Queensland govt sells 'jobs' budget

Annastacia Palaszczuk says the Queensland budget will support 40,000 jobs, but the opposition claims it doesn't deliver the promised "jobs bonanza".

Queensland Treasurer Curtis Pitt (R) with Annastacia Palaszczuk

The Queensland government will have to work hard to sell a budget that promised a "jobs bonanza". (AAP)

The Queensland government has begun the task of selling its budget amid claims it doesn't deliver the "jobs bonanza" that was promised.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Tuesday's budget would "support" 40,000 jobs across the state.

"This budget diversifies and strengthens Queensland's $300 billion economy," the premier told parliament on Wednesday.

"My government works with business, employees and councils to deliver jobs for Queensland."

But shadow treasurer Scott Emerson asked the premier to explain how the budget was a "jobs budget" when unemployment was set to remain at about six per cent for the foreseeable future.

Ms Palaszczuk said the infrastructure projects announced in the budget would generate jobs in coming years.

A number of ministers rose in parliament to talk up their portfolio contributions in the budget, chief among them Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Jackie Trad with the $5.4 billion Cross River Rail project, which will generate 1500 jobs during its construction.

Earlier on Wednesday Ms Trad was joined by the premier and Treasurer Curtis Pitt to announce work would commence in September, after the government allocated $1.95 billion in the budget.

Opposition leader Tim Nicholls described the overall budget as a "con job".

He also again criticised the government for announcing infrastructure projects in Labor electorates.

"I think anyone would be concerned that the government is making decisions based on its electoral outcomes rather than what Queensland needs," Mr Nicholls told reporters.

However, Health Minister Cameron Dick pointed to projects announced for several LNP-held seats, including $64 million for Kingaroy Hospital in Deputy Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington's electorate.

The premier also distanced herself from suggestions the budget was being used to prop up her party ahead of the next state election.

Asked whether she would hold the election soon to take advantage of any "budget bump" in the polls, Ms Palaszcuk reiterated her commitment to see out the term.

"The election is due next year, that is my intention," the premier said.

The election is due in May next year, but it is widely speculated the government is considering a poll late this year, possibly in November.

Mr Nicholls will give his budget reply speech to parliament on Thursday.


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Source: AAP


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