#qldvotes2017 ALP Policies

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Queensland Election 2017: Labor to give $150m train upgrade work to Maryborough firm Downer

MORE than $150 million worth of modification work needed on the state's troubled new train fleet will be funnelled to a Maryborough firm as Labor fights to keep the marginal seat at the November 25 election.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Transport Minister Jackie Trad will travel to the Wide Bay area Thursday to announce Maryborough firm Downer will be handed the contract to undertake the new generation rollingstock work should Labor win a second term in office.

Labor's Bruce Saunders holds the seat with a margin of just 1.1 per cent and is facing a fight to hold on the electorate against a resurgent One Nation.

The "Save Bruce Strategy" brings to more than $350 million the amount of State Government work promised to the manufacturing company, one of Maryborough's largest employers, in less than two years.

The company was handed more than $70 million in modification work in September as part of a $200 million slice of a $400 million Queensland Rail contract.

The modification work includes at least $100 million to fix disability access problems and $50 million to change the placement of train guards.

Train manufacturer Bombardier is understood to have been asked to work with Downer on the modifications with the two firms previously engaged in work together.

Instead of a tender process the firm will be asked to undertake an open book audit.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk took a swipe at the former Newman government's decision to hand the original contract to Bombardier to build the new fleet of trains in India in announcing the new work for Downer.

"When he was Campbell Newman's treasurer, Tim Nicholls signed the contract for these new trains to be built in India and for jobs to go overseas, but under Labor these trains will be fixed in Queensland by Queenslanders," she said.

"We'll require that this work is done in Maryborough because my government believes that jobs should stay in Queensland and not go overseas – that's why we introduced our Buy Queensland policy"

Ms Trad said the bill for the modifications would be covered within the NGR budget.

"Bombardier and Downer have been in discussions on the modifications to the NGR trains and Downer has responded with a willingness to undertake the work locally," she said.

"Downer wants to do this work in Maryborough and a re-elected Palaszczuk Government will make sure that happens."

She said the firm would, however, need to be subject to an open book audit "so that we ensure value for money for the taxpayers".

The ALP needs to hold on to seats like Maryborough if it has any hope of gaining the 47 seats it needs to govern in its own right in the new Parliament.

Fraser Coast councillor James Hansen is running for One Nation against Mr Saunders while Maryborough Chamber of Commerce vice-president Richard Kingston is running for the LNP.

Wide Bay Conservation Council member Roger Currie has put his hand to run as an independent in the seat as well alongside Greens candidate Craig Armstrong.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/928432946347831297

[verbatim9]

So this facility is a partnership between EDI and Bombardier anyway right that can easily complete modifications on the 17-18 trains already in the country?

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/7NewsSC/status/928433556426317824

[SurfRail]

What on Earth does she mean "built" by Queenslanders?  Is the ALP magically going to make all the remaining NGRs come out of Maryborough now?

The train pictured of course is a PTA-WA B-set, so possibly it just means the trains being built here are not the ones being varied due to specification errors by the principal maintained here.

[verbatim9]

^^I accept the cost effectiveness of modifying trains here in Qld

I doubt that Downer EDI Maryborough would be awarded a contract to build new trains unless there is a plan to buy more than the 75 on order. Would one want the best price and technology if new trains were to be ordered above the 75 already. It would lock out future orders from Bombardier, Alstom, South Korean, Chinese and Japanese manufactures as they do not manufacturer here in Qld. That means those companies would need to invest in a manufacturing plant here in Qld to be awarded a contract!?

Doesn't Alstom and Bombardier own certain patents for train manufacturing delivering a superior product. For Downer to do the same they would need to obtain certain technology from these companies at a cost? Pushing a the potential train unit price up?

[red dragin]

What on Earth does she mean "built" by Queenslanders?  Is the ALP magically going to make all the remaining NGRs come out of Maryborough now?

I read it as "new trains built in the future would be built in Qld, under my government". The NGR are hardly new anymore.

[ozbob]

ABC --> Queensland election: Labor promises to have problematic Indian trains fixed in Maryborough

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has pledged to fix issues with dozens of new-generation trains in Maryborough if re-elected to Government.

While touring the Downer rail manufacturing plant this morning, the Labor leader promised to spend $150 million to modify about 35 of the new trains which are being manufactured in India by Bombardier.

