George Street Beat: Qld politics news and gossip
Former premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has quietly requested the chair she had in her parliament office be transferred to her new Brisbane office digs. THIS IS GEORGE STREET BEAT
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Critics of Annastacia Palaszczuk say she got too comfy in her office and lost the motivation to drive Labor to a rare fourth election.
They might have been right.
GSB can reveal Ms Palaszczuk politely requested the chair she had in her parliament office be transferred to her new Brisbane office digs.
She apparently liked it so much, the Queensland Parliament had to transfer the chair to the
Department of Premier and Cabinet - which it was then able to provide to Ms Palaszczuk for her taxpayer-supported office.
Apparently the switch was made during estimates and there’s nothing special about the chair, but a source described it as a “wheely leather”.
The premier’s sprawling parliament office has sat vacant since December, with Steven Miles refusing to move in until he wins a mandate.
PAMPHLET WIN
Katter’s Australian Party has emerged as the dark horse this campaign and the LNP was late to realise.
Our vote for best campaign pamphlet was a clever photoshop depicting Robbie Katter being embraced by Steven Miles - Jack and Rose style - on the front of the Titanic.
“Katterstropic,” it read.
The pamphlet was authorised by the LNP and warned “a vote for Katter helps Labor”.
It was a sharp falling out between KAP and the LNP, who agreed to a truce of sorts before the campaign.
All bets are now off.
DEPARTURES
Queensland’s top public servants have been reminded by Labor-aligned Director-General Mike Kaiser of their responsibilities to ensure a smooth transition.
GSB hears bosses have been told to prepare briefs for the next government, whatever colour it may be.
Mr Kaiser would be booted by the LNP if David Crisafulli wins office.
BUNDAMBA BLUES
Bundamba polling booths might be a little light on in support for Labor on Saturday with the union movement not turning out for safe Labor MP Lance McCallum.
Apparently, the Electrical Trades Union isn’t campaigning hard for Mr McCallum like it did in 2020 due to problems in his electorate office.
He’s been able to cover the small early voting booths, but spreading across the larger electorate polling booths today will be tough.
FAKE VOTER
n Pumicestone, one of Labor MP Ali King’s volunteers was caught out masquerading as a voter attempting to cause a scene with Opposition Leader David Crisafulli at Bribie Island pre-polling.
Mr Crisafulli was on the island to support the LNP’s candidate Ariana Doolan, the youngest woman running for parliament.
The incident started when a young woman wearing a jacket in 27-degree-heat declined to take a how-to-vote card from Mr Crisafulli.
“No thanks,” she said, before asking him about his stance on abortion.
“You haven’t really ruled out a vote of conscience on the matter,” she said.
“There will be absolutely no changes,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“And, I respect that you won’t vote for us but perhaps in four years time, when it doesn’t change, then you might reconsider.”
Then the penny dropped.
Mr Crisafulli’s media spinner Rob Morrison and LNP backers challenged the woman to take off her jumper and reveal herself as a Labor booth worker who has appeared in several photos with Ms King.
It’s apparently been heated on the booths in Pumicestone as Ms King, who once supported Ms Doolan in the state’s youth parliament, claims she’s now too inexperienced to represent the community.
Unprompted, however, one Labor minister suggested they supported a win for Ms Doolan.
“It wouldn’t be a loss for us,” they said.
Originally published as George Street Beat: Qld politics news and gossip
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