Kate Jones all selfies no substance at new Opposition leader Deb Frecklington takes aim

NEW State Opposition leader Deb Frecklington has started her tour of Queensland on the Gold Coast and begun by taking a shot at Labor’s Kate Jones.

NEW State Opposition leader Deb Frecklington has started her tour of Queensland on the Gold Coast and begun by taking a shot at Labor’s Kate Jones.

Mr Frecklington was joined by Mudgeeraba MP Ros Bates, her new shadow health spokesman and Bonney MP Sam O’Connor who has been given the new role of Opposition spokesman for youth.

FRECKLINGTON ELECTED LNP LEADER

Leader of the LNP State Opposition, Deb Frecklington, visits Southport. Picture Glenn Hampson

Speaking at Harley Park at Labrador, Ms Frecklington singled out Ms Jones who has been Labor’s so-called Minister for the Gold Coast in the lead-up to the November State poll.

Tourism figures released today show Queensland’s industry has fallen badly behind the rest of Australia, shaded by NSW, Victoria and Tasmania where spending has jumped 33 per cent on the back of campaigns.

“We all know that Kate Jones can take a good selfie but certainly when it comes to running the tourism department, all she has to offer is spin and no substance,” Ms Frecklington told the Gold Coast Bulletin.

Dalton Myers from Jamaica takes a selfie with Goldoc chairman Peter Beattie, Games Minister Kate Jones and Commonwealth Games Federation President Louise Martin. Picture Glenn Hampson

“Well that is simply not good enough. We should be the State of tourism. We have got these amazing opportunities in places like the Barrier Reef, like outback Queensland, like beautiful Gold Coast and of course amazing Sunshine Coast.

“Our tourism numbers should be going up, not down. Like just out job rates and business confidence, we shouldn’t be competing with Tasmania to be top of the pile.”

Ros Bates (left) and Tim Mander, arrives at party room meeting at Parliament House in Brisbane, to choose the new leader. (AAP Image/Dan Peled)

Ms Frecklington revealed she had given Ms Bates the important health portfolio following the Coast MP’s strong performance in the past parliament where she exposed major problems in the Child Safety Department.

She described Ms Bates as “standout performer” who had prosecuted the case and found solutions through policy reforms.

“She knew there was an issue in that department. It’s not about being out there and negative it’s about offering solutions as well,” Ms Frecklington said.

She said Mr O’Connor who had won the new marginal seat of Bonney would provide key feedback to the party on youth policies.

“With all of my shadow assistant ministers, they are all new to politics. With Sam he brings a wonderful combination that others in our party room don’t bring — we all think we’re young but he is only 26,” Ms Frecklington said.

“He has an enthusiasm and a want for the job. I’m really looking forward to working with him.”

Ms Frecklington has given shadow ministries to Coast MPs David Crisafulli, John-Paul Langbroek and Michael Hart, recognising their “hard work ethic”.