The trains are more than 18 months late, and need significant modification to be able to operate properly including braking, air-conditioning, ventilation, sightlines for train drivers, and disability access.

"We will continue to deliver to you. We will fix the trains here in Maryborough, and we will ensure that any future trains built in Queensland are built here at Downer in Maryborough," she said.

"This is great news for the workers ... and what the apprentices are telling me is that this gives them long-term job security into the future."

The Newman government ordered the trains from the Bombardier-led consortium called Qtectic in January 2014, saying at the time they were coming in at half the price the previous government paid for rollingstock.

The LNP confirmed previously that government ministers Scott Emerson and Tim Nicholls accepted they were ultimately responsible for the project at the time, but said the project changed under Labor.

"Contracts were signed by the Newman government when Tim Nicholls was Treasurer, and now we're fixing their mess," Ms Palaszczuk said.

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad said it would take between 18 months to two years for the rectification work and that temporary fixes would be put in place to get some of them on track in time for the Commonwealth Games.

"It means long-term sustainable jobs in this community, and it means more apprentices, and apprentices fulfilling all of their apprenticeships right here in Maryborough," she said.

Local ALP MP Bruce Saunders, who holds the seat of Maryborough by a margin of just 1.1 per cent, said it was a shot in the arm for the manufacturing sector.

LNP leader Tim Nicholls said Labor seemed to be singling out the Indian manufacturing for criticism.

"It's the Labor Party who are identifying that these trains are being built by Bombardier in part in India and seem to be identifying them being built in India as the problem," Mr Nicholls said.

"Parts of the trains are being built in Canada and Germany and other places but it certainly seems to be the case that the Labor Party seems to be suggesting that there's something wrong with the manufacturing taking place in India."

But the LNP also had some explaining to do, after sending voters a letter which accuses Labor of supporting "attacks on traditional Australian values and our way of life by minority groups who think it's their right to tell you what to think."

Mr Nicholls made no apology for the language in the letter.

"We're all pretty sick and tired of the nanny state which is fostered by the Labor Party that tells us when we should and shouldn't have Australia Day," he said.

We know they find a home in certain sections of the Labor Party."

The LNP also wants the ride to work to be faster for motorists on the M1 and has promised $100 million to upgrade four exits.

"Unfortunately all too often for people here on the northern Gold Coast, they're stuck in traffic. And they're stuck getting on and off the on ramps here on the M1," Mr Nicholls said.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/JoshBavas/status/928507292923727872

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/928536395328634880

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> Labor's $17.6M upgrade promise for Ipswich station

A BUSY Ipswich train station will undergo a dramatic multi-million makeover, if Labor is re-elected.

Labor has promised a $17.6million upgrade at East Ipswich train station that would allow those with a disability to access the platform.

A steep ramp and a set of stairs is the only access for the station.

Incumbent Ipswich MP Jennifer Howard said the limited accessibility was an issue voters had raised frequently during her term as the state representative.

East Ipswich is one of six stations throughout the southeast that Labor has promised to upgrade in the lead up to election day.

Ipswich resident Allan Ward, who needs a mobility scooter to get around, said while he was pleased with the planned upgrade at East Ipswich station, there were others he considered more pressing.

Mr Ward can't even get off the train at Goodna or Auchenflower because there isn't enough room on the platform for him to dismount using ramps.

Mr Ward also believes Riverview train station should be a priority given many elderly people frequent the station.

To travel back towards Ipswich, commuters have to walk all the way around the station to reach the right platform.

"The platform level is too low at East Ipswich so it's good they will do something about it," Mr Ward said.

"But raising parts of the platform is just a furphy. With the amount it will cost them, they should just raise the whole lot."

Ms Howard said while the full scope of works and details were yet to be finalised, station upgrades typically included a new footbridge with lifts, raised platform sections providing assisted boarding points and a range of other accessibility features.

"(The upgrade) will mean all passengers are able to use the station without barriers including customers with disabilities, the elderly, parents with prams, people with injuries and even those simply carrying luggage."

All public transport must be brought up to minimum accessibility standards by 2022.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/jesspughalp/status/928741871274225665

[techblitz]

also 600 spaces for greenbank r.s.l park and ride(21million).....i actually signed this as I do use the stop and it def needs more space.....also getting cheesed off with the increasing congestion along beaudesert rd...the whole area is becoming a joke...

