Transport Minister Mark Bailey quits cabinet

Trouble-prone state Transport Minister Mark Bailey has resigned from cabinet ahead of his expected sacking by Queensland’s new premier.

• Editor’s view: Six years late

Trouble-prone state Transport Minister Mark Bailey has resigned from cabinet ahead of his expected sacking by Queensland’s incoming premier Steven Miles.

Mr Bailey, who was strongly supported by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk despite damaging headlines for her government, revealed late on Wednesday afternoon that he would step aside.

“It is has been the honour and privilege of my life to serve for nearly nine years as a Palaszczuk Labor government minister including six years as the longest serving transport minister since the 1980s,” he said.

“With a new premier looking to renew the ministry, it is time for me to step aside from cabinet and support the promotion of one of our many talented younger Labor MPs.”

Ms Palaszczuk’s resignation prompted Mr Bailey to whip votes for Shannon Fentiman in her ultimately unsuccessful leadership challenge against Mr Miles.

After days of speculation that Mr Bailey would be dumped from the front bench he decided to jump.

“I thank Annastacia Palaszczuk and all my caucus colleagues for their tremendous support since 2015 and I look forward to having more time to work hard for my Miller constituents as their local MP,” he said.

Mr Bailey said Mr Miles would have his “100 per cent support”.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey. Picture: David Clark

Mr Bailey was untouchable during Ms Palaszczuk’s reign despite regularly being the face of government scandals.

This included the use of a private Mangocube email address for government communications which prompted a Crime and Corruption Commission investigation, union influence and repetitive cost blowouts and a cover-up.

Mr Bailey’s predictable exit is expected to elevate Right faction Assistant Minister for Treasury Charis Mullen into the cabinet – and likely the Transport role.

She will be one of several changes Mr Miles is expected to make for his first cabinet.

A government insider predicted an “unmistakably” renewed ministry with fresh faces and energy. “This isn’t business as usual,” they said.

There are whispers Water Minister Glenn Butcher will become the police minister.

Current Police Minister Mark Ryan is considered by most colleagues to be doing a “good job”, but has been linked to the attorney-general role, which could be vacated by Yvette D’Ath.

Ms D’Ath was a fierce advocate for Ms Palaszczuk and is tipped to remain in cabinet, but whispers within the government suggest she might lose the attorney-general role.

Energy and Public Works Minister Mick de Brenni, the second-highest ranking United Workers Union member behind Mr Miles, is likely to see his portfolio expand.

Mr Miles chose rising star Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon to appear with him at his first media conference on Tuesday, and she is expected to keep her ministry but could also gain planning.

Mark Bailey has been Transport Minster for six years.

Child Safety, Disabilities and Seniors Minister Craig Crawford is expected to get the punt despite being a Left-aligned UWU minister.

He represents the area northwest of Cairns, but is tipped to be replaced in cabinet as Far North minister by Michael Healy.

Shannon Fentiman will stay as Health Minister.

Mr Healy will also be elevated into cabinet as Tourism Minister, resulting in changes to the assistant ministry.

Bruce Saunders, Assistant Minister for Train Manufacturing and Regional Roads, is understood to be on the outer.

He worked alongside Mr Bailey and the inclusion of train manufacturing in the assistant ministry has long been questioned by MPs.

Assistant Health Minister Brittany Lauga was the only MP to publicly endorse Ms Fentiman as leader, but is tipped to remain in her role due to the gender balance.

Assistant Local Government Minister Nikki Boyd is considered one of Mr Miles’ most loyal foot soldiers, with speculation she could be rewarded.

Backbenchers Ali King, Linus Power, Jess Pugh and Corrine McMillan have been touted as potential beneficiaries of the cabinet renewal and could be handed assistant roles, but it would depend on the make-up of cabinet.