Queensland Government: Deputy Premier Jackie Trad named new Transport Minister

UPDATE: The State Opposition has blasted the reappointment of Jackie Trad to the troubled Transport ministry.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk (left) and Deputy Premier and new Transport Minister Jackie Trad. Picture: Tara Croser.

STATE Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls has slammed the Premier’s decision to reinstate Jackie Trad as transport minister, saying if Annastacia Palaszczuk was serious about fixing Queensland Rail she should have taken on the portfolio herself.

Mr Nicholls said Ms Trad’s close alliance with the unions meant her ability to make tough decisions to improve the rail network was akin to being “slapped in the face with a wet lettuce”.

Earlier, it was confirmed Ms Trad would take on the Transport portfolio as part of a Cabinet reshuffle following the resignation of Stirling Hinchliffe.

New Minister Mark Furner will pick up Local Government.

MPs filed into this morning’s caucus meeting ahead of an announcement on the reshuffle following Mr Hinchliffe’s resignation on Monday.

Education Minister Kate Jones is expected to pick up the Commonweath Games portfolio

Mr Furner will also pick up Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships from Mr Pitt, who will be given Ms Trad’s Trade and Investment portfolios.

Mr Furner said he would get across the portfolios quickly before Parliament resumed next week.

“I think the weekend’s shot,” he said.

“That’s why I’m meeting with the (department directors-general) this afternoon, and no doubt I’ll be doing some reading over the weekend — I’m prepared.”

Ms Palaszczuk denied she had rubber-stamped the Right faction’s choice in Mr Furner.

“Let me make it very clear, if I’m not happy with the person I’m not going to endorse them,” she said.

“I was very happy to endorse Mark Furner. He will be a great contributor to the team.”

Housing Minister Mick de Brenni picked up the Sport portfolio in the reshuffle.

He said grassroots sport across the state would be a focus for him in the new role.

“I’m looking forward to supporting the heroes of Queensland sport, the mums, dads and volunteers who keep our sports clubs running,” Mr de Brenni said.

“I’m also honoured at the opportunity to work with Queensland legends. “Every weekend I’m out with my local sporting clubs, so I can’t wait to get out and about with more across Queensland.”

Ms Palaszczuk said appointing Jackie Trad was the right person to reform QR.

“She’s been a former transport minister,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“She is as tough as steel.

“I know no one, no one will get in her way.”

Ms Trad said she wanted to reform QR into one of the best performing rail services, but it would “not happen overnight”.

“I’m under no illusions about the task ahead of us,” she said.

“We’ve got a blueprint (for reform) through the Strachan report

“I’m determined and focused to fix the rail system for the people of southeast Queensland.”

Ms Trad said she was aiming to reduce the two-year timetable to fix the driver shortage.

“There is a path we can take to accelerate training,” she said.

Ms Palaszczuk also paid tribute to Kate Jones’ work ethic after she had the Commonwealth Games portfolio returned to her.

“The Commonwealth Games are incredibly important to Queensland,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“I know she’s up to this task.

“She’s the best education minister Australia has ever seen.”

Additional reporting AAP