[youtube width=400]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVOGVKVayKU&feature=youtu.be[/youtube]

[ozbob]

Greater Springfield Daily Record --> 650 new car spaces for Springfield train station

LABOR'S candidate for Jordan has offered a tantalising pre-election sweetener to voters frustrated with parking dramas at Springfield Central train station.

Charis Mullen said the Palaszczuk Government will spend $44 million to create an additional 650 car spaces if re-elected, bringing the total car park capacity to 1100.

Ms Mullen started a petition earlier this year to lobby for funding and said she was pleased to let the community know their calls had been answered.

"It's been really clear for a while that the community has been wanting the additional car parking here to deal with the pressure of growth in this area," Ms Mullen said.

"I think people love the train but they've been a bit frustrated by the Park'n'Ride facilities and I've had hundreds of signatures here every day.

"This is a big win for the local community and will mean we'll have less cars on the road and commuters will get home sooner.

"Park'n'Ride facilities are crucial to our transport network and allow locals to connect with public transport while avoiding congestion and expensive inner city parking.

"The Department of Transport and Main Roads will work with Springfield Land Corporation and Ipswich City Council on the planning, design and exact location of the facility."

Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport Jackie Trad said the upgrades were critical for the public transport network.

"As southeast Queensland's population continues to grow, Labor is committed to taking more cars off the road and encouraging locals to use public transport," Ms Trad said.

"We know how important a reliable and efficient public transport network is to commuters and we have been listening.

Commuters currently come from not only the Greater Springfield area, but also from surrounding areas and beyond which has put extreme pressure on the parking facility, forcing cars to spill out on the grass area surrounding the station.

[SurfRail]

But they won't spend $1m to fix the bloody bus route. 

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/928847248691040257

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/928853681432281090

[BrizCommuter]

Greater Springfield Daily Record --> 650 new car spaces for Springfield train station

LABOR'S candidate for Jordan has offered a tantalising pre-election sweetener to voters frustrated with parking dramas at Springfield Central train station.

Charis Mullen said the Palaszczuk Government will spend $44 million to create an additional 650 car spaces if re-elected, bringing the total car park capacity to 1100.

Ms Mullen started a petition earlier this year to lobby for funding and said she was pleased to let the community know their calls had been answered.

"It's been really clear for a while that the community has been wanting the additional car parking here to deal with the pressure of growth in this area," Ms Mullen said.

"I think people love the train but they've been a bit frustrated by the Park'n'Ride facilities and I've had hundreds of signatures here every day.

"This is a big win for the local community and will mean we'll have less cars on the road and commuters will get home sooner.

"Park'n'Ride facilities are crucial to our transport network and allow locals to connect with public transport while avoiding congestion and expensive inner city parking.

"The Department of Transport and Main Roads will work with Springfield Land Corporation and Ipswich City Council on the planning, design and exact location of the facility."

Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport Jackie Trad said the upgrades were critical for the public transport network.

"As southeast Queensland's population continues to grow, Labor is committed to taking more cars off the road and encouraging locals to use public transport," Ms Trad said.

"We know how important a reliable and efficient public transport network is to commuters and we have been listening.

Commuters currently come from not only the Greater Springfield area, but also from surrounding areas and beyond which has put extreme pressure on the parking facility, forcing cars to spill out on the grass area surrounding the station.

About time, but once you get to 1000 car parks you really needs to be looking at high frequency feeder buses. The bus network in Springfield for both people commuting out of, and into the town, is abysmal.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/danielbowen/status/928874238617862144

[ozbob]

Townsville Bulletin --> North Queensland funding promise: $50m for rail and $2m for museum

ONE of North Queensland's most important rail corridors will benefit from an influx of funding under a re-elected Labor government.

A Palaszczuk government would deliver another $50 million to help repair and maintain the troubled Townsville to Mount Isa line.

It would take its investment in the line to $380 million over the next five years.

Labor also announced yesterday it would make the proposed underwater museum for Townsville a reality, committing $2 million to the project predicted to be a major tourism drawcard.

Tourism Minister Kate Jones said the Palaszczuk Government's funding commitment would be added to the $700,000 already promised by local businesses.

Labor's rail funding would go towards rail replacement, re-sleepering, bridge upgrades, ballast replacements, new and enhanced passing loops and track upgrades and maintenance.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the rail line would play a part in developing the North West Queensland mining corridor.

