Trump tariffs Qld: Ros Bates accused of being missing in action
Queensland’s Trade Minister has been accused of being missing in action as Donald Trump’s tariffs send shockwaves through the local film industry.
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Queensland’s Trade Minister Ros Bates has been missing in action as President Donald Trump’s tariff war threatens to tear down the state’s film industry, the Labor Opposition says.
Revelations Mr Trump would impose a 100 per cent tariff on films shot outside the US sent shockwaves across the half-a-billion-dollar industry in Queensland.
It followed Mr Trump’s 10 per cent tariff on aluminium and threats to hit Australia’s beef exports.
The latest economic attack on Queensland’s film industry prompted Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek to hold a media conference where he admitted little was known beyond Mr Trump’s social media post.
Ms Bates has not held a media conference in Brisbane or issued any statements citing tariffs in the several months of trade uncertainty.
It prompted Labor trade spokeswoman Grace Grace to ask, “What the hell is Ros Bates even doing?
“The Trade Minister needs to actually do the job Queenslanders are paying her to do and fix this mess.
“Taxpayers are forking out for her to go frolicking around the world, but when the going gets tough she disappears.
“We have not heard one peep from the Gold Coast-based Trade Minister since Donald Trump threatened to impose this tariff on Queensland’s thriving film industry.
“We have also heard nothing from her on our fashion industry, online services and the aluminium industry since Trump imposed his tariffs.”
Ms Bates said Labor had no credibility on trade.
“Once again Labor has been caught out in their own lies as I addressed tariffs both in Parliament and in questions,” she said.
“The government has written to the Federal Government demanding they stand up for our film industry against any draconian tariffs.”
Ms Bates has held no solo media conferences in Brisbane since she was sworn in on a $378,910 salary six months ago.
She fronted the Queensland Media Gallery just once, alongside Treasurer David Janetzki, for January’s mid-year budget update.
Ms Bates issued a two-minute video in April of her speaking about Trade and Investment Queensland being available to support businesses through trade uncertainty.
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