QLD opposition sees red over pens

In Queensland's parliament on Wednesday, deputy opposition leader Mark McArdle said teachers were being advised to reconsider their pen choice because it may offend children.

Mr McArdle tabled a Queensland Health document proposing "strategies for addressing mental health wellbeing in any classroom".

It says: "Don't mark in a red pen (which can be seen as aggressive) - use a different colour."
   
"Given your 10-year-old Labor government presides over the lowest numeracy and literacy standards of any state in Australia, don't you think it's time we focused on classroom outcomes rather than these kooky, loony, loopy, lefty policies?" Mr McArdle asked.
   
Premier Anna Bligh said she was "at a loss for words" at the question, eliciting cheers from the opposition.

The question was trivial at a time of such economic peril, Ms Bligh said.
   
"It's little wonder they want to talk about what colour pens teachers are using because what they don't want to talk about is the projects that they will scrap (if elected), and which frontline services they will scrap," Ms Bligh said.