Deputy premier Jackie Trad resigns from cabinet

Queensland's deputy premier, Jackie Trad, has resigned from cabinet following revelations the Crime and Corruption Commission has launched an investigation into allegations she interfered with the appointment of a new school’s principal.

On Sunday morning, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced her deputy and treasurer’s resignation and a reshuffle of her frontbench five months out from the October state election.

Health Minister Steven Miles was appointed the new Deputy Premier, with State Development Minister Cameron Dick taking over as Treasurer.

Kate Jones is the new State Development Minister and retains oversight of Cross River Rail as well as the tourism and innovation portfolios.

Ms Trad announced she was standing aside on Saturday afternoon with a brief press conference where she did not take questions, before the Premier confirmed her resignation on Sunday.

Ms Palaszczuk said the changes would create her new “permanent” cabinet ahead of the election, confirming Ms Trad would run again for her seat of South Brisbane in the election.

Deputy premier and treasurer Jackie Trad has resigned from her ministerial portfolios.Credit: AAP

The Premier said the appointments were her own choices not influenced by anyone or any organisation.

"These are my decisions," she said.

Opposition leader Deb Frecklington said "chaos and confusion reigns" in the state government and slammed the state government as an "absolute shambles".

"Annastacia Palaszczuk's senior economic portfolios have all been shuffled around in the middle of what is the biggest economic crisis facing Queensland," she said.

Ms Frecklington said the Premier should have "sacked Ms Trad six months ago".

The Premier thanked Ms Trad for her service to Queensland in her ministerial roles over the past five and a half years.

"She has made the decision in the best interests of her family, the community, and the party," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"She does not want there to be any distraction for the government as we respond to the COVID crisis and where the government must be focused on recovery and jobs."

Gladstone MP Glenn Butcher will join cabinet as the Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing, while Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford will take on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships.

The Premier said she had moved "swiftly and decisively" to appoint a new-look cabinet in the wake of Ms Trad's resignation to give confidence to Queenslanders.

At a glance: frontbench reshuffle

• Premier and Minister for Trade Annastacia Palaszczuk
• Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services Steven Miles
• Treasurer, Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick
• Minister for State Development, Tourism, Innovation Kate Jones
• Minister for Fire and Emergency Services and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Craig Crawford
• Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Glenn Butcher

Health Minister Steven Miles said it was a "great honour" to be appointed Deputy Premier and said his dedication to Queensland's coronavirus response would not change.

Newly minted Treasurer Cameron Dick said his breadth of experience would assist in managing the state's economy.

Mr Dick said his central focus would be "putting Queenslanders back to work", ensuring unemployment in the state was slashed and the pandemic's impact minimised.

He said Queenslanders would be given "full financial details" about the state's budget before the election.

Ms Jones as the new State Development Minister said she would work "hand-in-glove" with Mr Dick to develop jobs for Queenslanders throughout the private sector.

The Premier said she supported the Member for South Brisbane in her bid to be re-elected in October, but refused to speculate on whether Ms Trad would be a member of a re-elected Labor ministry, saying she was not dealing with "hypotheticals".

"I value my integrity and I value my government's integrity," she said.

"What I say to the people of Queensland is we are absolutely focused on you ... and on integrity as well."

The new ministry team will be sworn in on Monday.