Queensland Games minister sticks with role

Under fire Stirling Hinchliffe says he's excited about continuing as Queensland's Commonwealth Games Minister despite speculation he was going to lose the role.

Leader of the House Stirling Hinchliffe

Queensland Commonwealth Games Minister Stirling Hinchliffe says he's committed to the portfolio. (AAP)

Queensland Commonwealth Games Minister Stirling Hinchliffe says he's committed to the portfolio.

Mr Hinchliffe has been under siege in recent weeks in his role as the state's transport minister following the Queensland Rail crisis which has caused commuter chaos.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk had to deny a report earlier this month that Mr Hinchliffe was going to be stripped of the Games portfolio to allow him to focus on fixing the rail dramas.

She said Mr Hinchliffe was a "senior cabinet minister" in her minority Labor government and it wouldn't be a good look 17 months out from the event.

Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (GOLDOC) chairman Peter Beattie has also given his backing to Mr Hinchliffe.

"I'm so excited about what we can do over the next 503 days," Mr Hinchliffe said on Thursday.

"We'll continue to promote a fantastic, exciting event.

"I'm very excited to continue to be a part of that, to do the work that I've been doing, working closely with GOLDOC and all of our partners to make sure we see this as a fantastic and successful event."

Mr Hinchliffe has also defended the Games ticketing prices, despite opposition fears the pricing scheme will leave Queensland with a funds shortfall.

Mr Hinchliffe said "family-friendly" prices including $20 tickets for adults and $10 tickets for children to some events would enable more members of the community to take in the Games.


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Source: AAP



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