Media | State News

Premier opens Chinese trade office on a whim

21st July 2016
  • Palaszczuk opens $1.5 million Chengdu trade office on a whim
  • The office was opened with no business case, no due diligence and no cost-benefit analysis
  • Labor must explain to Queensland taxpayers why the office was opened without proper processes

The Palaszczuk Labor Government needs to explain to Queensland taxpayers why it spent $1.5 million on a Chengdu trade office before proper due diligence could be performed.

During Estimates today, Trade and Investment Queensland acting-head Mr Jack Noye revealed the Chinese trade office had been opened on the whim of the Premier following her visit earlier this year.

Mr Noye confirmed the office was opened with no business case, no due diligence and no cost-benefit analysis.

LNP Deputy Leader Deb Frecklington said Queensland taxpayers deserved better than to foot the bill for the Premier’s careless spending spree.

“Typical Labor. No business plan. No cost-benefit analysis just the whim of the Premier and a whopping bill for over one-and-a-half million dollars,” Ms Frecklington said.

“The answer from Trade and Investment Queensland acting-head to the Committee confirmed all the rumours that have been swirling along George Street – that there was no business plan or cost-benefit analysis, just a thought bubble on the first-class flight back to Brisbane.

“Queenslanders deserve an explanation from the Premier as to why this office jumped the queue without proper processes and consultation.

“This is just another example of the Palaszczuk Government spending other people’s money on a whim.”