WATTS SWORN INTO PARLIAMENT AND READY FOR ACTION
Newly elected Member of Parliament for Toowoomba North Mr Trevor Watts puts the second Range crossing, a new school for Highfields, and the construction of a CBD ring road on the top of his priority list after being sworn into Queensland’s 54th Parliament yesterday.
Mr Watts said that one of the first Bills to be introduced into Parliament this week will be the Cost of Living Bill which includes freezing the standard domestic electricity tariff, and reintroducing the stamp duty concession for home owners.
“The cost of living is the single biggest issue facing many of our residents and as Member for Toowoomba North, I am strongly committed to lowering living costs for families in our community,” Mr Watts said.
MP’s were sworn into Parliament yesterday, with Maroochydore MP Fiona Simpson elected as the first ever female Speaker of the House.
The Honourable Premier Campbell Newman said “Ms Simpson has the strength and integrity to run the House in an impartial way, and has a strong commitment to restore the power and authority of the role.”
Queensland’s 54th Parliament is officially opened today by the Governor, Her Excellency, Ms Penelope Wensley AC, in a ceremony held in the Legislative Council Chamber.
The Australian Federation Guard and the Australian Army Band will march from the Botanic Gardens to Parliament House as part of the opening ceremony today.
Parliamentary business will resume on Thursday, with nine MP’s delivery their maiden speech followed by a question time.
Mr Watts will deliver his maiden speech in the weeks to follow.