Appropriation (Parliament) Bill 2019

Praised the estimates process as a hallmark of transparency and accountability, highlighting record investments in police and community safety in her electorate.

“Transparency and accountability are the hallmark of good government, and I am proud to be a member of this Palaszczuk government.”— 2019-08-21View Hansard

Criticised the government over the Deputy Premier's contact with the CCC chair during a corruption assessment and raised concerns about the Public Trustee investigation, arguing the government is mired in corruption allegations.

“This government is mired in allegations of corruption that reach to the top. They need to be resolved because the people of Queensland deserve better than this.”— 2019-08-21View Hansard

As committee chair, commended the estimates process and highlighted the government's $23 billion transport road infrastructure program and local projects in his electorate.

“This investment in roads and transport will sustain 21½ thousand jobs across Queensland during the life of the program.”— 2019-08-21View Hansard

Argued the budget fails to address transport infrastructure needs, criticising chronic underfunding of road maintenance and lack of solutions for congestion in South-East Queensland.

“Labor is not doing nearly enough to address the major problem of congestion, which is costing the region in excess of $2 billion annually in lost productivity.”— 2019-08-21View Hansard

Defended the government's record $23 billion QTRIP investment and criticised the LNP's record of cuts to road infrastructure and public transport when in government.

“We continue to reverse the Newman LNP government's job-destroying policies, such as sacking 14,000 workers, including hundreds of road builders in RoadTek.”— 2019-08-21View Hansard

Criticised the budget for delivering more tax and debt, raised concerns about failing road works on the Warrego Highway and the $5.3 billion road maintenance backlog.

“I worry that if this problem is not addressed with significant monetary funding we will see road deterioration escalate significantly in coming years and then the repair bill will also multiply exponentially.”— 2019-08-21View Hansard

Highlighted the government's delivery of 1,427 new homes for vulnerable Queenslanders, the $1.6 billion Housing Construction Jobs Program, and the new $1.3 billion sport and active recreation strategy.

“We have commenced construction on 1,427 new homes for Queensland's most vulnerable—300 more than our two-year goal.”— 2019-08-21View Hansard

Criticised the government's record on public housing waiting lists, failures in occupational licensing for plumbers, project bank accounts, and building industry cladding issues.

“In the five years that this minister has been in charge and the Labor Party has been in government, the figure has risen to 19,900 people, which is a rise of 3,400 people.”— 2019-08-21View Hansard

Raised regional concerns about airline prices, rail freight costs on the Mount Isa-Townsville line, and housing issues in remote communities, while acknowledging some positive budget announcements.

“In the regions airline prices impact people from every walk of life. If someone has a specialist appointment in Brisbane or Townsville, service can become an issue.”— 2019-08-21View Hansard

Raised concerns about the $9 billion road maintenance backlog and the unexplained removal of 695 kilometres of roads from the maintenance program, questioning whether costs were being shifted to councils.

“I would like to know where those 695 kilometres have gone. Have they just disappeared or is it the case that we are not going to maintain them anymore?”— 2019-08-21View Hansard

Acknowledged improvements in the estimates process but questioned its effectiveness and cost-efficiency, calling for reforms including pre-submitted questions and shorter hearing periods.

“Yes, it is essential to have a process that holds government to account. However, if that process could be more efficient and more economical and deliver the same, if not better, outcomes then it should be explored.”— 2019-08-21View Hansard

Highlighted the government's climate change targets, record $330 million Great Barrier Reef funding, and investments in science and the arts, criticising the LNP for not asking questions on these topics at estimates.

“While Queensland farmers, tourism operators and businesses start to feel the effects of climate change, the LNP did not ask me a single question on that topic during our hearing.”— 2019-08-21View Hansard

Acknowledged the government's tourism investment including island resort redevelopments while criticising the estimates process for not giving crossbenchers a fair opportunity to ask questions.

“There is genuine passion from the government, opposition and crossbenchers of the day to see our tourism industry grow. The argy-bargy occurs in relation to how we get there.”— 2019-08-21View Hansard

Criticised the estimates process for failing to deliver straight answers, highlighting unanswered questions about tourism hub funding and the Land Restoration Fund's carbon credits.

“For estimates to be effective, people need to be given answers to their questions. It is not acceptable for a minister to get away with not answering something.”— 2019-08-21View Hansard

Defended the government's record tourism investment of over $180 million and Advance Queensland innovation agenda supporting 16,400 jobs.

