Appropriation Bill 2024

As Premier, defended the budget as delivering record cost-of-living relief including $1,000 electricity rebates, 50-cent public transport fares, 20 per cent rego discounts, and stamp duty abolition for first home buyers. Highlighted $107.2 billion infrastructure program and investments in health, housing and energy.

“My first budget as Premier is doing what matters for all Queenslanders. It includes a record $11.2 billion in relief and concessions to Queenslanders.”— 2024-08-21View Hansard

Criticised the government's handling of the budget estimates process and the four major crises facing Queensland: crime, health, cost of living, and housing. Raised concerns about the Gabba cost blowout, Premier's failure to disclose jet costs, and CFMEU links. Committed to Adult Crime, Adult Time policy.

“Nothing will change in Queensland until government changes, and what is happening at Goondiwindi at the moment shows a crisis of the making of this government—weaker laws, fewer police, and as a result the heart and soul of communities are being ripped apart.”— 2024-08-21View Hansard

As Treasurer, defended the budget as fully detailed, fully accountable, fully costed and fully funded. Attacked the Opposition Leader over undisclosed business dealings and $10 billion in unfunded election commitments.

“Our government is committed to being up-front and transparent with Queenslanders. When our government makes commitments, we tell Queenslanders how much those commitments will cost and how we will pay for them in the budget context.”— 2024-08-21View Hansard

As shadow Treasurer, criticised the government for abandoning Queenslanders' priorities after 10 years of chaos and mismanagement. Highlighted unfunded promises including the $24 billion Pioneer-Burdekin project, the Gabba cost blowout, and wasteful spending on consultants and travel.

“I think of those smaller amounts that betray the mindset of a 10-year government that has lost touch with the Queensland people.”— 2024-08-21View Hansard

As committee chair, supported the budget and criticised the opposition for wasting estimates time on political pointscoring rather than scrutinising budget expenditure. Highlighted cost-of-living measures benefiting Logan residents.

“The Premier gets it and he takes action.”— 2024-08-21View Hansard

As committee chair, highlighted the health portfolio's achievements including satellite hospitals treating 52,000 people and additional ambulance operatives in the budget.

“Those satellite hospitals have seen 52,000 people. That is incredible.”— 2024-08-20View Hansard

Criticised the government for prioritising ministerial staffers (50 per cent increase) over frontline services. Highlighted the Callide Power Station failure, hidden reports, and the government's links with the CFMEU.

“Queenslanders can handle the truth and they demand the truth.”— 2024-08-21View Hansard

Heavily criticised the health minister for withholding hospital performance data at estimates, revealing Queensland's longest ever elective surgery waiting list and worsening ambulance response times.

“Queensland has its longest elective surgery waiting list ever recorded: 62,000 patients. That is unprecedented.”— 2024-08-20View Hansard

Criticised the Premier for failing to disclose jet costs at estimates, the state-owned fuel station proposal, and electricity price increases of nearly 20 per cent under the government.

“I have never seen an announcement by a Premier more ridiculed than that announcement.”— 2024-08-21View Hansard

Defended the record $28.9 billion health investment and criticised the LNP for not asking questions about cancer, workforce or women's issues at estimates.

“Our frontline health heroes deserve backing, not belittling, and support, not scorn.”— 2024-08-20View Hansard

Criticised ministers for obfuscation during estimates, particularly the Premier's refusal to disclose jet costs and the government's handling of the Callide Power Station failure. Noted the improved time allocations for opposition questioning.

“They spent $167,000 worth of taxpayers' money at a time when the public is suffering cost-of-living issues.”— 2024-08-21View Hansard

Argued the government has failed agriculture, fishing and forestry sectors, highlighting concerns about the sale of agricultural colleges, fire ant management and lack of transparency on timber industry commitments.

