Emblems of Queensland and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023

Supported the bill and discussed the significance of the fossil emblem for outback tourism, while raising concerns about the regulatory impact statement for the Queensland Lake Eyre Basin potentially affecting palaeo tourism.

“I look forward to the Economics and Governance Committee visiting the Eromanga Natural History Museum, which houses Cooper, Australia's largest dinosaur.”— 2023-11-28View Hansard

Spoke enthusiastically about the committee's tour to North-West Queensland and initially supported Kronosaurus queenslandicus but was won over by Pearl Langdon's emotive address about the discovery of the muttaburrasaurus.

“It was a wonderful achievement, as Mrs Langdon said, and this turned my opinion around completely in relation to this being the appropriate emblem for Queensland—the Muttaburrasaurus langdoni named after the original discovery by Doug Langdon.”— 2023-11-16View Hansard

As the responsible Minister, moved the second reading and strongly advocated for the bill, emphasising its benefits for dinosaur tourism in Outback Queensland and the importance of recognising the Muttaburrasaurus as the state fossil emblem.

“Dinosaur tourism in Outback Queensland is not just a journey in the past; it has the potential to be a step toward a thriving economic future for the region.”— 2023-11-15View Hansard

Supported the bill as shadow science minister, noting the muttaburrasaurus as a gateway to STEM education and significant for outback tourism. Highlighted the fossil's discovery and its overwhelming public vote victory.

“These prehistoric creatures are a gateway to a fascination with science for so many young people and we need to be doing all we can to encourage even more young Queenslanders to study science and to pursue a career in STEM.”— 2023-11-28View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill, comparing Queensland's muttaburrasaurus favourably to other states' fossil emblems and sharing her childhood memories of seeing the dinosaur skeleton at the Queensland Museum.

“In comparison, Queensland's muttaburrasaurus stands taller than all the rest and is a worthy representative of Queensland, a place where we do everything bigger and better.”— 2023-11-16View Hansard

As Leader of the Opposition, announced full LNP support for the bill and emphasised the importance of palaeo tourism as part of a broader 20-year tourism vision linked to the 2032 Olympics.

“The LNP supports the Emblems of Queensland and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023. We hope that, in doing so, particularly with reference to palaeo tourism, we send the clearest of signals that everybody in this House sees it as a great opportunity.”— 2023-11-15View Hansard

Supported the bill, praising the committee's regional consultation process and highlighting the bill's parliamentary amendments regarding proxy voting and precinct security.

“By amending the act and recognising the muttaburrasaurus as our official fossil emblem we will put the spotlight back on Outback Queensland towns by showcasing what they have to offer.”— 2023-11-28View Hansard

Praised the committee's trip to Western Queensland, highlighted the tourism value for Outback communities, and read Pearl Langdon's account of her husband's discovery into the record.

“I most passionately commend the bill to the House. I think it is a wonderful outcome for Western Queensland and, indeed, for Queensland as a whole.”— 2023-11-16View Hansard

As committee chair, delivered an impassioned speech recounting the discovery of the Muttaburrasaurus by Doug Langdon and his widow Pearl's testimony, strongly endorsing the choice of the Muttaburrasaurus as the state fossil emblem.

“Doug and Pearl, you are great Queenslanders and we are honoured by your gift to us. It is right and proper that we have these animals and these bones as our fossil emblem.”— 2023-11-15View Hansard

Supported the bill, sharing personal experiences of dinosaur tourism in western Queensland and urging the government to maintain road infrastructure to support outback tourism.

“I had the great fortune, among my many Air Force postings when I was in the Australian Defence Force, to be assigned to the then governor-general and later as the then governor of Queensland's aide-de-camp.”— 2023-11-28View Hansard

Supported the bill enthusiastically, emphasising the historical and cultural significance of the emblem and its importance for palaeo tourism in rural and regional Queensland.

“Our state fossil emblem, the Muttaburrasaurus langdoni, was chosen from these relics in a process that included a public nomination which short-listed 12 fossil candidates from around Queensland and a subsequent public voting process in 2022 from which the muttaburrasaurus ultimately emerged as the people's choice.”— 2023-11-16View Hansard

Shared his personal connection to dinosaur fossils from his family's property near Richmond and expressed strong support for palaeo tourism opportunities in Outback Queensland.

“I am totally committed to—and I am pleased to hear the chair speak about it—exploring further palaeo tourism opportunities early next year with the committee.”— 2023-11-15View Hansard

Made a brief contribution supporting the bill and highlighting the importance of grey nomad tourism for outback townships.

“I wish the muttaburrasaurus a long and prosperous reign as the fossil emblem of this state.”— 2023-11-28View Hansard

Supported the bill, reflecting on how emblems engender civic pride and noting Doug and Pearl Langdon's decision to keep the fossil for Queensland rather than sell it.

“I congratulate our good friend Mutt and offer condolences to Cooper for being runner-up. It was a good fight and it was a fair fight, but Mutt rules. I commend the bill to the House.”— 2023-11-16View Hansard

Supported the bill, noting the muttaburrasaurus won the public vote with 27.55% and highlighting that palaeo tourism accounts for 122,000 visitors to outback Queensland.

“No extra cost is required; all associated costs of the proposed bill will come out of existing budget allocations.”— 2023-11-28View Hansard

As a committee member, supported the bill and highlighted the economic benefits of palaeo tourism, noting that dinosaur tourism is projected to be worth $235 million by 2036.