“For the first time ever we have seen a state government providing more than $180 million to partner with the private sector to create brand-new tourism infrastructure and to create jobs.”— 2019-08-21View Hansard

Criticised the rollout of the container refund scheme in his electorate and raised arts portfolio concerns including the display of works by a convicted paedophile artist at the Queensland Art Gallery.

“Nearly 10 months ago, after the removal of the Kenmore site on the eve of the full rollout of the scheme with no communication or consultation with my community, I wrote to the Labor government seeking an explanation.”— 2019-08-21View Hansard

Defended the record $13.8 billion education budget including eight new schools, 1,000 additional teachers, and $1.5 billion infrastructure spend.

“The government's 2019-20 budget for education is a record $13.8 billion and the only question put to the minister is how much car parking do we have.”— 2019-08-21View Hansard

Criticised the government over union campaign materials on school fences, the handling of a sensitive school incident, the Deputy Premier's property interests near a new school, and CCC investigation of the Office of Industrial Relations.

“They know our policies are hurting them, because students and teachers want air conditioning in every state school and only the LNP government will deliver that air conditioning.”— 2019-08-21View Hansard

Defended the Back to Work program for putting nearly 20,000 Queenslanders into work and the government's $885 million payroll tax package, criticising the LNP for not asking a single question about skills and training.

“On this side of the House we love it because we want to see Queenslanders who have struggled to find work gain employment.”— 2019-08-21View Hansard

Raised integrity concerns over Minister Fentiman's undeclared sponsored accommodation at Whistler, criticised the delayed Cairns TAFE upgrade, and argued only 10 per cent of the North Stradbroke Island Workers Assistance Scheme had been distributed.

“This minister has had sponsored accommodation and lived the high life in a luxury resort in Whistler and not met the requirement of reporting it in a timely way to this parliament.”— 2019-08-21View Hansard

Acknowledged education spending in his electorate while raising concerns about maintenance funding for ageing schools, the future of small schools, safety of teachers in violent schools, and the quality of private RTOs receiving government training funding.

“I cannot criticise the other side of the House too much in relation to how much they have spent when it comes to education, especially in the Hinchinbrook electorate.”— 2019-08-21View Hansard

Criticised the failure of the Workers Assistance Package and Economic Transition Strategy on North Stradbroke Island, noting only 10 per cent of the fund had been distributed and the community's social fabric was breaking down.

“What we have seen over the last few years of Labor policy on North Stradbroke Island is that there has been a loss of hundreds of jobs, and this is having not only an impact on the workers and employment opportunities but it is impacting the very social fabric of the island.”— 2019-08-21View Hansard

Criticised the budget for higher taxes, bigger debt, fewer jobs and less infrastructure. Attacked the government's handling of youth justice, Sunshine Coast infrastructure, homelessness funding and cost-of-living pressures.

“More taxes, bigger debt, fewer jobs, less infrastructure.”— 2019-06-14View Hansard

Delivered the opposition budget reply, arguing Labor's budget delivered higher taxes, more debt, fewer jobs and less infrastructure. Outlined the LNP's alternative plan including a no-new-tax guarantee, royalty freeze, new dams, and air-conditioning all state schools.

“It is clear that Queensland cannot afford Labor and Queensland cannot trust Labor either. Its fiscal principles are now in the waste bin and so are its forecasts.”— 2019-06-13View Hansard

Supported the budget as investing in environment, arts, science and her electorate. Highlighted $898 million for the Department of Environment and Science, national park revitalisation, koala conservation and the container refund scheme creating 640 jobs.

“For my portfolio, this is a budget that is investing in the protection of our unique biodiversity today and acknowledging the needs of our communities, our cities and our state for tomorrow.”— 2019-06-14View Hansard

Spoke as Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, highlighting the budget's increased investment in agriculture, biosecurity, drought support and fisheries reform, as well as local infrastructure for the Ferny Grove electorate.

“The increased 2019-20 budget for agriculture and fisheries is $525 million and contains ongoing funding to support producers grappling with serious and persistent drought conditions across much of the state.”— 2019-06-13View Hansard

Called the budget disappointing for the Gold Coast, criticising the lack of spending on schools in his electorate and road infrastructure. Raised concerns about law and order, debt burden and higher taxes.