“The estimates hearing confirmed that the government has failed the agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors. It is also failing regional and rural communities and failing Queenslanders.”— 2024-08-20View Hansard

Criticised the government's handling of the Olympics, the Pioneer Valley pumped hydro scheme (estimated $25-30 billion with no disclosed cost), the housing crisis, and the CFMEU. Outlined LNP commitments including Adult Crime, Adult Time and stamp duty abolition.

“If the LNP are elected on 26 October, give us 100 days to put grown-ups in charge to sort out this mess that the Labor Party have created.”— 2024-08-21View Hansard

Criticised the government's environmental record, highlighting the lowest conservation area proportion in Australia, the lack of a feasibility study for Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro, and problems with the container refund scheme.

“The Treasurer did not even mention the environment in his budget speech, probably because there is very little new funding included in this year's budget.”— 2024-08-20View Hansard

Criticised the government's housing record, highlighting 145,000 nights of hotel accommodation used for homeless people (30 per cent increase), social housing waiting list at 45,473 (53 per cent increase over seven years), and no homes built from the Housing Investment Fund.

“Announcements do not house people. People want to see results and outcomes, not false promises, not TikTok videos, not Facebook.”— 2024-08-21View Hansard

Did not oppose the committee's recommendation but lodged a statement of reservation, welcoming a PET scanner for Rockhampton while criticising the environment department's lack of involvement in Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro and renewable energy projects.

“The government is perfectly happy to throw the environment and wildlife under the bus when it suits their political agenda.”— 2024-08-20View Hansard

Raised concerns about teacher safety, youth justice failures in Townsville, and the need for relocation sentencing and minimum mandatory sentencing. Criticised the government's intensive on-country programs as inadequate and called for victims to come first.

“Youth justice in this state and in Townsville is an absolute joke. The youth offenders are getting all the justice in Townsville. The offenders are getting away with blue murder.”— 2024-08-21View Hansard

Thanked the government for improving crossbench participation in estimates while raising concerns about youth justice transition plans, disaster resilience funding, and rising insurance costs linked to climate hazard modelling.

“If we are to address criminality in young Queenslanders, we must have at least a 12-month transition plan, regardless of whether it is funded under youth justice or adult corrections.”— 2024-08-20View Hansard

Criticised the government over CCC legal costs for Peter Carne and Jackie Trad matters, the failure to implement the A Call for Change report recommendations, and the DNA debacle.

“The estimates were revealing for what this government has failed to do. This report is the same.”— 2024-08-20View Hansard

Criticised the government for being 1,147 police officers short of their recruitment commitment and exposed a systemic issue where victims' details were potentially given to offenders through unchecked QPRIME data.

“This government cannot be trusted when it comes to any further commitments on police numbers in Queensland.”— 2024-08-20View Hansard

Criticised the energy portfolio, highlighting $50 million spent on the Callide Power Station cover-up, the minister's approval of $300,000 in bonuses to executives he claimed to have dismissed, and 20 per cent energy price increases.

“This government failed to maintain our baseload power stations and this has driven up our energy prices by 20 per cent, three times the national average.”— 2024-08-20View Hansard

Criticised the transport minister for being unable to provide a timeline for Cross River Rail's opening, and highlighted safety concerns including near misses with construction equipment and failures in open level crossing inspections.

“When it comes to project delivery in this state, the three essential elements of time, quality and cost are anathema to the way this current government delivers project management.”— 2024-08-20View Hansard

As Premier, spoke in support of the budget, highlighting cost-of-living relief including $1,000 off power bills, 50-cent public transport fares, 20 per cent off car registration, and the largest infrastructure investment in the state's history.

“We are delivering the largest and most comprehensive cost-of-living relief package in the nation's history.”— 2024-06-14View Hansard

Delivered the Leader of the Opposition's budget reply, criticising the government's record on health, crime, housing and cost of living while announcing LNP housing policies including abolishing stamp duty on new homes for first home buyers and cancelling the Pioneer-Burdekin pumped hydro project.

