George Street Beat: Latest gossip and news from Qld parliament

When the Education Minister misses a Queensland P&C conference in his own electorate, someone’s got to step up. THIS IS GEORGE STREET BEAT

David Crisafulli Queensland Premier, David Janetzki and Christian Rowan in Queensland Parliament. Picture: NewsWire / John Gass

Relations between the fourth estate and Queensland politicians could have turned physical in an instant this week.

The press gallery’s parliament seating high above the chamber offers a unique viewpoint on the debate below, but there is a risk.

One of the gallery journalists accidentally dropped a pen over the railing and down into the sparring stage below.

It narrowly missed clocking Leader of the House, the good doctor Christian Rowan, or Environment Minister Andrew Powell on the head.

A good spirited Dr Rowan acknowledged the mistake but joked he could have been “impaled”.

At least we didn’t throw a stapler.

Alas, relations survive.

Queensland Government Leader of the House Dr Christian Rowan was nearly ‘impaled’ this week. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell

FORK FLOGGER

Turns out politicians just aren’t good at managing cutlery.

Remember the $3455 quote to buy 216 knives, forks, dessert spoons and teaspoons in the kitchens of One William Street after they disappeared?

It seems the cutlery thieves have also struck at Queensland Parliament next door.

GSB overheard parliament staff lamenting the loss of metal cutlery – particularly forks – from the canteen.

Who is the thief of Queensland parliament?

One minister was aghast at the pile of wooden utensils offered alongside their lunch.

They were told almost all of the metal forks had gone missing, likely left in offices and kitchens around the sprawling sandstone precinct.

PLAYING BOTH SIDES

He may be Labor’s second-most powerful person, but Cameron Dick chose to jump ship and vote with the government in parliament this week.

The awkward error came during a confusing debate about whether Mr Dick should be allowed to speak to an amendment.

Forever etched in the record of parliament will be a few lines Mr Dick would rather forget.

Deputy Speaker: The question is that the amendment be agreed to.

Cameron Dick jumped ship this week. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Government members: Aye.

Mr Dick: Aye.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie was quick to point out the deputy Labor leader had voted with the government, prompting Mr Dick to collect his things, put on a poker face and quietly exit the chamber.

Of course the government has a convincing majority and this little error didn’t change the outcome.

AIR ANN SAVES THE DAY

When the Education Minister misses a Queensland P&C conference in his own electorate, someone’s got to step up, and that someone was Warrego MP Ann Leahy, who flew in to save face.

The Volunteers Minister had to hop in her light plane for a two hour flight — a journey that will probably cost taxpayers near $2000 — just to make sure the Crisafulli Government had boots on the ground.

Ann Leahy saved face.

Labor raised a perfectly plucked eyebrow at the minister’s absence, but turns out JPL had a hall pass: he was schmoozing down in Hobart at a meeting with the country’s arts ministers.

Don’t forget — he’s not just dealing with classrooms and the curriculum, he’s also running the state’s arts scene.

He’s a big fan of the creative industries and told a gathering at parliament he’d been an “art attender” for many years.

BATTLER MP EASES BACK

In some good news, Labor’s Macalister MP Melissa McMahon was spotted in parliament this week – albeit in the public gallery – as part of her effort to get back to work following a health scare.

Melissa McMahon has provided good news to parliament this week.

The Labor Member for Macalister

Ms McMahon has been away since March when she had an operation to remove a golf ball sized tumour from behind her right ear.

She’s on the mend and hopefully back in the chamber soon.

Originally published as George Street Beat: Latest gossip and news from Qld parliament