"My government has identified the North West Minerals Province as key region for exploration and development in Queensland's resources sector," Ms Palaszczuk said. The poor state of the Mount Isa to Townsville line has led to fears that traffic could be sent on a new link to Darwin for export, costing the North up to 900 jobs.

Labor said it would also move forward with the proposed Townsville Eastern Access Rail Corridor (TEARC).

A re-elected Palaszczuk Government would move immediately to preserve the corridor required for the project which would see the line from Mount Isa connected to the Port of Townsville.

Building Queensland is developing the business case for the TEARC.

Upon completion, that business case will immediately be assessed by a re-elected Palaszczuk Government.

Meanwhile, Labor's underwater museum funding pledge has moved the project closer to becoming a reality.

British artist Jason deCaires Taylor visited Townsville in July to investigate sites for a museum featuring his unique artworks.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Labor announces $75 million for Northern and Eastern Transitways

Brisbane commuters would get a congestion-busting sweetener under a re-elected Palaszcuzk government, with $75 million pledged for Northern and Eastern Transitways.

Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Jackie Trad said the transitways would mean less time on the road and more time at home for tens of thousands of commuters.

"As south-east Queensland continues to grow, Labor is getting more cars off the road and making the trip to and from work safer and easier for bus commuters and motorists," she said.

With the Northern Busway currently extending to Kedron, buses travelling north of the busway use Gympie Road along with other private vehicles, which increases congestions and clogs roads.

Ms Trad said Labor would deliver continuous bus lanes from Kedron to Chermside bus station, improving traffic flow and safety.

FYI

Infrastructure Australia: QLD Brisbane Transit Ways

>> http://infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/policy-publications/publications/QLD-Brisbane-Transit-Ways.aspx

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/930834777782894593

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

16th November 2017

Northern and Eastern Transit Ways - Brisbane

Greetings,

Labor has announced that they will commit $75 Million for the Northern and Eastern Transit Ways.  This is good policy and follows on from previous policy put forward by the Newman LNP Government.     Infrastructure Australia assessed ' QLD Brisbane Transit Ways ' June 2013 [ see  http://infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/policy-publications/publications/QLD-Brisbane-Transit-Ways.aspx ].

From page 2 of the assessment: [ http://infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/policy-publications/publications/files/QLD_Brisbane_TransitWays_Brief.pdf ]

BCR appraisal conclusion
Preliminary BCRs have been provided indicating a BCR of 1.6 for the Eastern TransitWay (7 percent
discount rate, $2011) and 1.8 for the Northern TransitWay (6 percent discount rate, $2012).
These BCRs are higher than the original Eastern Busway proposal, following modifications suggested
by Infrastructure Australia. The capital cost of the Eastern Busways proposal was $685 million
compared to the Eastern TransitWay of $75 million.
Note that the capital costs included in the benefit cost analysis are different to those presented in the
submission. We also note that the submission indicated that the travel times would be the same for
car users on Old Cleveland Road before and after the Eastern TransitWay at 31 minutes, yet these
types of road users receive around half of the benefits in the benefit-cost analysis.
The cost benefit analysis provided so far is insufficient to be able to verify the robustness of these
results. However, the results suggest that the project is likely to lead to net benefits, which is in line
with results provided for the higher cost Eastern Busway proposal.

The bi-articulated buses proposed for the Brisbane Metro would be able run on these transit ways, so this offers good network expansion opportunities as the Brisbane Metro is developed.  Transit ways are of a much lower cost than busway extensions and deliver much the same benefits.

We don't care if the ALP or the LNP do these transit ways.  Just do it, who ever is in Government please.

Best wishes,
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/930839988756889600

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/930842897162821633

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/931642780593545216

[Cazza]

Kate Jones outside Woolworths Ashgrove this morning

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Queensland election 2017: Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk 's $30m bid to lure first-home buyers

ANNASTACIA Palaszczuk will make a pitch to Queensland voters, young and old, today as she officially launches her re-election campaign on the Gold Coast.

The popular $20,000 first home buyer's grant will be extended until June next year should Labor win a second term, while employers will be offered a financial incentive to take on mature-age jobseekers.

The extension of the first home buyer's grant, which applies to newly built dwellings, is expected to cost $30 million.

As her motivation for the extension, Ms Palaszczuk (pictured with a supporter) is expected to reference her grandfather's quest to give her family a better life.