“As much as Labor do not want Queenslanders to judge them on their record, there is no other way to judge them. They have been in power for almost a decade. Their past actions have led to the position Queensland is in today.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

Criticised the budget as a four-month election budget designed to con voters, while acknowledging the LNP would support the cost-of-living measures. Attacked the government's record on housing, health, crime, and cost of living over 10 years.

“This is a Labor four-month budget, not a budget for the future. This is an election budget to con the people of Queensland.”— 2024-06-14View Hansard

Supported the budget as delivering for Queenslanders with record investment in education, health and cost-of-living relief, highlighting funding for schools and infrastructure in her electorate.

“This budget is about doing what matters for Queensland and doing what matters for the electorate of McConnel.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

Supported the budget as delivering significant benefits for the Greenslopes electorate, highlighting investments in schools, hospitals, police, community organisations, and cost-of-living relief over 10 years of Labor government.

“The answer is a resounding yes. We have invested in every single state school in my electorate.”— 2024-06-14View Hansard

As shadow treasurer, criticised the budget as a desperate pre-election cash splash that fails to address underlying structural issues in housing, health and crime, while welcoming cost-of-living relief measures and announcing LNP housing and small business policies.

“This is a budget for four months, not four years. It is a budget that delivers a short-term political sugar hit instead of meaningful reform.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

Criticised the government for cutting the Mooloolah River Interchange, failing to deliver rail to Maroochydore, underfunding police, and a lack of integrity in government. Supported LNP housing policies including stamp duty abolition and productivity commissioner.

“This government have actually cut a critical enabling piece of infrastructure on the Sunshine Coast.”— 2024-06-14View Hansard

Defended the budget's energy and cost-of-living measures, arguing progressive coal royalties fund household relief, and criticised the LNP for opposing ongoing royalties and cancelling the Pioneer-Burdekin pumped hydro project.

“We know that the fast, fair and deliverable way to support Queensland households right now is to take those progressive coal royalties and put them into the pockets of every single Queenslander, every single renter.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

Argued the budget creates a dilemma for the LNP because their leader committed to honouring all budget items, effectively signing the LNP up to Labor's social policies including termination of pregnancy and voluntary assisted dying.

“The Leader of the Opposition is so desperate not to reveal his plans for cuts that he has committed his party, his backbench and his partyroom factions to funding social services in this budget and for the next four years.”— 2024-06-14View Hansard

Welcomed school funding, tourism investment, FairPlay voucher increases and registration fee reductions, but criticised the government's renewables push as driving up electricity prices in regional Queensland and called for investment in an inland highway from Cairns to the Tablelands.

“While we welcome the electricity rebate, which is welcomed by every Queenslander, there is a huge difference in household electricity bills in regional Queensland compared to Brisbane.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

Criticised the budget as an election spending spree that fails the Burdekin electorate, noting the region generates $13 billion in royalties but receives only 0.15 per cent back. Highlighted inadequate roads, health services, and mining sector investment.

“We make it and they take it. It is that simple.”— 2024-06-14View Hansard

As health minister, defended the record $28.9 billion health budget and criticised the Leader of the Opposition for having no health policy in his budget reply speech.

“I was listening keenly to the Leader of the Opposition's budget reply speech. I was waiting to hear just one idea about health and to see just one dollar committed.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

As Minister for Agriculture, supported the budget's cost-of-living relief funded by progressive coal royalties, highlighting nearly $715 million for agriculture and fisheries, biosecurity funding, and local Ferny Grove school investments.

“This budget is a budget that delivers on cost of living for Queenslanders.”— 2024-06-14View Hansard

As shadow housing minister, criticised Labor's housing record including zero homes built through the Housing Investment Fund and rising social housing wait times, while promoting LNP housing policies on stamp duty abolition, shared equity and lifting rental restrictions for first home buyers.

“Three years on, not one additional home has been built. The government's target lies in tatters.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

Criticised the budget as a last-minute desperate bid for votes with years of deficit budgets and escalating debt. Highlighted Labor's failure on housing over a decade and supported the LNP's housing plan including stamp duty abolition.

