QUEENSLAND POLITICS THIS WEEK IN 60 SECONDS

Estimates

Budget Estimates hearings this week saw the Premier, Deputy Premier, Treasurer and most of the Cabinet grilled by the Opposition.

Questioning covered Government expenditure, from billion dollar infrastructure, health and education budgets to $8000 office renovations.

Ministers were asked about their use of personal email addresses for work purposes, with no significant disclosures. While Ms Fiona Simpson MP, Shadow Minister for Integrity in Government, asked Education Minister Grace Grace about the identity of an MP referred to but not named in the CCCs inquiry into the appointment of a high school principal.

Minister Grace directed Ms Simpson to make the inquiry of the CCC as it was their report.

Estimates hearings finish on Tuesday 15 December.

NQ separatists

Katter's Australian Party has long supported a separate State of North Queensland. This week Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill has announced her support for separation, saying it is the only way for the north's economic interests to be properly taken into account.

Advocates remain unclear on where "North Queensland" begins, while most say 'southerners' should not get a say, creating a wide range of complexities and conundrums.

COVID-19 restrictions

Restrictions have further eased in Queensland with dancing allowed in public venues from 14 December and travel from New Zealand will be allowed from 12 December.

UQ COVID-19 vaccine trials discontinued

Australia's prime COVID-19 vaccine candidate from the University of Queensland has been terminated due to it being associated with false positive HIV-AIDS test results. Test results showed the vaccine to be otherwise safe and effective.