George Street Beat: Qld politics news and gossip

The state government made a significant announcement relating to both energy and jobs last week, but a key minister was noticeably absent. THIS IS GEORGE STREET BEAT

Premier Steven Miles and minister Butcher at the Boyne Smelter with workers. Pic Annette Dew / Office of the Premier

The state government made a significant announcement relating to both Queensland’s energy future and jobs last week – the elusive Rio Tinto deal that will secure 1000 jobs at the Gladstone smelter while the mining company transitions to a greener economy.

While Premier Steven Miles and local MP and Regional Development and Manufacturing Minister Glenn Butcher were present – Energy Minister Mick de Brenni was noticeably absent.

Given how close the government is to being placed into caretaker mode ahead of the October election, one would think Mr de Brenni would seize the little opportunities left to get in front of the camera or schmooze it up with industry stakeholders.

Nevertheless, Mr Miles was fired up and ready to step in to pitch the Rio deal to constituents.

Asked where his right hand energy man was, he quickly deflected: “I don’t know where Mick is but this is an important announcement for the state being made by the Premier.” Interesting.

FUNDRAISING RACE

The funds are flowing in thick and fast in the lead up to the state election, with old friends and figures popping out of the woodwork to throw in a few quid 70 days out.

Electoral Commission of Queensland data shows Labor has raised $124,000 so far in August as the party ramps up its fundraising efforts.

Anacta Strategies, the lobby group at the centre of former Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s integrity woes, chucked Labor $2400 earlier this month.

Former Beattie-era transport minister Rachel Nolan also opened the chequebook, handing her party $1000.

If election predictions were based on how much cash parties could rake in, the LNP is in for a monster night on October 26. They managed to raise $211,709 in the first 12 days of August.

The biggest door was HMW Advisory, an accounting and consultancy firm headed by Angelo Catalano and James Whitelaw, which pitched in $22,000.

CFMEU state secretary Michael Ravbar

CFMEU HIRES LEGAL GUNS

Queensland’s CFMEU heavyweights are rearing for a fight in the federal court, with new documents revealing they’ve signed up Labor-friendly law firm Hall Payne.

Federal court documents show CFMEU Queensland head Michael Ravbar, deputy Jade Ingham and top brass Kane Lowth, Keith Murphy, and Royce Kupsch and 11 others have secured legal representation.

Specifically they’ve signed on Hall Payne and principal solicitor Dale Blackmore, whose CV reveals the loyal soldier of the union movement could well have been preparing for this day for decades.

“Dale has wanted to become a lawyer in the union movement since early high school where his aptitude for solving problems and social sciences motivated him further,” his intro page stated.

“His mother’s work with the Queensland Public Sector Union (QPSU) – now Together Queensland – was an inspiration too. Before joining Hall Payne, Dale was a trainee organiser at Together Queensland.”

Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton sent out an email blast asking voters to sign a petition for a Satellite Hospital on the Sunshine Coast.

SUNSHINE SATELLITE HOSPITAL INBOUND

The GSB crystal ball is in full force this week, and we predict a satellite hospital will be announced for the Sunshine Coast.

We can’t take too much credit though, after MP Rob Skelton emailed his electorate a well-timed petition to get a satellite hospital delivered on the coast.

It even came with a render. Cute.

There’s no question healthcare services are stretched thin on the Sunny Coast, with ambulance ramping times hitting over three hours in January, and junior staff left in charge of shifts as the university hospital attempted to claw back its whopping $40m debt.

A satellite hospital would likely serve the growing community very well.

The only question that remains is: Which of the remaining 30-odd days before caretaker mode is engaged will the government use to announce it?

The render of the Sunshine Coast Satellite Hospital in Rob Skelton's email.

VICTIM GROUP UNFRIENDED

Voice For Victims advocacy group leader Lyndy Atkinson has reported some bad blood between herself and Youth Justice Minister Di Farmer who apparently blocked her on Facebook following an online tiff.

The social media standoff was over some touchy comments made by another member of the public about Ms Atkinson.

Ms Atkinson was offended and defended the claims against her, while continuing to comment on Minister Farmers policy posts asking her to do more to tackle crime -how controversial.

Lyndy Atkinson at the Youth Crime Town Hall, Alexandra Hills. Picture: Richard Walker

But Ms Farmer seems to have had enough commentary from crime victim advocates on her social media and as such – Ms Atkinson found herself blocked from the page.

The optics of such a decision are, to put it lightly, less than ideal for a government official whose role quite literally involves addressing the very concerns this group represents. Blocking a crime victim advocacy group could be interpreted as an unwillingness to engage in difficult conversations, or worse, as an attempt to stifle dissent.

It’s a bit like throwing water on a grease fire — it only makes the flames leap higher.

Premier Steven Miles enjoys the iconic Ekka strawberry sundae with daughter Bridie. Picture: Liam Kidston

STRAWBERRY DAUGHTER DAY

A laid-back Premier Steven Miles let loose at the Ekka strawberry sundae stand with his daughter Bridie and she soaked up every second of it.

The adorable kid managed to down three strawberry sundaes in a matter of hours while learning to make the iconic treat, proving that days out with dad are sometimes far more fun.

After all, if the leader of the state can’t say no to an extra scoop (or two), who are we to argue?

It’s politics with a sprinkle of strawberry sweetness.