“This budget would have been more aptly named 'doing whatever you need to do to survive the next election'.”— 2024-06-14View Hansard

Supported the budget as addressing cost-of-living pressures and highlighted local funding for schools, sporting clubs and community safety in the Pine Rivers electorate.

“This is a good budget for Pine Rivers and a good budget to address cost-of-living pressures.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

Supported the budget's cost-of-living relief including energy rebates, 50-cent bus fares, and car registration discounts. Highlighted local funding for schools, the Barron River bridge, and pumped hydro energy storage.

“I support the Miles Labor government's energy proposal for the two big pumped hydros.”— 2024-06-14View Hansard

Attacked the budget as a desperate pork-barrelling cash splash by a failing government, criticising profligate spending, the trajectory of state debt toward $172 billion, and the lack of funding for Gold Coast light rail stage 4.

“This is a desperate budget by a desperate Treasurer hoping a deliberate pork-barrelling cash splash will drag a flailing, on-the-nose government from the abyss of an election defeat on 26 October.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

As shadow environment minister, criticised the budget for failing to deliver on environmental commitments including protected areas, recycling targets, and reef water quality. Opposed the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro in favour of smaller distributed storage projects.

“In 2015 it was the Premier himself, then the environment minister, who personally committed to increase Queensland's protected estate to 17 per cent of our land area. We are at our final budget before the election and we now have 8.61 per cent.”— 2024-06-14View Hansard

Criticised the budget as a vote-buying exercise that plunges Queensland into deficit, highlighting neglect of the Mount Lindesay Highway and the dangerous Amberley interchange, while welcoming cost-of-living relief.

“Queenslanders need to know that this budget is all about trying to buy votes. It is for the next four months—nothing more, nothing less.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

Supported the budget's cost-of-living measures, Bribie Island Satellite Hospital, stamp duty abolition for first home buyers, and criticised the LNP's shared equity scheme as inferior to the federal Help to Buy program.

“Only a Miles Labor government is focused on doing what matters for Queenslanders.”— 2024-06-14View Hansard

Proudly supported the budget as reflecting Labor values, highlighting investment in the Prince Charles Hospital expansion, local school projects and cost-of-living measures.

“This budget delivers for education. It delivers for health care. It gives people a chance in life and it goes to support every household across the state in dealing with their daily cost-of-living issues.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

Criticised the budget as a desperate cash splash that fails Ipswich, highlighting the Housing Investment Fund's failure to build homes, inadequate transport funding per capita, and crises in health, crime and housing.

“After $2 billion and three years, the Labor government have built zero homes with the Housing Investment Fund—zero.”— 2024-06-14View Hansard

Thanked the government for school funding allocations and teacher numbers in the Mirani electorate, but opposed the green energy infrastructure program including wind farms destroying koala habitat and called for river maintenance funding for Finch Hatton.

“By my calculations, this year's budget allocates some $1.147 billion to projects and programs within the electorate of Mirani. Of course, most of that $1.147 billion relates specifically to the government's massive green energy infrastructure program.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

Supported the budget's cost-of-living measures and criticised the LNP's small-target strategy, arguing their shared equity scheme was a stolen Labor idea while their leader had signed up to all Labor budget policies.

“There are smiles for miles in the Stretton electorate, thanks to this historic budget.”— 2024-06-14View Hansard

Supported the budget as delivering record cost-of-living relief including energy rebates, reduced registration and 50-cent fares, along with investment in First Nations communities, arts and cultural heritage.

“This budget is about doing what matters for Queensland. Queenslanders have overwhelmingly told us that addressing immediate cost-of-living pressures is what matters to them.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

Criticised the budget for failing the Gympie electorate, highlighting the Borumba Pumped Hydro lacking environmental approvals, housing crisis, hospital needing replacement, timber supply crisis, and biosecurity funding cuts.

“The budget is proof that the government's real priorities are about power—on re-election—not Queensland.”— 2024-06-14View Hansard

Attacked the budget as a desperate vote-buying exercise by a decade-old government responsible for crises in health, youth crime, housing and cost of living, citing a 213 per cent increase in crime victims since 2015.