“This budget is disappointing. Many members have risen in the House over the past 24 hours to talk about the debt burden, the higher taxes and the lack of critical spending in important areas.”— 2019-06-14View Hansard

Criticised the budget as delivering higher taxes, more debt, fewer jobs and less infrastructure. Raised concerns about health system failures, the waste levy's impact on local businesses, and lack of road and transport investment for the Moggill electorate.

“Under the LNP debt will always be lower and the LNP will always implement a responsible debt stabilisation plan, unlike the Palaszczuk Labor government.”— 2019-06-13View Hansard

Supported the budget as delivering for justice, courts and the Redcliffe community. Highlighted $57.7 million for courts, additional prosecution staff, QCAT funding and local infrastructure investments.

“I am proud to be a member of the Palaszczuk government that is delivering on health, education, infrastructure, community safety and social support services for Queenslanders and my local community of Redcliffe.”— 2019-06-14View Hansard

Congratulated the Treasurer on a budget that delivers for Ipswich West, highlighting education infrastructure including new classrooms at Ipswich State High School, road upgrades and health funding.

“This is a strong Labor budget and one that delivers for all Queenslanders.”— 2019-06-13View Hansard

Acknowledged the budget delivered well for schools and roads but criticised the lack of nation-building infrastructure such as dams and rail. Called it a good Labor budget but said regional Queensland needed more consultation and investment.

“In my opinion, this is a very good Labor budget. It has done very well in delivering funding for schools and roads.”— 2019-06-14View Hansard

Criticised the budget for failing small businesses and the Scenic Rim electorate, highlighting high electricity costs for farmers, neglect of the Mount Lindesay Highway, and Labor's appetite for taxing, spending and borrowing.

“There is no end to the Labor government's appetite for taxing and spending and borrowing and spending. All of this waste, incompetence and sheer mismanagement by the government is bad for business and bad for the people who employ people.”— 2019-06-13View Hansard

Supported the budget as delivering for fire and emergency services, Far North Queensland roads and schools. Highlighted new career firefighters, $104 million in QFES capital expenditure and the Smithfield Bypass.

“This is a fantastic QFES budget. It is a fantastic Palaszczuk government budget.”— 2019-06-14View Hansard

As former Treasurer, delivered a detailed critique comparing the budget to the Bligh-era debt crisis, highlighting record $90 billion debt, abandoned fiscal principles, tax revenue growth outstripping the economy, and zero new investment for the Clayfield electorate.

“The 2019-20 budget is a testament to the failures of the Palaszczuk Labor government. This year's budget serves to highlight yet again Labor's ineptitude and lack of a plan.”— 2019-06-13View Hansard

Attacked the budget as delivering higher taxes, record debt and nothing for the Sunshine Coast. Called Treasurer Trad the worst in Queensland's history and criticised nine new taxes ripping $1.25 billion from the economy.

“After 4½ years, Labor's legacy for Queensland is a massive debt bomb of $90 billion, nine new taxes, one of the worst unemployment rates in the country and a youth jobs crisis all over regional Queensland.”— 2019-06-14View Hansard

Praised the budget as delivering for Central Queensland and Keppel, highlighting record education spending, school infrastructure, the Rockhampton Northern Access Upgrade, and a new 42-bed alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility.

“I really think this is a budget for regional Queensland. It is a tourism budget and an agriculture budget. It goes to the heart of education and health and creating jobs in our regions.”— 2019-06-13View Hansard

Supported the budget as creating jobs and investing in skills, training and local infrastructure. Highlighted over 200,000 jobs created since 2015, payroll tax relief for small business and investment in health and education in his electorate.

“I am proud to be part of the Palaszczuk Labor government that has created over 200,000 jobs since being elected in 2015.”— 2019-06-14View Hansard

Argued the budget was more of an IOU than a love letter to the regions, with multiple reannouncements of partially funded projects in his electorate. Criticised wasted money on Brisbane cyclepaths while regional hospitals and schools are neglected.

“As a member who represents a quarter of Queensland's land mass in the heart of the state, let me tell members that this budget is more of an 'IOU' note than a love letter.”— 2019-06-13View Hansard

Criticised the debt trajectory towards $90 billion, the sensitivity of the budget to coal royalties, and new property taxes. Argued Labor had presided over 25 of 30 years of government and taken state debt from $2.4 billion to $90 billion.

“From $2.4 billion in 1989 we now have over $90 billion debt after 25 years out of 30 of Labor governments, and that is what we are now left with. What do we have to show for it? Nothing!”— 2019-06-14View Hansard

Criticised the budget for failing the fastest growing region in Queensland, with no funding for a police hub, no hospital, inadequate road exit upgrades, and key transport projects pushed out into the future.

