No access to TSRC for Watts

A STOUSH has broken out between State Minister for Main Roads Mark Bailey and Member for Toowoomba North Trevor Watts, with the two men referring to each other as “darling”.

The disagreement came after Mr Watts was not allowed access to the $1.6 billion Toowoomba Second Range Crossing site after he was said to have breached “protocols”.

The war of words started during debate in the Queensland Parliament during which Mr Watts spoke about what the former LNP government was able to achieve.

Mr Watts said: “The minister is about to jump to his feet. I ask him: please let me back on the (bypass) site, because I would love to shoot a video and show everyone what the LNP government has been able to achieve.”

Mr Bailey responded: “There is a 41km project yet the poor darling cannot find a spot to do his video.” Mr Watts responded in kind on Thursday, interjecting by calling Mr Bailey “darling”.

A spokeswoman for Mr Bailey said Mr Watts had filmed on the site without permission.

“The department has protocols in place for all members of Parliament to gain access to government buildings and construction sites.

“Mr Watts was allowed access to the site but unfortunately did not seek permission to film a promotional video particularly with Nexus staff. Mr Watts should have been up front about his intentions and followed proper protocol.”

Mr Watts said he had been granted permission to take a cameraman on site, but there had been a miscommunication about whether he was allowed to take video footage.