“It could not be clearer: this Labor government will do and say anything to cling on to power. In a desperate bid to buy Queenslanders' votes they are throwing taxpayer money at short-term political sugar hits.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

As Minister for Employment, supported the budget's delivery for Bundamba including energy rebates, 50-cent transport fares, the Swanbank clean energy hub, Bundamba station upgrade, and school and hospital investments.

“This budget is a budget that delivers on what matters for Bundamba, it is a budget that delivers on what matters for Ipswich and it is a budget that delivers for what matters for Queensland.”— 2024-06-14View Hansard

Commended the budget and contrasted Labor's courage in governing with what he described as the LNP's fear-based opposition, criticising the LNP for failing to show up to debate climate change.

“The Miles government is doing the things that matter for Queensland, even if they are hard or complex. The LNP, by contrast, do not have the courage to do the things that matter for Queensland.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

In his final budget speech, criticised the budget as a desperate pre-election cash splash similar to the Beattie-Bligh era, highlighting failures in health, crime, housing and cost of living, and Labor's handling of Toondah Harbour.

“This pre-election budget, with its litany of handouts, has been described by economists and political media as a brazen, irresponsible, reckless spendathon.”— 2024-06-14View Hansard

Criticised the budget as offering only temporary, flashy measures rather than structural change, arguing the government has no plan to fix social housing wait times, give renters long-term security, or make corporations pay their fair share through higher mining royalties.

“What this budget proves is that if you want real, positive change, you are going to have to fight for it and you are going to have to vote for it.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

Supported the budget's $5.5 billion for Direct Sunshine Coast Rail, new Aura PCYC, police and fire stations, school upgrades, and cost-of-living measures for families.

“This funding represents the biggest transport infrastructure project the Sunshine Coast has ever seen.”— 2024-06-14View Hansard

As resources minister, supported the budget for delivering cost-of-living relief and investment in Townsville, including $10.3 billion in concessions and rebates and continued support for the resources and critical minerals sector.

“I rise today in support of the Miles government's 2024-25 state budget. This budget is delivering vital cost-of-living relief to Queenslanders.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

Criticised the budget for spending on the next four months rather than four years, highlighting Queensland's highest electricity, health and transport cost increases nationally, $100 billion in additional debt, and project cost blowouts.

“Over the last 10 years this government have borrowed $100,000 million more than they have collected.”— 2024-06-14View Hansard

Criticised the budget as a cynical vote-buying exercise by a government focused solely on political survival, highlighting reannounced projects and lack of investment in the Mudgeeraba electorate.

“It is now blatantly obvious that this Labor government will do and say anything to be re-elected. It is unlike anything I have ever seen during my time in politics.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

As Housing Minister, defended the record $2.8 billion housing investment, criticised the LNP for copying Labor's housing plan after calling it unachievable, and highlighted the LNP's previous record of cutting social housing by 428 homes.

“We want every Queenslander to have a safe, affordable place to call home, and that is why one of the first things the Premier did was outline his Homes for Queenslanders plan.”— 2024-06-14View Hansard

As child safety, seniors and disability services minister, supported the budget's $2.3 billion investment in child and family services, including $190.8 million for foster and kinship carers and extended post-care support for young people leaving care.

“The Miles government's 2024-25 state budget is providing real, practical help and cost-of-living relief for our most vulnerable Queenslanders.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

Criticised the budget as an election budget focused on re-election rather than fixing crises in health, crime and housing. Highlighted record debt heading for $172 billion, ambulance ramping at 46 per cent, timber industry closure, and Callide C secrecy.

“After delivering the budget, the Treasurer's statement telling Queenslanders 'not to judge them on their record' certainly takes some beating.”— 2024-06-14View Hansard

Acknowledged the welcome cost-of-living relief measures but expressed concern that Queensland is heading into a $2.63 billion deficit by borrowing from the future, while noting both joy and disappointment in specific Noosa electorate funding.

