George Street Beat: Qld politics news and gossip

Paralympian Alex Leary was probably too busy notching up another World Record to notice but a comment about her was slammed as inappropriate and set off a social media storm. THIS IS GEORGE ST BEAT

A comment about Alexa Leary sparked drama in Queensland parliament this week. Pictured (L-R): Jonty Bush, Alexa Leary, Tim Mander

As they say, history is bound to repeat itself if they don’t learn, as we saw this week when Jonty Bush and Tim Mander went head-to-head over a video that called out the Sports Minister for making inappropriate comments — and yes, there were apologies, rejections, and an ethics referral for good measure.

What began as a single sentence in Parliament about Paralympian Alexa Leary being “the most beautiful woman playing sport at the moment,” has turned into a full blown feud between the Sports Minister and Member for Cooper.

Bush slammed the comment as inappropriate — especially coming from the Sports Minister — and posted a clip of it across TikTok, Instagram, Threads, and Facebook.

Mander felt the line was taken out of context and demanded the videos be taken down, clarifying that it was referring to her character and her contribution.

While it disappeared from Facebook, it lingered on Instagram and TikTok.

And then Bush flipped the script: she posted a letter on LinkedIn declaring the remaining clips would stay and that Mander should rewatch the videos to see they were appropriate.

Clerk Neil Laurie advised Bush the footage breached standing orders, Mander personally asked her to take it down. Ms Bush then addressed the saga in the House this week having one last crack before offering a formal apology to Mr Mander and the parliament as directed, confirming she’d take down all footage.

“Rather than asking me to censor my post, the minister’s time would be better spent reviewing the long and ongoing history of women fighting for equality in sport,” she said.

But Mander wasn’t having it — he refused to accept the apology, and claimed offence on behalf of Leary’s family.

Bush has now officially been referred to the ethics committee for her defiance.

FENTIMAN FINE-FREE

It’s been a whole year since the infamous “cross your legs” scandal.

For those who don’t remember, we’re referring to the eyebrow-raising interjection from LNP MP Ros Bates as then-Health Minister Shannon Fentiman spoke about birthing services. The phrase sparked immediate outrage in the chamber, a media frenzy, and no shortage of finger-pointing over whether it was a sexist jab or a crude commentary on regional health access.

Fentiman hit back quickly, posting a clip online with the caption “close your legs,” which Bates claimed misrepresented her words and painted her as offensive.

Shannon Fentiman Instagram post about Ros Bates Close your legs comment.

Within weeks, Bates fired off a defamation threat — demanding Fentiman either apologise or cough up $5,000 to cover legal costs within 12 months.

That date was Thursday.

It seems Bates either forgot to follow through, missed her own deadline, or simply let the matter slide.

The Ethics Committee may have looked into it, and the media definitely dissected it, but in the end, has Fentiman had the last laugh?

She dodged both an apology and the $5k price tag that came with it.

ROB SKELTON’S NEW CAREER MOVE

Former Labor MP Rob Skelton has traded the drama of question time for quarter-acre blocks, taking his career from politics to property spruiking – say hello to Real Estate Rob!

Skelton, who narrowly lost his seat of Nicklin in the October election, has joined the Ray White Nambour and Coastal Living Network Teams, proudly announcing their new addition to Facebook on Thursday afternoon.

The new venture is something a little different for the former MP, whose resume already reads like an action movie: Navy and Air Force veteran, firefighter, and politician.

He’s swapped how-to-vote cards for for-sale signs — still selling his vision, only now it’s all about the great Australian dream of home ownership.

SILENT SHADOW

While other shadow ministers are clocking up meetings like they’re collecting frequent flyer points, Opposition Resources spokesman Linus Power seems to be playing a long game of hide and don’t-seek with miners.

A scroll through his ministerial diaries as recent as March reveals barely a blip of contact with the very industry he has shadowed.

Sure, there’s a group event or two — QRC forums and the like — but not a single one-on-one sit-down with a mining company in sight.

Government insiders are quietly raising eyebrows, wondering whether Power’s strategy is principled distance or just radio silence.

Labor sources say the Logan MP has faced an uphill climb building industry links after stepping into the role late last year left behind by defeated Resources Minister Scott Stewart. But they insist Mr Power’s calendar is finally heating up, with meetings logged this month with a development group and appearances at key industry conferences.

SPOTTED

Kirilly Dutton, wife of former Coalition Leader Peter Dutton, posed up next to Attorney-General Deb Frecklington at Parliament House.

Kirilly Dutton pictured with Deb Frecklington holding a therapy dog during a Children's Hospital Foundation visit to Queensland Parliament.

The pair showcased therapy dogs for the Children’s Hospital Foundation.

SWIFT FAREWELL

If you blinked during Thursday’s parliamentary sitting, you might’ve missed the tribute to Gordon Nuttall—Labor’s former corrupt MP-turned-prisoner.

In the most awkward non-condolence motion in recent memory, it was the LNP who stepped in to do the honours … barely.

Dr Christian Rowan rose with the emotional heft of a voicemail: “I wish to advise the House of the death of the former member for Sandgate, Mr Gordon Nuttall …” And that was it.

STAFFER ROULETTE

The LNP’s media staffer shuffle has turned into a full-blown game of political musical chairs, and the press gallery is struggling to keep up.

First up, former Janetzki adviser Harry Spicer was set to move into Minister Ann Leahy’s office — but flatly refused. Instead, he’s now shifted into policy crafting for Brisbane City Council. That made way for Australian reporter Charlie Peel to step in.

Toby Crockford is heading to Minister for Women Fiona Simpson’s office, freeing up space for a veteran LNP adviser Greg Thompson to glide into Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek’s team — after leaving Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie.

Former 7News journalist Rachel Baxter has made the leap from Minister Amanda Camm’s domestic violence portfolio to Youth Justice with Laura Gerber.

DEB DELIVERS THE GOODS

Step aside Brooki and Nagi, Deb Frecklington’s caramel slice has arrived.

The Attorney-General came through on her promise to bake for the press gallery and immediately earned top spot as fave minister of the week.

To avoid any legal issues, she made sure to be fully transparent with her recipe receipts.

The source of her masterpiece? None other than Nestlé.

Attorney-General Deb Frecklington treating the press gallery with her caramel slice.

A quiet nod to the magic of condensed milk that never lets you down.

And yes, the gallery is accepting future treats from any MP looking to show off their kitchen skills.

Originally published as George Street Beat: Qld politics news and gossip