RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS - Queensland Parliament ...

2346 Adjournment 31 Oct 2012
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Berry): Order! Member for Bundamba, I warned you. I am now
warning you under 253A. I understand you have been warned previously.
Mrs MILLER: I never said anything.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: It is your conduct. You have been laughing and giggling for the last 40
minutes. I am not tolerating it any further. That is it. Next time I hear you, you are out.
Mr CRISAFULLI: In fairness, I think she was saying ‘Marco Polo’ again, and we have located her,
which is wonderful. To get to where we were, why was it that only $8 million of a $45 million fund was
spent? The answer is simple and that is because despite the fact that applications were called in the
middle of the year, despite the fact that they were assessed in the 2011 calendar year, the minister for
local government chose not to make those announcements until the 11th hour, until the state election
was called. The cynic in me would say it was a purely political decision to use the grants and subsidies
program as an almighty pork barrel.
What then happened was councils went into a period of caretaker for twice as long because of the
fact their elections were put back and they were unable to spend that money. To the great credit of the
Treasurer, he has carried that funding over to this calendar year as well as implemented the next round
of local government grants and subsidies so that in real dollar terms local government will get a huge
financial boost. What they will also get, and what we clearly discussed in that committee, is a state
government that understands them and will work with them. We have signed a Partners in Government
Agreement that shows we mean business. We will clearly put mayors and councils back in charge in our
changes to the act.
In conclusion, I truly believe that the role of the local government department can be that go-to
department for local councils as they seek a better deal from government. I again thank the committee
for their interest. I again thank the chairman for his stewardship and look forward to next year’s event
being one of joy and harmony.
Report adopted.
Clauses 1 to 6, as read, agreed to.
Schedules 1 to 4, as read, agreed to.
Third Reading (Cognate Debate)
Hon. TJ NICHOLLS (Clayfield—LNP) (Treasurer and Minister for Trade) (12.13 am): I move—
That the bills be now read a third time.
Question put—That the bills be now read a third time.
Motion agreed to.
Bills read a third time.
Long Title (Cognate Debate)
Hon. TJ NICHOLLS (Clayfield—LNP) (Treasurer and Minister for Trade) (12.13 am): I move—
That the long titles of the bills be agreed to.
Question put—That the long title of the bills be agreed to.
Motion agreed to.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr STEVENS (Mermaid Beach—LNP) (Manager of Government Business) (12.14 am): I move—
That the House do now adjourn.
Breast Cancer; Tuberculosis Control Centre
Ms TRAD (South Brisbane—ALP) (12.14 am): Breast cancer is the second highest cause of
cancer related death in Queensland women. Last Monday was Pink Ribbon Day and I hosted a
fundraising morning tea in my electorate of South Brisbane to raise funds for the Cancer Council of
Australia. We raised $300. The local women who attended the pink morning tea were from diverse
backgrounds, from small business owners to public servants and students. This is a clear indication that
breast cancer has touched many lives. It was a great morning full of laughter and lively conversation. I
would like to thank Avid Reader bookstore, particularly Fiona and Stuart, for their food and hospitality
and all the women who attended for their support. I look forward to next year’s pink morning tea.