“Queensland will end this financial year with a net operating surplus of $564 million; however, it will then head to a deficit of $2.63 billion in the year ahead. This means we are borrowing money from next year to spend now.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

Supported the budget's investments in Far North Queensland including the Cairns Water Security project, energy upgrades, Bruce Highway funding, Cairns Hospital expansion, and school infrastructure in the Mulgrave electorate.

“This budget delivers significant new investment into both Mulgrave and the Far North Queensland region.”— 2024-06-14View Hansard

As former treasurer, delivered a detailed critique of the budget's fiscal trajectory, questioning the sustainability of cost-of-living measures, the neglect of base-load power maintenance at Callide C, and the uncosted Pioneer-Burdekin hydro scheme.

“This is a big-taxing and big-spending budget purely because it has to be. The cost-of-living crisis that Labor has ignored for far too long, and in some cases through its failed policies has actually exacerbated, necessitates spending and taxing on a scale that is almost without precedent in this state.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

As the last LNP speaker, highlighted the housing affordability crisis with constituents paying $750-$950 per week in rent, victims of crime feeling violated, and hospital waiting lists. Supported the LNP's housing foundations plan.

“Members only need to walk about a thousand metres from where we are today down Albert Street to see the stream of homeless people sleeping on the footpaths, in tunnels and on benches.”— 2024-06-14View Hansard

Criticised the government's record on child safety residential care and the women's health crisis at Mackay Base Hospital, arguing the budget fails the Mackay and Whitsunday region.

“Our region of Mackay and the Whitsunday matters and deserves better. We look forward to showing Labor the door in 2024.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

Supported the budget's cost-of-living relief and investment in Thuringowa including $95 million for Riverway Drive duplication, $145 million for Kirwan police precinct and academy, and delivery of 66 new police officers since 2015.

“This goes to the very core of what we do best as a Labor government—that is, look after Queenslanders.”— 2024-06-14View Hansard

Supported the budget as delivering record education funding and road infrastructure for the Maryborough electorate, including the Tiaro bypass, while dismissing the Leader of the Opposition's budget reply.

“It is a great Labor budget for the Maryborough electorate. There is more money in health. What a great budget for my schools across the Maryborough electorate.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

Supported the budget's cost-of-living relief for Inala residents and condemned the LNP's record of cutting $45 million from mental health and closing the Barrett Adolescent Centre, resulting in three young people's deaths.

“I will proudly stand by Labor's record over that of the LNP any day.”— 2024-06-14View Hansard

Criticised the budget as a desperate last-ditch attempt to buy votes with the second largest deficit in a decade, arguing it focuses on short-term sugar hits rather than meaningful reform on crime, health, housing and cost of living.

“The budget is another Labor fiasco and reveals everything we need to know about how desperate they have become to clutch at the straws of power.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

Supported the budget's health investments including 249 new beds at PA Hospital, school upgrades, Cross River Rail progress, 50-cent transport fares, and the Energy and Jobs Plan including pumped hydro storage.

“I have had people tear up as I have explained to them the $1,000 power rebate and the 50-cent fares because they are so close to breaking point.”— 2024-06-14View Hansard

As tourism and sport minister, supported the budget's cost-of-living relief and highlighted $195 million for the Cairns Water Security project, $250 million for the Cairns Hospital expansion, and investment in tourism infrastructure.

“Cost-of-living action is at the heart of the Miles government's first budget along with building the infrastructure we need for our growing state and, most importantly, investing in our greatest asset, which is our people.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

Supported the budget as Labor's best yet, highlighting the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, 50-cent train fares, FairPlay vouchers expansion, and food relief programs for vulnerable Queenslanders.

“Fifty-cent fares could change everything.”— 2024-06-14View Hansard

Condemned the budget as criminally short-sighted, arguing that almost every cost-of-living measure is set to expire before the election while Labor allows mining royalty revenue to crash and social housing wait times to reach record levels.

