Hinchliffe resigns despite QR report’s benign findings towards him
Queensland deputy premier Jackie Trad now has the transport portfolio, in an acting capacity at present, to go with those of main roads, infrastructure, local government and planning and trade and investment.
Trad takes the responsibility following Stirling Hinchliffe’s resignation after the release of a report that absolved him of blame for disfunction in passenger rail service Queensland Rail’s management.
Trad has been shadow transport minister and filled in for the role in the past.
“The issues at Queensland Rail have been some of the most challenging and, at times, frustrating issues I have needed to manage as a Minister,” Hinchliffe says in his resignation statement.
“I know that they have been a distraction for the Government’s core task of delivering jobs for Queenslanders.
“Now that the Commission of Inquiry has concluded and the Government delivered its response, I believe that Queensland Rail and the Transport portfolio have the path prepared for a fresh start to get back to delivering for our passengers.”
Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) CEO Gary Mahon wished Hinchliffe all the best for the future.
“He’s been a supportive friend of the industry and we complement him of the support he gave us over the past couple of years,” Mahon tells ATN.
He also backed Trad’s taking over the role.
“Jackie Trad is obviously a very welcome ministerial appointment to us,” he says.
She’s been a supportive minister of the road transport industry in the past.
“We like the fact she’s got infrastructure in her remit.
“So we hope that means something positive for the industry in the future.”
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) thanked Hinchliffe for working collaboratively with it and the heavy vehicle industry.
NHVR chairman Bruce Baird speaks positively on working with Hinchliffe on a number of important projects in Queensland, including the Special Purpose Vehicle Notice launched last year.
“Mr Hinchliffe was an advocate for improving access of heavy vehicles for livestock and agricultural carriers in regional Queensland and improving the permit process of all operators,” Baird says.