Coast MP ‘offensive’
A GOLD Coast MP has been slammed for “offensive” and “disrespectful” behaviour as day one of state government Estimates hearings was marred by near-constant bickering.
The government’s Economics and Trade Committee – joined by Opposition leader David Crisafulli – grilled Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk for almost three hours on Friday.
The hearings, which will continue until early August, allow MPs to scrutinise how the state government is spending taxpayers’ money.
But it was Broadwater MP Mr Crisafulli who came under fire for repeated interjections.
He was also accused of “tapping his watch” during Ms Palaszczuk’s responses, ultimately causing Labor MP and committee chair Linus Power to step in.
“I find it offensive that you
would question my chairing, I have not disallowed any of your questions,” Mr Power said.
“The Speaker spoke to us before and asked us to do this with kindness. I think some decency about this process (is in order). I simply asked you to repeat the question.
“You have been a member for parliament far longer than I have been in this place.
“This behaviour is quite extraordinary. I simply ask that you allow the Premier to answer. This is totally disrespectful of our estimates process at which you are a guest.”
Outside parliament, Mr Crisafulli said: “The entire Estimates process needs a bomb put under it. That circus cannot continue. It was farcical.”
He also called for an independent chair, labelling the process “democracy in free fall”.
Mermaid Beach MP Ray Stevens and Coomera MP Michael Crandon also form part of the Estimates committee.
Ms Palaszczuk told the committee the economy was “surging back”.
“The budget continues our investment in Queensland roads, with over $6bn on upgrades to the Bruce Highway from the Far North to the Gold Coast,” she said.
“In just days we will hopefully secure the 2032 Olympics. Strategic investments to support our bid include $189m to deliver Gold Coast light rail.”
Estimates hearings will resume on July 28 when the State Development and Regional Industries Committee meet for the first time.