“This budget is criminally short-sighted. Communities across the state are suffering and it feels like the major parties just do not get it.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

Supported the budget's cost-of-living measures, highlighting 50-cent public transport fares saving Macalister commuters from $66 to $5 per week, energy rebates, car registration discounts, and FairPlay vouchers for families.

“That weekly cost going from $66 to $5 is going to be a game changer.”— 2024-06-14View Hansard

Congratulated the Treasurer on an outstanding Labor budget delivering $11.2 billion in cost-of-living relief, highlighting electricity rebates, 50-cent fares and the community safety plan for the Sandgate electorate.

“In an environment where everyone is feeling cost-of-living pressures, the Miles government is delivering initiatives that will make a difference to Queenslanders in the here and now.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

Supported the budget's cost-of-living measures and infrastructure investments for Toohey including QEII Hospital expansion, Eight Mile Plains Satellite Hospital, Coopers Plains rail crossing overpass, and school improvements.

“I believe the skill of the Miles government to respond to the needs of the community is an indicator of good, strong governance.”— 2024-06-14View Hansard

As Attorney-General in her final budget speech before retirement, supported the budget's justice and community safety investments including increased QCAT staffing and courthouse funding, while defending public ownership of energy assets.

“What a great budget this is! The 2024-25 Queensland budget, the first by the Miles Labor government, delivers for the people of Redcliffe.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

Supported the budget's cost-of-living measures and defended Labor's record in Redlands against the outgoing member for Oodgeroo, highlighting the $227 million Redland Hospital transformation, satellite hospitals, and school investments.

“His electorate is better off under a Labor government than an LNP government.”— 2024-06-14View Hansard

Criticised the budget for failing the Sunshine Coast with no money to start construction on heavy passenger rail, the Mooloolah River interchange, or a 24-hour police station at Sippy Downs, describing it as designed to win an election rather than solve problems.

“This is a budget for the next four months rather than a budget for the next four years. This is a budget that is all about getting a decade-old Miles-Palaszczuk Labor government re-elected.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

As Treasurer, delivered the reply speech defending the budget's cost-of-living relief and infrastructure investment, criticising the LNP for having billions in unfunded promises, and warning of cuts under any future LNP government.

“The LNP have made billions of dollars in promises with no funding. They have said they will lower debt. The LNP have said they will deliver lower revenue. The only way all of that adds up is through more cuts.”— 2024-06-14View Hansard

As assistant minister for health, supported the record $28.9 billion health budget and highlighted local hospital and road infrastructure investments in the Keppel electorate including the Rockhampton Hospital cardiac theatre.

“I am absolutely passionate about all Queenslanders having access to quality public health care no matter where they live.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

Criticised a decade of failure in housing with zero homes built through the Housing Investment Fund, argued the government's speed camera expansion is a revenue grab, and highlighted neglected regional road and rail infrastructure in the Southern Downs.

“Three years after the commencement of that scheme, not a single house has been built. These are appalling statistics. The Labor government should hang their heads in shame.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

As shadow transport minister, detailed how the government's cost-of-living transport measures are designed to be clawed back after the election, questioned the Gympie Road bypass tunnel timeline, and criticised the addition of $100 billion in state debt.

“In the election year, motor vehicle registration revenue will decrease by $306 million. The year after it will increase by $424 million. They give Queenslanders a short-term sugar hit before the election, but then they claw back $424 million thereafter.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

Supported the budget as delivering cost-of-living relief and regional infrastructure for Hervey Bay, including the new police station, hospital expansion and water police facility.

“For many, this may go close to eliminating most of their annual power bill. This is a great outcome for many people in my electorate.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

In his final budget reply speech, criticised the budget for delivering nothing to the Central Highlands despite the region generating the coal royalties that fund the budget, highlighting the lack of renal dialysis in Emerald and the rural maternity crisis.

