The Gold Coast Bulletin

Hearings waste of time: Bates

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STATE Member for Mudgeeraba Ros Bates has accused the State Government of running a “protection racket” during estimates hearings.

Her concerns echo that of other opposition members who claim they have not been able to speak during the annual budget review.

The local member said she was “consistent­ly” interrupte­d by government members during the hearing on health and ambulance services.

“The government members were deliberate­ly stepping in to stop me from asking questions,” Ms Bates said.

At one point during the proceeding­s Health Minister Steven Miles accused Ros Bates of a “chicken little routine”.

Member for Caloundra Mark McArdle stepped in following another exchange and accused the Minister of “sledging” Ms Bates.

She called whole process.

“Something needs to change, they talk about transparen­cy but we get no answers,” Ms Bates said.

“The amount of disruption has not happened previously.

“The way it is being run it is almost a complete and utter waste of time.” into question

 ??  ?? Courtney Monsma.
Courtney Monsma.

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