"Sixty years ago, my grandfather brought his wife and two young sons to this country for the Australian dream," she will tell the party faithful today. "It offered him an education for his boys, access to health services, and housing for his family." Ms Palaszczuk believes the grant will ensure more young people can enter the property market to shore up their family's future.

More than 10,000 applications worth $200 million have been approved or are being processed since the grant was increased from $5000 to $20,000 in July 2016, with 80 per cent of those applications from home buyers in regional communities.

In her pitch to older voters, Ms Palaszczuk will announce a new "boost" under the ­Government's Back to Work program specifically ­targeting jobseekers aged 55 years and over.

"Under the boost, employers who take on a mature-age jobseeker will be eligible for up to $20,000," the Premier said of the promise.

Should Labor be re-elected, the initiative will start on January 1 and run until June 30.

"The evidence shows it becomes more and more difficult for older workers to find work again if they lose their job, with workers aged 55 and over recording the highest average duration of unemployment and the highest incidence of age discrimination," she said.

"These are workers who need to work and want to work, and we are going to back them all the way."

She said that the Government would appoint an ambassador for workplaces that take on mature workers, and it would establish an awards program to reward Queensland businesses that "demonstrate best practice in employing older workers".

[techblitz]

more ALP cash splashing for park and rides....


ferny grove...extra 500 on top of planned development...taking it to over 2000 spaces.Source: north-west news print.
Salisbury station extra 300 taking it to over 350 (letter sent to Salisbury locals by mark russo earlier this month stating that labor has funded it).Source:southern star print

[aldonius]

To be fair Ferny Grove is an entirely appropriate place for P&R.

Like we can talk about buses to Samford all we want, but the cost of running a 'rail extension' service would actually be pretty high, and there would need to be a P&R built out there anyway, because it's so low-density.

Probably still about as justifiable as the 444 going out as far as it does though.

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> New plan adds about 500 parking spaces to Ferny Grove rail station redevelopment plan

About 500 more carparking spaces could be added to the proposed Ferny Grove railway station Transit Oriented Development under new details released by Labor.

Labor candidate for Ferny Grove Mark Furner said in addition to the 1550 spaces that would be available at the station once the development was completed (in addition to resident parking), there would be the potential to boost that to more than 2000.

There are currently 902 spaces for commuters.

The move comes after LNP Councillor Andrew Wines (Enoggera) last month called the project shortsighted because it did not have enough commuter parking.

LNP candidate for Ferny Grove Nick Elston said if he was elected he would conduct a full review of the ­proposal.

This, Mr Elston said, would include alternate plans that removed level crossings on the Ferny Grove line.

Mr Elston said he would also conduct extensive public consultation before a development application was submitted.

"Mr Furner's information on this plan changes weekly depending on the criticism he receives," Mr Elston said.

"The fact is Labor have only budgeted for an additional 253 commuter carparks which won't even cover existing and short-term demand.

"This is a shortsighted, rushed announcement in the lead-up to an election by a desperate local member who has nothing to show in his first term of ­government."

Mr Furner said the commuter parking paid for by the Queensland Government was fully-costed and fully-funded.

He said the project had Transport and Main Roads approval but council approval was still required.

He said community consultation would occur early in 2018. There would be a website, an opt-in mailing list and, as designs became more advanced, community forums.

The application was expected to be lodged in April.

It is projected to give a $71 million boost to the economy during construction.

[cartoonbirdhaus]

Probably still about as justifiable as the 444 going out as far as it does though.

Indeed. It was originally only intended to run as far as Kenmore, instead of being a rejigged 440.

Even a two-hourly daily service to Samford would be a massive improvement.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Report card: How the Palaszczuk Government stacks up

HALFWAY through the first year of its second term and with a majority to boot, Steven Wardill delivers his report card on the Palaszczuk Government.

PALASZCZUK GOVERNMENT OVERALL MARK C

IF Annastacia Palaszczuk's re-elected Labor Government were a car then it would probably be a Volkswagen Kombi.

Loved by legions of dedicated fans whose loyalty is immovable; just don't expect efficient performance or for it to reach whatever destination it's bound for with any semblance of haste.

Seven months into a truncated second term — the next election is locked in for October 31, 2020 — the Palaszczuk Government is cruising.



