Harper in push for role boost

THURINGOWA MP Aaron Harper has revealed his desire for more responsibility within the Labor Government, putting his hand up for assistant minister and committee positions.

Mr Harper, who was a member of the Health, Communities, Disability Services and Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Committee, has put his hand up for the same position.

But he confirmed he had also put in expressions of interest for assistant minister roles.

“For me, during my first term, I served an apprenticeship so I know how it works and how to stand up for my community,” he said.

“I have put EOIs forward but it is a matter for Caucus and other members as to what they want.

“As a returning MP I have ambitions and I would take on any role that was offered.”

The Electoral Commission of Queensland declared Labor incumbent Mr Harper ( right) as the winner of his seat on Friday.

With preferences allocated, Mr Harper received 54.15 per cent of the vote.

Mr Harper speculate on Mundingburra would whether MP not Coralee O’Rourke should or would keep her Disability Services, Seniors and Assisting the Premier on North Queensland portfolios.

But he said he was confident the region would be well represented in Cabinet, supporting Cairns- based Barron River MP Craig Crawford’s promotion to the ministry.

“I will be very happy to have representation in Townsville,” he said. “What this election did demonstrate is that the regions were immensely important to delivering the Labor Government to Queensland.

“It would be entirely a good thing if we were rewarded.”

Townsville MP Scott Stewart did not return a request for comment.

Ms O’Rourke has refused to comment on the make- up of Cabinet until the result of the Caucus meeting was revealed.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk yesterday revealed Jackie Trad, Cameron Dick and Kate Jones would lead the Government’s economic agenda.

Ms Palaszczuk, who will take on the Trade portfolio, unveiled her new economic team after Curtis Pitt was officially moved from Treasury to become Speaker.

Ms Trad will be appointed Treasurer and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships

Mr Dick will be appointed Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Minister for Manufacturing, with responsibility for Economic Development Queensland and the Queensland Reconstruction Authority.

Ms Jones will be appointed Minister for Innovation, Minister for Tourism Industry Development and Minister for the Commonwealth Games.

Ms Jones will also have responsibility for International Education.

Ms Palaszczuk defended the decision to move Mr Pitt to the Speaker’s chair, denying it was a broken promise.

“I had a conversation with him and that is the role that he chose to undertake,” she said.

The LNP leadership ballot to be held tomorrow has expanded to three contenders after Oodgeroo MP Mark Robinson threw his hat into the ring alongside Deb Frecklington and J o h n - P a u l L a n g -

broek.