Appropriation (2020-2021) Bill 2020

Supported the Legal Affairs and Safety Committee's estimates report, defending the Department of Justice and Attorney-General against criticism and praising the government's commitment to coercive control legislation.

“The Palaszczuk government is committed to this persistent and progressive reform.”— 2021-02-24View Hansard

As Treasurer, introduced the budget bill emphasising COVID-19 recovery, record infrastructure investment of $56 billion over four years, job creation, no new taxes, and support for frontline services and small business.

“This is a budget that delivers certainty in a year that has been anything but certain. It is a budget that builds on a health response to COVID-19 that has led the world.”— 2020-12-01View Hansard

Criticised the budget for failing to adequately fund police, corrections and emergency services, expressing concern about police beat closures, prison overcrowding and SES personnel decline.

“This is a budget that does little to make Queensland and Queenslanders feel safer.”— 2021-02-24View Hansard

As Attorney-General, defended the budget's investments in courts, domestic violence prevention and justice system improvements, criticising the previous LNP government for cutting 507 staff from DJAG.

“I am proud to be part of a government that invests in important services to keep Queensland safe.”— 2021-02-24View Hansard

In her statement of reservation, called for reform of the estimates hearings and committee process while thanking frontline workers impacted by appropriations decisions.

“An independent review of all committee processes, including the Business Committee, is beneficial to the process and the people of Queensland and it should be a priority in this term.”— 2021-02-24View Hansard

Spoke passionately as a domestic violence survivor about the need for stronger laws including coercive control offences, while welcoming some government commitments but urging more action.

“We must do more. We have to do more. More women are dying.”— 2021-02-24View Hansard

Raised concerns about the government's ability to deliver promised police officers, questioned police beat closures, and criticised prison overcrowding leading to officer injuries.

“Every one of our government employees deserves to work in a safe environment, and that goes for our custodial officers in our correctional centres.”— 2021-02-24View Hansard

As Minister for Communities and Housing, defended the Queensland Housing Strategy and $1.6 billion Housing Construction Jobs Program, criticising the LNP's record on social housing.

“The opposition's performance during estimates and their statement of reservation shows that they have no alternative plan except to continue with their denigrating rhetoric about social housing.”— 2021-02-24View Hansard

Strongly criticised the government's housing record, citing an 82% increase in 'very high needs' social housing applicants in 18 months and a waiting list of over 26,000 people.

“This is incredibly worrying for Queenslanders, particularly very vulnerable people given false hope by this minister.”— 2021-02-24View Hansard

As Minister for Seniors and Disability Services and ATSI Partnerships, highlighted the Treaty Advancement Committee, Closing the Gap commitments, and criticised the LNP's previous cuts to disability services.

“We want to do this diligently and with an emphasis on making sure all Queenslanders are part of Queensland's treaty process.”— 2021-02-24View Hansard

Criticised lack of coordination between departments on Care Army services, questioned the minister on ATSI partnerships issues including QYAC governance concerns.

“There is no coordination between departments, and that was never more evident than in the issue of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander policy.”— 2021-02-24View Hansard

As Minister for Children and Youth Justice, defended the budget's record $1.7 billion investment, highlighting reduced youth offending and investment in early intervention and detention facilities.

“The number of offenders charged with offences in Queensland decreasing by 23 per cent in the last financial year.”— 2021-02-24View Hansard

Criticised youth justice bail houses as failed policy, raised concerns about information sharing between Child Safety and police, and tabled a letter from frontline workers about workplace culture issues.

“Failing policy has delivered failing departments.”— 2021-02-24View Hansard

Criticised the estimates process as flawed and creating only a veneer of accountability, calling for reforms including abolishing Dorothy Dixers and having non-government chairs.

“As a means of holding the government to account, the estimates process, as it stands, is weak at best.”— 2021-02-24View Hansard