If Palaszczuk's re-elected Labor Government were a car it would probably be a Volkswagen Kombi.

It seems largely untroubled by the Opposition, led by third-term Nanango MP Deb Frecklington, while being unhindered by expectation or even self-enforced priorities.

From rewarding itself to a long summer recess through to calling off Cabinet meetings so ministers could kick back at the Commonwealth Games, Queensland's majority Labor Government has turned torpor into a political weapon.

It keeps its to-do list short, starving its opponent of oxygen and limiting the odds of things going awry.

Not even the inescapable rigours of Parliament, Queensland's 56th, have proven a problem.

Only six sitting weeks have been staged, all under the new "family-friendly" hours regimen that truncates debate and ensures MPs get to bed, mostly, on time.

Much of what's passed has been piecemeal stuff, although contentious landclearing laws were the exception.

The State Budget came and went, with infrastructure spending and debt up.

And while the Opposition didn't pose too many pointed questions to expose Labor's fiscal plan, the Government couldn't muster much to ask itself either.

After the Budget's brief downhill burst, the Government wound the window down, turned the radio up and went back to coasting along Route 56 towards 2020.

That's why Annastacia Palaszczuk's team earns a solid C in today's mid-year report card.

It may not be tackling Queensland's problems, even acknowledging them, but nor is it making major mistakes.

The Premier tops the chart with a B. She's followed by Jackie Trad and Cameron Dick who are both performing well in new portfolios.

Only three ministers — Leeanne Enoch, Coralee O'Rourke and Craig Crawford — failed to earn a pass mark.

It's early days and there are plenty of potholes ahead. As every Kombi owner can attest, they either run forever or are terribly unreliable.

ANNASTACIA PALASZCZUK B

Premier and Minister for Trade

Palaszczuk's transition from last-choice leader of a pint-sized party to Premier of a majority government has been remarkable. She's become very adept at handling the Opposition in question time and has adopted a regal approach to public appearances, aligning herself with populist causes that have little to do with her administration. However, her aversion to the pointy end of political debate may prove detrimental to the Government's narrative.

JACKIE TRAD B-

Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnership

A credible first effort handling the State Budget. Trad successfully sold the message about infrastructure spending. However, Queensland's building program is half that of New South Wales and the State's debt is on the way up. With expenses growing faster than revenue, Trad is going to have to morph into the Government's disciplinarian after previously demanding spending splurges.

CAMERON DICK b-

State Development, Infrastructure, Planning and Manufacturing

Dick is proving he can play offence after three years in defence with the health portfolio. He was pipped for Treasury and handed the consolation prize but he's making it work. Dick needs to restore gravitas to the state development role which was at its best under Peter Beattie. He's made a good start and much of the Government's economic credibility rests on his shoulders.

KATE JONES c+

Innovation, Tourism Industry Development and Commonwealth Games

Opening and closing ceremonies aside, the Commonwealth Games was largely a success. One of the Government's most capable performers, Jones has done well with some strategic tourism investment and selling the industry's successes. However, she has very light duties as the fourth most senior minster. She needs greater responsibilities to make the most of her talents.

YVETTE D'ATH C-

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice

An ordinary end to last term underscored by sluggish responses and secrecy scandals saw D'Ath relieved of some responsibilities. She's now assumed a more administrative approach, with announcing judicial figures her most common duty. D'Ath faces the challenging tasks of introducing new revenge porn laws and decriminalising abortion. The timeliness and effectiveness of her efforts must determine how long she remains Queensland's first law officer.

STEVEN MILES C-

Health and Ambulance Services

A big step up to the poison chalice portfolio of health is proving challenging for Miles. The environment ministry afforded him the time to indulge in his favourite pastime — playing internal Labor politics. However, health is a much more demanding beast. Miles has spent his time griping about federal health funding. However, with health stats slipping and Labor splurging on staff, Miles can't play the blame game forever.

GRACE GRACE C

Education and Industrial Relations

With a remit to spend more on education, Grace has been handed a low bar to leap over. Yet parents will judge whether the Education Minister has performed based on actual student results. With all the spending the Government is doing on education surely NAPLAN should have rated a mention in Grace's ministerial charter letter? A good parliamentary performer who has talked down the doubters.

