Queensland parliament: Federal budget, Stafford election set to loom over question time

11.48am

Good afternoon and welcome back

By Matt Dennien

MPs have returned to parliament after spending Wednesday morning in committee meetings, out in the community, or holding media conferences – mainly regarding last night’s federal budget and the looming Stafford byelection.

We’ll be updating you with everything you need to know up to the end of question time from today’s later sitting in George Street.

You can catch up on yesterday’s happenings here. Otherwise, here are some key takeaways:

• Queensland government figures’ calls and concerns around the federal budget dominated opening ministerial statements, particularly around aged care and NDIS funding, along with the decision to halt the Inland Rail south of the border.
• Water Minister Ann Leahy defended the board of state-owned regional water company Sunwater amid the departure of its chief executive and questions about its stance on the costly Paradise Dam rebuild. Leahy, responding to questions, also quipped that water was not the “beverage of choice” for Labor MPs.
• Olympics Minister Tim Mander denied being lobbied by on-and-off romantic partner and fellow cabinet member Amanda Camm to shift the 2032 sailing to her Whitsunday electorate. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie also made good on his threats to air personal attacks against Labor MPs in response to scrutiny of Mander and Camm.