“This minister continues to plan to plan, but he does not plan to build.”— 2019-06-13View Hansard

Supported the budget as delivering $885 million in payroll tax relief for small business, free TAFE, $105 million in TAFE capital works and local infrastructure for the Waterford electorate including M1 upgrades and Logan Hospital expansion.

“This is a budget for all Queenslanders—a budget that promotes at its core the belief that all Queenslanders deserve access to skills and training, the skills they need to participate in our economy and reach their full potential.”— 2019-06-14View Hansard

Supported the budget, highlighting education funding for local schools, health initiatives for the QEII Hospital area, road and busway improvements, and sport infrastructure in the Toohey electorate.

“The Palaszczuk Labor government is committed to ensuring that it delivers a transport system for all Queenslanders.”— 2019-06-13View Hansard

Criticised the budget for failing the Gold Coast, highlighting no funding for light rail, delayed Coomera Connector, neglected schools and inadequate health funding. Acknowledged suicide prevention funding as welcome.

“Overall this budget lacks understanding and care for the Gold Coast region. It fails to adequately provide for its current population, let alone the growth it is experiencing.”— 2019-06-14View Hansard

Called the budget irresponsible and ill-conceived, criticising the government's addiction to debt and taxes, failure to fund Sunshine Coast rail duplication, and lack of action on road congestion and community safety on the Sunshine Coast.

“It is a budget of waste and mismanagement. It is a budget of higher taxes, more debt and less jobs. It is a budget that shifts the responsibility for paying down Queensland's massive state debt to the next generation.”— 2019-06-13View Hansard

Praised the budget for delivering nearly $20 million for schools in Mansfield, creating 58 jobs on school sites and investing in education infrastructure. Contrasted Labor's vision with the Newman government's school closures.

“A quality education transforms the lives of individuals, families and whole communities.”— 2019-06-14View Hansard

Supported the budget as delivering for the bayside community, highlighting new classrooms at Darling Point Special School, health grants, TAFE upgrades, payroll tax relief for small business and cost-of-living concessions.

“We all want the very best education for our kids, we all want the very best health care, we all want a decent job and we all want to be able to pay our bills and to have some money left over. That is what the Palaszczuk Labor government gets.”— 2019-06-13View Hansard

Criticised the budget for delivering crumbs to the Gympie electorate through reannouncements and rebadging. Highlighted the $90 billion debt, $1.25 billion in new taxes, cuts to the Department of Agriculture and neglect of rural infrastructure.

“Labor is addicted to putting everything on the credit card, crossing its fingers and hoping that the problems will go away.”— 2019-06-14View Hansard

Criticised the budget for ignoring the Nicklin electorate, particularly the delayed Nambour Police Station project. Accused Labor of spending money saving the Deputy Premier's seat while taking billions in tax from Queenslanders.

“It seems that the only way you get any attention from this Labor government is if you are a prisoner who wants lobster at your wedding or a black-throated finch, because once again there is barely a nickel for Nicklin in this budget.”— 2019-06-13View Hansard

Criticised the budget for neglecting the Wide Bay-Burnett region, receiving the second lowest capital budget despite having the greatest population outside the south-east. Highlighted no funding for a new Bundaberg hospital business case, roads, flood mitigation or the Hinkler Regional Deal.

“For the second year in the row the Wide Bay-Burnett region has been allocated the second lowest capital budget in regional Queensland, despite having the greatest population outside of the south-east.”— 2019-06-14View Hansard

Supported the budget as delivering for north-side Brisbane, highlighting education funding for Aspley schools, the Linkfield Road overpass project, and sports infrastructure upgrades.

“This budget is also a great win for local schools.”— 2019-06-13View Hansard

Criticised the budget for failing to give security to businesses, boost jobs or keep the lid on cost-of-living pressures. Tabled multiple newspaper articles critical of the budget and highlighted the impact of new taxes on tourism and regional businesses.

“The budget brought down by this government does nothing to give security to small and large businesses, nor does it boost jobs or employment, nor does it keep the lid on cost-of-living pressures in Hervey Bay.”— 2019-06-14View Hansard

Criticised the budget as reckless, highlighting record $90 billion debt, failures in tourism, lack of ecotourism investment, declining koala populations, and inadequate funding for Gold Coast infrastructure including light rail stage 3.

