Premier’s Olympics trip would escape scrutiny: LNP

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s trip to Japan for the 2032 Olympics announcement would allow her to avoid questioning, the Opposition claims. VOTE IN OUR POLL

Annastacia Palaszczuk will escape parliamentary scrutiny if she travels to Tokyo for Brisbane’s 2032 Games bid, the Opposition claims.

The Premier has indicated she could travel to Japan for the bid announcement on July 21, and quarantine requirements upon her return mean she could miss parliamentary estimates – where the government is questioned about its financial policy and plans.

The Opposition is demanding the Premier ditch the Tokyo trip and instead send Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe as her representative to lobby for the state’s 2032 Games bid.

Jarrod Bleijie at Parliament House. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Manager of Opposition Business Jarrod Bleijie accused Ms Palaszczuk of avoiding scrutiny and accountability by flagging a possible trip to Japan.

“The Premier should attend Budget estimates – it’s her Budget,” he said.

“Her priorities should be Queensland and should be Parliament with this unprecedented pandemic.”

A spokesman for Ms Palaszczuk did not reveal the Premier’s plans.

“The Premier will diligently and properly fulfil all of her duties and responsibilities to the Parliament and the state as and when they arise,” he said.

Mr Bleijie argued Ms Palaszczuk appearing by videolink from quarantine would be impractical due to the number of staff and department bureaucrats appearing alongside her.

“It’s more important than ever for the Premier to be here, and videolink will not be sufficient to properly question the Premier on her Budget,” he said.

“For the accountability of the Premier being present in front of the committee, we wouldn’t accept her giving evidence on the budget via videolink.”