited scrutiny of the racing portfolio.

“I think I have about two and a half minutes. That is ironic in that during the estimates process I had only 15 minutes to talk about racing because of the truncated aspect of the estimates hearings.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Endorsed the Health and Environment Committee report and highlighted record investment in health.

“I rise to endorse our Health and Environment Committee report and the recommendations around the budget. There is record investment in Health.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Reflected on the estimates process and raised concerns about health portfolio expenditure.

“I rise to make a very short contribution with respect to the estimates process, particularly with reference to the Health and Environment Committee.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Stated the LNP's reservations about the crippling debt and criticised the government's fiscal management, particularly regarding Gold Coast tourism and health.

“I rise today to state again the LNP's reservations regarding the crippling debt into which Labor and this government are leading the state.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Spoke to the Health and Environment Committee report and defended the government's health budget.

“I rise to speak to report No. 2 of the Health and Environment Committee on the 2020-21 budget estimates.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

As Environment Minister, defended the government's record on climate change and renewable energy.

“It was interesting hearing the member for Bonney speak about talk versus action on climate change given those opposite do not even have an emissions reduction target.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Welcomed funding for Sarina Hospital and called for continued support for small regional towns, while raising health and environment concerns.

“In this budget it was good to see funds allocated to upgrade Sarina Hospital. I hope that small regional towns such as Mount Morgan and Sarina are supported into the future.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Endorsed the Health and Environment Committee report, describing health as a cornerstone issue.

“I rise to endorse the Health and Environment Committee's 2020-21 budget estimates report. For us on this side of the House, health is a cornerstone issue.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Criticised insufficient investment in infrastructure despite record borrowings and increasing debt.

“Despite record borrowings with debt increasing by $28 billion, there is insufficient investment in infrastructure—job-creating, growth-creating infrastructure—across Queensland.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Praised the Palaszczuk government for delivering health, infrastructure and resources that Queenslanders need.

“It is really pleasing to be part of the Palaszczuk Labor government. This is a government that delivers the health, infrastructure, personnel and resources that Queenslanders need.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Spoke in support of the committee report and acknowledged the committee's great work.

“I start by saying what a great pleasure it is to speak in support of this committee report.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Spoke to the Transport and Resources Committee report on budget estimates.

“I rise to speak to report No. 2 of the Transport and Resources Committee regarding the Appropriation (2020-2021) Bill.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Criticised the unusual circumstances of the budget and the limited parliamentary sitting time.

“Queenslanders should be aware of the unusual circumstances in which we do so.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

As Transport Minister, defended the government's manufacturing and transport policies.

“I do not think it is any great secret that this government supports manufacturing Queensland trains in Queensland.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Congratulated committee staff but criticised the estimates process and government's transport spending.

“I would like to congratulate the staff and the members of the Transport and Resources Committee for the great work they did in terms of the preparation for the estimates process.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Described the estimates process as rather farcical and criticised its effectiveness.

“Once again it has been made quite clear to me that the estimates process does not work as it should. In fact, I think it is rather farcical.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

As Resources Minister, welcomed the committee report and thanked the committee for its recommendation.

“I welcome the tabling of the Transport and Resources Committee's report on the proposed budget appropriations for 2020-21.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Spoke on the appropriation bill and thanked LNP committee members for their work.

“I rise to speak to the Appropriation (2020-2021) Bill.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Spoke enthusiastically about road and rail projects in the Transport and Resources Committee estimates.

“I am excited to be on the Transport and Resources Committee because it means I get to spend the next four years diving into the nitty-gritty of the many fantastic road and rail projects right around Queensland.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Questioned whether taxpayer money was being spent appropriately and raised accountability concerns.

“We need to ask ourselves why do we have a budget and why do we have elections. The answer to both of those questions is to make sure that when we tax people their money is spent appropriately.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Promoted the government's COVID-19 economic recovery plan focused on jobs.

“Jobs, jobs, jobs—a COVID-19 economic recovery plan. That is right, the Palaszczuk Labor government is all about the people of Queensland.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Supported the Transport and Resources Committee report, highlighting affordable and reliable energy supply.

“I rise in support of the Transport and Resources Committee report of the 2020-21 budget estimates.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Supported the proposed expenditure across justice, police, corrective services and emergency services.

“I rise in the House to support the proposed expenditure as detailed in the Appropriation (2020-2021) Bill 2020.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

As deputy chair of the Legal Affairs and Safety Committee, thanked the secretariat and raised concerns about the estimates process.

“As the deputy chair of the Legal Affairs and Safety Committee, I firstly would like to thank the committee secretariat for all of the work they do.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

As Police Minister, defended the estimates process and the government's police and emergency services budget.

“I am always happy to answer the LNP's questions if only they will ask me questions.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Criticised the justice portfolio for moving at glacial speed and lacking progress.

“When we look at the report, at the budget highlights for justice services and at the questions we asked, one word comes to mind: sclerotic.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Supported the proposed expenditure following the Legal Affairs and Safety Committee estimates hearing.

“I rise to speak in support of the proposed expenditure following the estimates hearing of 14 December of the Legal Affairs and Safety Committee.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Criticised the government for setting up task forces without action, particularly on domestic and family violence.

“This government keeps talking and setting up task forces. It keeps a dialogue going but does not actually deliver outcomes.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard

Supported the Legal Affairs and Safety Committee report, highlighting the government's work in fostering safer communities.

“It gives me pleasure to speak in support of the Legal Affairs and Safety Committee report.”— 2021-02-23View Hansard