“If there is a headline for this budget that every one of us should come in and hang our heads in shame that we are not debating every minute of every day, it is the fact that for the first time in this state our debt level will go past $90 billion.”— 2019-06-13View Hansard

Supported the budget as delivering significant health infrastructure including the $400 million Caboolture Hospital upgrade, education investment and transport improvements for the Morayfield electorate.

“The member for Pumicestone is criticising a $400 million investment in health infrastructure.”— 2019-06-14View Hansard

Strongly supported the budget as the best for Redlands in over a decade, highlighting the $37 million Cleveland Redland Bay Road upgrade, island jetty upgrades, TAFE expansion, school investments and Redland Hospital improvements.

“I promised to be a strong voice for our community, to listen, work hard and fight for the needs of our growing region, and that is just what I have been doing for the last 18 months.”— 2019-06-13View Hansard

As Treasurer, defended the budget in reply, highlighting the LNP's inability to deliver fiscal surpluses, Queensland's tax competitiveness, Cross River Rail delivery and $885 million payroll tax relief. Promoted investment in South Brisbane schools and infrastructure.

“Any day of the week I will stack up our track record on managing finances, on delivering to Queenslanders and, most importantly, on creating jobs in this state against those opposite.”— 2019-06-14View Hansard

Criticised the budget for failing rural and regional Queensland, highlighting deteriorating roads, overcrowded schools, agriculture sector neglect, rising crime, and electricity prices that have increased 130 per cent for farmers over 10 years.

“Just when I thought it could not get any worse than last year's budget for rural and regional Queensland, this budget has beaten it by a country mile.”— 2019-06-13View Hansard

Praised the budget as delivering strongly for Maryborough, highlighting school upgrades, road safety improvements including turning lanes on the Cooloola Coast road, a $29 million increase for the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service, and sport and community infrastructure.

“This is the fourth budget. Every time I look at the budget for Maryborough I do not think it can get any better, but we have beaten it again.”— 2019-06-13View Hansard

Acknowledged health and education spending in his electorate but criticised the lack of nation-building infrastructure investment, particularly the failure to progress CopperString energy transmission, unsealed roads to key tourism sites, and the treatment of rail, water and energy assets as cash cows rather than industry enablers.

“If I were a punter sitting at home and I saw a government investing in dams, transmission lines, rail and road in our large industry base areas, I would start to wake up and say, 'These guys are serious about turning things around in industry.'”— 2019-06-13View Hansard

Defended the budget against opposition criticism, highlighting education, health and energy investments. Pointed to LNP hypocrisy on debt, noting federal coalition and Brisbane City Council debt levels. Highlighted local infrastructure including the Deception Bay Road overpass.

“This budget means more for Queensland—more jobs and more job security; more schoolrooms and more teachers; more hospitals beds, more doctors and more nurses.”— 2019-06-13View Hansard

Criticised the budget for raising taxes and debt while reducing infrastructure spending. Highlighted the Gold Coast receiving little funding, the building certifier insurance crisis, rising wholesale electricity prices, and struggling foundry businesses.

“This is a budget that raises taxes, debt is up, jobs are down and infrastructure spending is down. That just goes to prove that you cannot trust Labor.”— 2019-06-13View Hansard

Strongly defended the budget's investment in Logan, detailing $45.7 million for the Mount Lindesay Highway, new schools, ambulance stations and sports infrastructure. Contrasted it with the LNP's record of cuts, sackings and sell-offs.

“The Deputy Premier and Treasurer put forward a different vision of security, support, stability and services. For a growing area like Logan we need support, not the service cuts; we need stability, not the sackings.”— 2019-06-13View Hansard

Acknowledged some positive projects including the Walkerston bypass and Rookwood Weir, but criticised the budget for underwhelming road investment across his vast electorate, failure to progress the Upper Connors Dam, and inadequate support for agriculture, health and emergency services in regional areas.

“Reflecting on the budget, I feel the electors of Mirani are not getting their fair share.”— 2019-06-13View Hansard

As Speaker, moved the Appropriation (Parliament) Bill and spoke in support, highlighting investment in electorate office security, IT upgrades, regional education programs and infrastructure in his electorate of Mulgrave including the Cairns Shipping Development Project.

“A new relief staff allowance will also be established to facilitate improved workload management in electorate offices.”— 2019-06-14View Hansard