Premier steps up call for COAG to meet in regional Queensland

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has repeated her call for the nation’s leaders to meet outside the capital cities for the first time, by offering to the host next Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting in regional Queensland.

The Premier, who will convene her Cabinet in Rockhampton today (Monday, 30 January), said it was time for the COAG – Prime Minister, State Premiers and Territory Chief Ministers - to meet in regional Australia and it should do so at its next meeting, due in April.

“I raised this at the COAG meeting in Canberra late last year and the Prime Minister has taken up my suggestion,” she said.

“I have now written to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull offering regional Queensland to host COAG to host the meeting scheduled for April, preferably in Rockhampton or another regional Queensland centre.

“All governments must come to grips with the issues people in the regions are facing, particularly with the prolonged and severe drought and the end of the mining boom.”

The State Cabinet meeting in Rockhampton is part of Premier’s initiative to govern from central Queensland this week. Ahead of a public Town Hall meeting in Rockhampton on Tuesday night, the Premier will meet with local community representatives to hear their views and concerns first hand.

“That is the hallmark of my Government - delivering in consultation with Queenslanders. I will continue to consult with Queenslanders, particularly as we prepare this year’s State Budget in June.”

Ms Palaszczuk will also visit the Capricorn Coast and Gladstone during the week.

The Premier said the Government’s visit would be timely with the programs to promote employment and infrastructure in regional Queensland open for applications.

In addition to the $200 million Works for Queensland and $100 million Back to Work programs, the next $70 million round of the $375 million Building Our Regions program opens for applications when Cabinet meets in Rockhampton.

Media contact: Kirby Anderson (Premier’s office) 0417 263 791