Labor MPs gagged from budget scrutiny

Queensland Labor MPs must seek caucus approval to ask questions of the government's budget, with maverick MP Jo-Ann Miller opting out.

Jo-Ann Miller

Jo-Ann Miller can't ask any more awkward questions of her own colleagues at Qld estimates hearings. (AAP)

Queensland Labor party machinations have come into question after rogue MP Jo-Ann Miller was effectively blocked from scrutinising her colleagues during budget estimates hearings.

Labor MPs must now seek caucus approval to ask questions of ministers and their staff under a motion passed during a special meeting last week, The Courier-Mail reports.

The member for Bundamba, who has featured heavily in budget estimates hearings in previous years, has indicated she will not be asking for permission to take part this year.

Her appearance will be limited to a session on Friday when she sits on the Transport and Public Works committee hearing.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey is among the ministers who will be grilled that day.

Mr Bailey denied Ms Miller had been gagged when questioned over the ruling on Wednesday.

"Jo-Ann's made a very positive contribution at my committee in the past," he said.

"I look forward to her participation as I look forward to the participation of all members of the parliamentary committee."

Ms Miller has been a thorn in the side of her Labor colleagues since 2016 when she broke from tradition and began asking pointed questions of her own party's ministers.

The state opposition has accused the government of attempting to avoid scrutiny by blocking what could be pointed questions.

"This is a member, let's remember, who has been talking about corruption in the Labor Ipswich City Council for quite a long while and the government have been trying to shut her up," Liberal National Party Leader Deb Frecklington said.


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Source: AAP



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