MARK BAILEY C

Transport and Main Roads

Bailey is one of the Government's hardest working ministers. But he can't escape from the email scandal in which he used a private account to conduct public business. Commonwealth Games transport went well. Good planning was the key. But scaremongering about gridlock chaos also played a role. His challenge will be improving public transport patronage and delivering road projects for the appropriate price.

ANTHONY LYNHAM C-

Natural Resources, Mines and Energy

Lynham's attempts to hide big increases in water charges for households backfired. It showed the former surgeon, who entered Parliament with great credibility, had become just another politician. He is supposedly an advocate for the resource sector but the odds are stacked against him around the Cabinet table. The Palaszczuk Government's energy agenda seems to be losing momentum under Lynham.

MICK DE BRENNI C-

Housing, Public Works, Digital Technology and Sport

He's been trying to strongarm the sporting codes over stadium costs but is being outmuscled by more seasoned performers. He also seems confused over whether he's the Minister for Housing or tenancy advocate after defending spikes in complaints and disruptive behaviour. He's not without talent and not afraid to be forthright. But De Brenni needs more experience in reserve grade before he can fulfil his ambitions to be a top minister.

SHANNON FENTIMAN C

Employment, Small Business, Training and Skills Development

Cabinet's fifth economic minister who has been inexplicably excluded from mention in the Government's stated economic team. Fentiman performed well in the difficult child safety ministry and the bits-and-pieces portfolio she has been handed represents a challenge. The to-do list she was given by Palaszczuk amounts to not much. The capable Fentiman has done a worthy job so far making her ministry relevant but she needs to take that to the next level to win promotion.

LEEANNE ENOCH D+

Environment, Great Barrier Reef, Science and the Arts

Selling the merits of the waste levy has so far proven too taxing for Leeanne Enoch. Convincing anyone they need to pay a new tax is never easy but Enoch seems unprepared. She wanted to swerve the tougher delivery portfolios and landed in environment instead.

The Government needs Enoch to regain confidence after a spluttering start because the tough questions about the waste levy have only just begun.

MARK RYAN C-

Police and Corrective Services

While Ryan is a clever operative, it remains debatable whether he's suited to the police portfolio. He hasn't seemed to have recovered from the "No Body, No Parole" scandal last term. With unions warning of imminent problems in prisons because of overcrowding, Ryan could be in for a challenging time. It's not like the Government wasn't warned.

CORALEE O'ROURKE D

Communities, Disability Services and Seniors

It will be a surprise for some to learn O'Rourke is still a minister. She might even be surprised herself after a scathing Queensland Audit Office report into Queensland's readiness for the National Disability Insurance Scheme. This is O'Rourke's key responsibility amid otherwise light duties. O'Rourke's Yes Minister-style response about supporting the audit recommendations has some asking whether there's an alternative option for a Townsville-based minister.

MARK FURNER C-

Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries

Palaszczuk's father Henry wrote the blueprint for how a Brisbane-based minister could manage the agriculture portfolio. Furner should do himself a favour and read it. The former Labor senator is about as well known among farmers as, well, a former Labor senator. His achievements so far amount to putting together a talkfest of industry groups whose core purpose already is to talk to government.

STIRLING HINCHLIFFE C-

Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs

Hinchliffe has proven better at sacking himself than sacking councils. He quit as transport minister last term when things got too hot to handle and now he's back in the thick of it with rogue councils. The drawn-out process of the future of Ipswich Council has taken too long. While Hinchliffe is a stickler for process, he needs to learn that sometimes being a minister requires human decision making.


DI FARMER C

Child Safety, Youth, Women and Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence

If Farmer's mandate was to get child safety out of the media then she's been an enormous success. However, the freshly-minted minister — who has been knocking on Cabinet's door for some time — can't take all the credit. Without Ros Bates as Opposition child safety shadow, Farmer is having an easier time. She needs to climb back into domestic violence reform which has disappeared from the Government's vernacular.

CRAIG CRAWFORD D+

Fire and Emergency Services

Yes, we have a Minister for Fire Trucks. The Government didn't even bother to carve off ambulances from health to make Crawford's ministry credible. This meagre Cabinet post is a product of the Government needing a far north minister with Left faction allegiance. It cast around and found Crawford was the only option. He didn't perform too badly during the summer storm season. But more questions should be asked about Crawford's threadbare agenda and why fire trucks deserve a stand-alone seat in Cabinet.

Next week we have the LNP in our sights, delivering their report card.