By ALENA HIGGINS
SOUTHERN Downs MP and Queensland Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg will square off against Annastacia Palaszczuk over the next three years after Labor formed minority government last week.
It is not the first time the longstanding LNP stalwart has been tasked with keeping Labor in line, but he is no doubt hoping his fourth term as Opposition Leader is the charm.
Making Mr Springborg’s job easier is the precarious nature of the government, formed on a knife edge with Independent Nicklin MP Peter Wellington tipping Labor over the line after two weeks of counting.
Ms Palaszczuk won the 45 seats she needed with the help of Mr Wellington following the 31 January election and was sworn in as Premier on Saturday.
She announced her Cabinet, which includes five first time ministers and eight women, the following day.
Mr Springborg was gracious in defeat, congratulating Ms Palaszczuk on her victory and wishing her all the best.
Her cabinet includes five first time ministers.
The Palaszczuk Cabinet:
Annastacia Palaszczuk
Premier; and minister for arts
Jackie Trend
Deputy Premier, minister for transport; infrastructure, local government and planning; and trade
Kate Jones
Minister for eduction; tourism, major events and small business; and Commonwealth Games
Curtis Pitt
Treasurer; minister for employment and industrial relations; and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander partnerships
Yvette D’Ath
Attorney-General; minister for justice, training and skills
Cameron Dick
Minister for health and ambulance services
Jo-Ann Miller
Minister for police and emergency services; and correctional services
Dr Anthony Lynham
Minister for state development; and natural resources and mines
Bill Byrne
Minister for agriculture and fisheries; and sport and racing
Stirling Hinchcliffe
Leader of the house; assistant minister of state assisting the Premier
The new five:
Shannon Fentiman
Minister of three portfolios covering community; women, youth and child safety; and multicultural affairs
Leeanne Enoch
Minister of two portfolios covering housing and public works; and science and innovation
Steven Miles
Minister of two portfolios covering environment and heritage protection; and national park and the Great Barrier Reef
Coralee O’Rourke
Minister of three portfolios covering disability services; seniors; and assisting Premier on North Queensland
Mark Bailey
Minister of two portfolios covering main roads, road safety and ports; and energy and water supply
