Qld: Beattie boosts own budget by almost 10 per cent

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Qld: Beattie boosts own budget by almost 10 per cent

By Paul Osborne, State Political Correspondent

BRISBANE, Aug 20 AAP - Queensland Premier Peter Beattie's ministerial expenses haverisen almost 10 per cent over the past two years.

A report released to state parliament today showed the premier's ministerial expensesrose $350,000 since 1999-2000 to just over $3.2 million last financial year.

Mr Beattie told parliament ministerial expenses overall had risen by about $200,000to $25.2 million in the past year because of added staff salary and building rental costsand extra community consultation.

"Expenses are being maintained at a reasonable level," Mr Beattie told parliament.

Mr Beattie's travel spending was slightly down on the previous year, but several ofhis ministers showed less frugality.

Health Minister Wendy Edmond, who over the past year has come under fire for beingaway during crises in her portfolio, clocked up an extra 47 per cent in travel expensesto just over $71,000.

Housing Minister Rob Schwarten's travel expenses rose 77 per cent to $61,545 and TourismMinister Merri Rose, also known as the "Minister for Fun", recorded a 58 per cent riseto $88,158.

Opposition leader Mike Horan said today Mr Beattie, whose party holds 66 of the 89seats in parliament, had boosted his own resources while cutting Opposition resourcesby a third.

"It shows the way the 66-seat syndrome has gone to their heads," Mr Horan said.

"The Premier and his ministers think they are now invulnerable to criticism and theycan spend what they like."

Meanwhile, another report tabled in state parliament today showed Queensland MPs hadreceived gifts of overseas trips, luxury accommodation, stereos and gym memberships.

The register of members' interests showed a number of MPs, including the Premier andministers, had received gifts.

Mr Beattie received accommodation at the six-star Palazzo Versace hotel on the GoldCoast and Education Minister Anna Bligh received $17,360 in travel sponsorship from theBritish and Japanese governments.

Gold Coast Labor MP Peta-Kaye Croft listed a $500 gym membership, Opposition frontbencherHoward Hobbs revealed a Qantaslink "introductory service" and Whitsunday Labor MP JanJarrett listed a $500 Hamilton Island holiday.

Mackay Labor MP Tim Mulherin's entry showed a portable CD player and a stay at theluxury Laguna Quays resort in north Queensland, while Gold Coast Labor MP Rob Poole wassponsored to inspect theme parks in India.

AAP pjo/sc/mg/br

KEYWORD: EXPENSES