LNP’s John-Paul Langbroek running a new race

OPPOSITION leader Deb Frecklington has given Gold Coast MP John-Paul Langbroek a new portfolio instead of punting him from her front bench. Here’s why.

OPPOSITION leader Deb Frecklington gave Gold Coast MP John-Paul Langbroek the sport portfolio because she believes he could breathe life back into the racing industry.

Rather than punt an opponent from her front bench, the new LNP leader explained why she was betting on the Surfers Paradise MP and greyhound owner delivering in a new portfolio while retaining a watch on the Commonwealth Games.

On the Gold Coast yesterday for the first stop in a statewide tour, Ms Frecklington had no doubt she could work closely with Mr Langbroek despite him losing the leadership battle.

Queensland LNP leadership contender John-Paul Langbroek (right) is seen leaving a party room meeting at Parliament House after Deb Frecklington gains the leadership. (AAP Image/Dan Peled)

Asked if they could work together, she replied: “Absolutely. John-Paul and I are friends. I was first preselected as the candidate for Nanango when John-Paul was the leader.

“I have a huge amount of respect for him and his capabilities. Racing is a very important industry. Places like the Gold Coast, we have the Magic Millions, what could be termed the best sales in Australia.

“Under Labor, racing has gone by the wayside. We have seen trainers and industry people move south. He already understands the industry. He knows what it takes to get that back.”

At Harley Park, Labrador with Mudgeeraba MP Ros Bates and Bonney MP Sam O’Connor, the new Opposition leader explained the strong Coast flavour in her shadow ministry.

She described Ms Bates as “standout performer” who had prosecuted the case against the embattled Child Safety Department and delivered policy solutions.

“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.

Deb Frecklington (centre), flanked by fellow party members Ros Bates (left) and Tim Mander, arrives at party room meting at Parliament House for the leadership vote. (AAP Image/Dan Peled)

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.”

Newly-elected Queensland Leader of the Opposition Deb Frecklington (right) and her deputy Tim Manders attend a press conference at Parliament House in Brisbane, Friday, December 15, 2017. (AAP Image/Dan Peled)

Shadow ministries were also given to Coast MPs David Crisafulli and Michael Hart recognising their “hard work ethic”.

Ms Frecklington targeted Labor’s so called ‘Minister for the Gold Coast’ Kate Jones after the release of new tourism figures.

Queensland 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.

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

“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 Bulletin.

“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.”