Palaszczuk denies rift over Adani

PREMIER Annastacia Palaszczuk says Mayor Jenny Hill did not express disappointment over her decision to veto a loan for Adani when they met at the weekend.

Speaking at a press conference at Townsville Hospital yesterday, Ms Palaszczuk said she had caught up with Cr Hill on Sunday night.

“We were just talking about jobs for this region and we were talking about the prospective battery factory,” she said.

When asked whether Cr Hill had expressed disappointment about the controversial Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility loan veto that has plagued the Premier’s election campaign for more than a week, she said no. “Not at all,” she said. “She has her issues, I have my issues but we are determined to work together.”

Cr Hill last week told the Bulletin she was disappointed by the veto but yesterday said the Premier had reiterated her support for the Adani project.

“Initially I was concerned, but I have subsequently spoken at length with the Premier and I’m reassured she supports the project and the jobs it will bring to Townsville,” she said.

Ms Palaszczuk was also asked about the resurgence of One Nation and Greens votes that are threatening both Townsville MPs and her Deputy Premier Jackie Trad’s seat of South Brisbane.

“I know she ( Ms Trad) is working incredibly hard and she will continue to work incredibly hard,” she said. “I have every faith that there will be no problem with her retaining the seat of South Brisbane.”