“Queensland will be the only state in Australia to have a dinosaur as its fossil emblem, fuelling the claim published in the Council of Australasian Museum Directors magazine in 2021 that museum operators believe Queensland's Outback is well on its way to becoming the dinosaur capital of the world.”— 2023-11-16View Hansard

As the minister responsible, delivered the reply speech thanking members for their broad bipartisan support and emphasising the tourism opportunity. Clarified the Queensland Museum fossil image will be the primary reference.

“Dinosaur tourism in Outback Queensland is not just a journey into the past; it has the potential to be a step toward a thriving economic future in our regions.”— 2023-11-28View Hansard

Supported the bill, sharing her personal experiences visiting the Muttaburra Interpretation Centre and the dinosaur trail, and praising the Palaszczuk government's investment in palaeo tourism.

“The Palaszczuk government will always support and invest in this important sector. We support each and every Queenslander, including our state's oldest residents. I commend the bill to the House.”— 2023-11-16View Hansard

Delivered an original ode about the muttaburrasaurus and passionately shared his childhood connection to the dinosaur, including watching Walking with Dinosaurs on the BBC.

“I know that out west the people in Muttaburra will be feeling a sense of pride as their dinosaur becomes the official emblem. I reflect on my childhood and how as a nine-year-old I was gripped—as I am sure the rest of Australia was—with the BBC documentary or TV series Walking with Dinosaurs.”— 2023-11-16View Hansard

As one of only three members from the 51st Parliament, reflected on the 2005 emblems bill and confirmed LNP support for the bill including its technical amendments to parliamentary procedures.

“As we celebrate the recognition of the muttaburrasaurus as the state fossil emblem, let us also acknowledge the importance of these legislative amendments. The LNP will not oppose the bill.”— 2023-11-16View Hansard

Supported the bill, praising the story of Doug and Pearl Langdon and sharing his personal memories of visiting the Queensland Museum with his son to see the muttaburrasaurus.

“While I would not have thought of it at the time, what a privilege to come the full circle and play a small part in having the privilege of representing my community.”— 2023-11-16View Hansard

Supported the bill, explaining both the fossil emblem and technical parliamentary amendments, noting that tourism keeps young people employed in regional towns.

“It is great for Queensland—it is great in particular for regional Queensland—to develop an industry that is sustainable. It will keep young people in those regional towns employed in jobs. It will keep that lifeline there.”— 2023-11-16View Hansard

As Manager of Opposition Business, supported the bill and provided detailed analysis of the parliamentary procedure amendments, particularly regarding parliamentary privilege protections.

“To be part of a legislature that is now bringing in a state emblem that is a dinosaur, and a dinosaur that is one of our own, is a very cool thing.”— 2023-11-16View Hansard

As Minister for Rural Communities, supported the bill emphasising its benefits for rural communities and sharing his experiences visiting the Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum.

“Rural communities in Queensland will benefit from this bill. Future generations of Queenslanders will have a great experience in learning about this dinosaur, the rural communities where they roamed and, no doubt, the other emblems of Queensland.”— 2023-11-16View Hansard

Supported the bill and highlighted the Capricorn Caves in her electorate as Queensland's oldest tourist attraction, sharing recent fossil discoveries there including an ancient rainforest koala tooth.

“Queensland really is the fossil capital of Australia. The state fossil emblem will support economic development and palaeo tourism in Outback Queensland.”— 2023-11-16View Hansard

Confirmed opposition support for the bill while making points about PCCC amendments and sharing his 2017 visit to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs attraction.

“As I said, we welcome this bill. We are supporting it. The muttaburrasaurus will become an official emblem of Queensland, alongside the koala, the Cooktown orchid, the sapphire and the Great Barrier Reef anemone.”— 2023-11-16View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill, highlighting the tourism opportunities for drought-affected regions and noting that dinosaur tourism is estimated to generate over $80 million for Queensland's visitor economy.

“I strongly support the Emblems of Queensland and Other Legislation Amendment Bill. This state has an amazing history, and I am confident that as we move forward we are going to see more of it.”— 2023-11-16View Hansard

Supported the bill, noting the muttaburrasaurus will inspire new palaeontologists and highlighting her experience at a Rotary conference where delegates were enthralled by a presentation on the Age of Dinosaurs.

“The muttaburrasaurus will inspire a whole new wave of young palaeontologists, as well as adults looking to extend their fields of study. There are fantastic opportunities out there in the field with dig sites right in our own backyard.”— 2023-11-16View Hansard

As the local member whose electorate includes Muttaburra, enthusiastically supported the emblem and highlighted the importance of tourism as the third commodity for Western Queensland alongside cattle, sheep and wool.

“This is not just about the muttaburrasaurus; it is about the town of Muttaburra. For people who may not know, if you want to go to the dead centre of Queensland, point to Muttaburra. That is the dead centre of Queensland.”— 2023-11-16View Hansard

Supported the bill while advocating for the Eromanga Natural History Museum in her electorate, home to Cooper, Australia's largest dinosaur, and noting the need for infrastructure investment.

“I am pleased to see that we do have a fossil emblem because that takes fossils and the fossils of Outback Queensland to the world.”— 2023-11-16View Hansard