Crisafulli tweaks shadow ministry after Bleijie elected deputy leader
Liberal National Party leader David Crisafulli has made his first minor shadow cabinet reshuffle since becoming Queensland opposition leader after the election of former attorney-general Jarrod Bleijie as his new deputy.
Liberal National Party leader David Crisafulli has successfully narrowed down the political discourse to focus on the government and its failings. (Photo: AAP)
Mr Crisafulli said Mr Bleijie, a staunch monarchist and keen amateur swing dancer, was elected unanimously in a party room vote on Monday afternoon.
The Kawana MP was the attorney-general and justice minister during the former Newman LNP government between 2012-2015.
Crisafulli also announced another five minor changes to his shadow cabinet after deputy leader David Janetzki’s resignation for family reasons on February 26.
“I’d like to extend my congratulations to all members of our team who have taken on new roles as we work together to hold an ageing third-term government to account and chart a genuine alternate vision the people of Queensland deserve,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.
Crisafulli said Bleijie would also remain opposition spokesman for industrial relations, but will take fellow LNP frontbencher Fiona Simpson’s roles speaking on state development, infrastructure and planning.
The Kawana MP will also become the opposition’s Olympics and Paralympic infrastructure spokesman.
The LNP has also handed Bleijie’s finance spokesperson responsibilities to Ms Simpson, who will retain her role as the opposition’s integrity advocate.
Meanwhile Glasshouse MP Andrew Powell will take over from Bleijie, a renowned parliamentary fighter, as manager of opposition businesses.
Toowoomba North MP Trevor Watts will be the opposition cabinet secretary, while Theodore MP Mark Boothman has been promoted to opposition whip and Currumbin MP Laura Gerber will be deputy whip.
Southern Downs MP James Lister has taken Ms Gerber’s place as one the state’s deputy speakers.
