QLD: LNP leader announces shadow cabinet

AAP General News (Australia)
04-06-2009
QLD: LNP leader announces shadow cabinet

By Natalie Gregg

BRISBANE, April 6 AAP - Queensland Liberal National Party (LNP) leader John-Paul Langbroek
has dumped three former frontbenchers from his new shadow ministry and elevated two new
faces.

Former frontbenchers Mike Horan and Rob Messenger were shifted to the positions of
whip and deputy whip respectively.

Buderim MP Steve Dickson was moved to the back bench.

Mr Langbroek, who took over from Lawrence Springborg as leader last week, brought two
newcomers into the shadow cabinet, Noosa MP Glen Elmes and Bundaberg MP Jack Dempsey.

"It's a mix of ages and experience," Mr Langbroek told reporters in Brisbane.

"We've brought a couple of new faces into the shadow cabinet, and I'm confident they
are going to hold the government accountable."

Mr Elmes is the new opposition climate change spokesman and Mr Dempsey will tackle
the opposition child safety and sport portfolios.

Former Liberal leader Bruce Flegg also makes a return, as opposition education minister,
after eight months on the backbench.

Mr Langbroek said he was confident Mr Flegg was up to the task.

"I believe it's something he'll be able to do with aplomb," he said.

In announcing the shadow ministry, the LNP leader warned his new shadow ministers not
to get too comfortable.

"Now that we have a backbench that is more sizeable, everyone is on notice that they
have to perform," he said.

Mr Langbroek's close rival for the leadership, Clayfield MP Tim Nicholls, retained
his shadow treasury portfolio.

And Mr Springborg, now deputy leader, chose to look after trade and become shadow attorney-general.

"They're the things that Lawrence wanted to do, and I'm certainly happy for him to
do that," Mr Langbroek said.

Mr Langbroek denied that Mr Horan's new role was a demotion.

"Mike Horan is a very experienced person and it's important now with a larger backbench
to have someone with his experience there, and Rob Messenger as deputy whip will work
hard with him in that job," he said.

Mr Langbroek closely followed the changes Premier Anna Bligh had made to her ministries,
with some minor differences.

The LNP leader chose not to combine police, corrective services and emergency services
into one portfolio.

He also kept the transport and main roads portfolios together, which were separated
by the premier.

Parliament will sit on April 21 for the first time since last month's state election.

AAP ng/pjo/jl/de

KEYWORD: LNP WRAP (WITH FACTBOX)

2009 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.