REMEMBER WHEN

GOLD COAST BULLETIN Thursday December 3, 1987

SPECULATION intensified on the future of former Gold Coast Ministers Russ Hinze and Ivan Gibbs as State Parliament was recalled in a colourful session for the election of a new Speaker.

The new Premier, Mike Ahern, was to announce his Minister the following week.

In the meantime he and Deputy Premier Bill Gunn ruled as a two-man Cabinet. Hinze, the Local Government, Main Roads and Racing Minster, and Gibbs, the Works, Housing and Industry Minister, were both tipped to survive the reshuffle.

The only obstacle in Mr Hinze’s way was Mr Ahern’s evaluation of his part in various controversies and his being named in hearsay evidence at the Fitzgerald Inquiry.

Mr Hinze was said to be keen to hold onto his racing portfolio ahead of the Magic Millions race meetings. It was suggested he would make a short-term return to the Ministry and then retire from politics in early 1988.

Mr Gibbs was said to have enhanced his prospects of being retained with the role he played in finally resolving the political crisis surrounding Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen. It was his continuous mediations on behalf of both sides which ultimately led to Sir Joh standing down.

Surfers Paradise MP Rob Borbidge was one of several young members being considered for the Ministry.

The tourism portfolio formerly held by Geoff Muntz was said to be a likely job.

Former Education Minister Lin Powell was named Speaker.

Hinze left Parliament in 1988 after failing to secure a Ministry while Gibbs was named Transport Minister.

Gibbs, who died in 2011, lost his seat at the 1989 election.