“The Central Highlands is the powerhouse of mining and agriculture but there is not a single funding announcement for the Central Highlands.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

Supported the budget as focusing on what matters for Queensland, highlighting the $710 million Ipswich Hospital Stage 2 expansion, new bus services and school upgrades in the Ipswich electorate.

“The Treasurer is again to be commended for handing down a budget that focuses on what matters for Queensland.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

Welcomed the budget's cost-of-living relief and infrastructure investments in health, education, the arts and training for the Cook electorate, congratulating the Premier and Treasurer.

“I am excited to speak on this budget because it will deliver for Queensland. In this budget we will deliver the biggest cost-of-living relief package in Queensland's history.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

In his final term budget speech, focused on portfolio issues including seniors, disability services and Gold Coast communities, criticising the government's lack of investment in the Gold Coast and failure on Closing the Gap targets.

“People on the Gold Coast do not really understand how Labor ever gets elected anywhere at any time, and they are waiting for 26 October with so much enthusiasm to send a message to this Labor government.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

Criticised the budget for failing regional Queensland, highlighting Labor's cut to the regional freight subsidy increasing grocery costs, the lack of road funding, absence of doctors in rural multipurpose health services, and the disparity between metropolitan and rural housing spending.

“My constituents have every reason to be disappointed with this Labor budget because they know that there are bike tracks in Brisbane that are wider than many of those roads.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

Supported the budget's cost-of-living measures and investment in Logan schools and the Mount Lindesay Highway, warning that the LNP would cut these initiatives.

“We are both investing and relieving the cost of living, which is all at risk.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

Criticised the budget for delivering no new money for the fastest-growing region in Queensland on the northern Gold Coast, highlighting the Coomera Connector cost doubling to $3 billion and the lack of a 24-hour police station.

“Never before has a Queensland government taxed more, spent more and borrowed more, yet Queensland has less and less to show for it.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

As regional development and water minister, supported the budget's $1.1 billion in water security projects and $52 million for manufacturing programs, highlighting investment in Gladstone's green hydrogen industry, port expansion and school upgrades.

“This is a budget that is good for your hip pocket. It is good for jobs and good for infrastructure.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

As shadow minister for education and arts, criticised the rise in WorkCover payments to teachers, student disciplinary absences, the $9 million QPAC blowout, and record health waiting lists, while highlighting local school funding secured through his advocacy.

“Annual WorkCover payments to teachers and staff for physical and psychological injuries have risen 135 per cent since the start of the state Labor government.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

Criticised a decade of spending more and achieving less across crime, health, housing and electricity, while praising the Leader of the Opposition's budget reply speech and LNP housing policies.

“In the last 10 years that I have been watching Labor Party budgets I have seen this government spend more and more money in every budget and the outcomes have been less and less over that time.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

Criticised the budget for neglecting the Bundaberg and Burnett region, highlighting missing funding for local infrastructure, the Paradise Dam debacle, and the need to restore Queensland's opportunity while confirming the LNP would fix Paradise Dam.

“Restoring Queensland's opportunity is what drives us on this side every day.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

Detailed the LNP's comprehensive housing policies including the $2 billion infrastructure fund, shared equity scheme and abolition of stamp duty for first home buyers, using the Caboolture West development as a concrete example of infrastructure funding needs.

“For your first home, if you build or buy a new home, you will not pay a single dollar of stamp duty in Queensland. That is significant.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

Supported the budget as putting downward pressure on cost of living now, highlighting the $540 million Townsville Hospital expansion and $199 million road network investment in the Mundingburra electorate.

“This is a Miles Labor budget that puts downward pressure on the cost of living now, not next year or the year after. That is what people in my seat of Mundingburra want and the people of Queensland need now.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard

Criticised the budget for failing regional Queensland with inadequate hospital funding barely covering inflation, the Callide Power Station cover-up, and neglect of rural roads, health services and schools in the Callide electorate.

“In actual fact the increase from last year's budget will not even cover inflation. That means we will see a cut to the health spend in real terms in the region.”— 2024-06-13View Hansard