Mr WETTENHALL (6 August 2009) (2.42 pm): It is with pleasure that I rise to contribute to the consideration in detail of the Appropriation Bill 2009. As chair of Estimates Committee G that examined the portfolio areas of Education and Training and Child Safety and Sport, at the outset I wish to thank all members of the committee for their participation in the work of the committee and their cooperation in the estimates process.

Mr WETTENHALL (19 June 2009) (12.26 pm): I rise to support the Appropriation Bill and the other related bills before the House today. I too, have listened to what have become wearisome contributions from members opposite during this debate on these bills. The criticism of this government's approach to deficit-fund its record infrastructure program has been predictable and repetitive. The only interesting thing about the contributions from members opposite is that not one member has offered an alternative policy approach-not one. That is interesting, because it portrays how bereft the LNP is of policy firepower.

Mr WETTENHALL (17 June 2009) (9.04 pm): I have pleasure in reporting to the House an excellent initiative taken up at Trinity Beach State School. On 8 May 2009, I officially launched the Trinity Beach State School Bikebus.

Since I first stood in this House in 2006, the economic environment affecting our state has changed dramatically. Precipitated by events overseas and beyond the control of the Australian or Queensland governments, economic growth has stalled and with it state government revenues have fallen.