Peter Slipper (Fisher, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise in the chamber today to express my genuine concern at the appalling performance of the Beattie Labor government in Queensland. I think it is singularly unfortunate that Queensland currently is saddled with a government which appears not to be able to control any of the issues and does not seem to be able to provide the good government that Queensland expected.

As far back as 1989, when the Goss Labor government was elected, it was wise enough to appoint the honourable member for Griffith as chief of staff to the then Premier. I suspect that, had the member for Griffith been the chief of staff to the Premier of Queensland today, we would not have a situation where people are not able to receive hospital treatment, where in fact the government appears to be totally out of control.

When one looks at the complete lack of leadership at the very front of the ALP, it is clear that the ALP is not prepared to take the necessary steps required to bring themselves before the people as a serious alternative contender for government at the time of the next poll. The member for Griffith is undoubtedly the most able member of the Labor Party frontbench, and I certainly hope that is not a kiss of death.

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