Prax, there is little doubt that labor (in QLD ) had to go.

So, what would you have done, had you got the top job, in order to address the mess that is the legacy of twenty years of labor?

rehctub

Firstly, we still haven't a clue what is the the real extent of the financial poo. The Costello Inquiry was a rort intended to legitimize the sale of certain interests to his clients.

Secondly, I have no interest whatever in power and / or authority. If perchance I had control of the state I'd appoint a genuinely independent auditor (not a crony with no accounting / auditing qualifications) to find out exactly what is the true state of affairs. Regaining control of the retail electricity business needs to be high on the 'must do' list, likewise reducing politicians perks. Restoring accountability is top priority.

P,

Spouting BS left right and centre. At least make an effort to separate emotions from fact.

Costello was the only competent treasurer in decades. As for the stupid accusation that some of the other clients of his firm would benefit from the sale of assets, any mid to large consultancy would have a diverse client base, with some clients that would benefit and others that wouldn't. Excluding large firms would only leave tiny firms that would not be suitable.

I believe that government has no place in running businesses like electricity distribution and rail, and the sooner these can be flogged off to pay off the $90bn debt left by labor the better.

Shadow Minister

Costello was way out of order by representing clients who stand to benefit from asset sales. Newman likewise is equally culpable as he would certainly have known about Costellos conflict of interest. The cost to Queenslanders of privatization is around five billion per annum, that constitutes an extremely strong argument for public ownership.

P,

Your knowledge of company law and ethics are woefully inadequate.

A conflict of interest would be if Costello's company directly benefited from the sale of assets, were being paid by companies to influence this decision or had an exclusive arrangement with one of these companies. As none of these apply, there is no conflict of interest.

For example Deloittes consults to thousands of companies, many of whom are rivals. Are you suggesting that they are incapable of acting in a professional manner, or that they should trim their clients?

Shadow Minister

Costellos company represents two companies which stand to benefit from the sales of certain assets. The dying duck registered a complaint (as a private citizen) with the CMC regarding Costellos proposed sale of two particular sets of interests which just happened to be on the shopping lists of Costellos clients. Note that both of Costellos clients had previously purchased exactly the same interests in other states that they were attempting to acquire in Queensland. The CMC agreed there was a case to answer, interviewed the dying duck and was proceeding with an action until the General threw a wobbly about the CMC 'interfering in sensitive government business' and threatened to cut funding if the CMC didn't butt out. All the above is in the public domain having been headline news in local newspapers & aired on prime time TV.