MINISTER Assisting the Premier on North Queensland Coralee O’Rourke’s role in cabinet has been questioned by a shadow minister.
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Shadow Minister for Northern Development Andrew Cripps said that Mrs O’Rourke has had no budget responsibilities for the second year in a row.
“I was particularly concerned to learn today (Wednesday) the Palaszczuk Government had not submitted any business cases to the Northern Australia Infrastructure Fund to ensure North Queensland secured its fair share of funding,” Mr Cripps said.
Mrs O’Rourke said in the Queensland Parliament’s estimates committee on Wednesday that she was “very passionate” about her role. “Following my consultation in the north, we have developed five priority areas that I will focus on to advance the economy in the north.”
She said she helped deliver an extra $50 million for the Townsville stadium in the budget, and ensured the federal government’s Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility was based in Cairns.