Mr MILLAR (Gregory—LNP) (5.25 pm): With your indulgence, Mr Deputy Speaker, I would like to pass on my prayers and condolences to Tim Mulherin's family, his wife Erin and the three boys.

Tim was a fantastic member of parliament and a great friend of mine for over 25 years.

Mr MILLAR (Gregory—LNP) (4.46 pm): There was a famous UK Prime Minister who said, 'The problem with socialism and Labor is that you eventually run out of other people's money.' I think that is something we need to remind ourselves of in this Queensland parliament.

Mr MILLAR (Gregory—LNP) (4.26 pm): I rise to speak on this bill. I would like to speak first to the amendments to the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011.

I am fortunate as the member for Gregory to have two electorate officers who have worked in the Gregory office for many, many years—since well before my time. They tell me that under the former Bligh Labor government it was not uncommon for them to have constituents in tears in their office because of the inability to receive treatment for their health conditions.

Mr MILLAR (Gregory—LNP) (12.17 pm): I will make a short contribution on the Corrective Services and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020.

 I will focus on the crackdown on plastic water guns—fair dinkum, the crackdown on plastic toys! People may be amazed, but I am not surprised, that the Labor Party have come into this place to crack down on something such as plastic water pistols or toys.

Queensland Parliament - July 15, 2020.

BUILDING INDUSTRY FAIRNESS (SECURITY OF PAYMENT) AND OTHER LEGISLATION AMENDMENT BILL

Mr MILLAR (Gregory—LNP) (12.55 pm): The building and construction industry plays an important part in Queensland's economy, contributing over $46 billion in 2017-18 and employing more than 230,000 people.

 The building industry will be the backbone of the Queensland economy as we go forward from COVID-19.

Mr MILLAR (Gregory—LNP) (5.53 pm): I rise to support the motions moved by the shadow minister in relation to subordinate legislation Nos 233 and 234 of 2019. Firstly, can I say after hearing the shadow minister and the previous government member that I give a commitment to the Minister for Environment: I am prepared to sit down and work with the minister to do this properly, to make sure that we have a better result for farmers and for the Great Barrier Reef.

Mr MILLAR (Gregory—LNP) (2.38 pm): I turn to something that is very important for rural and remote people when it comes to education. This morning at 10am a virtual protest rally, hosted by the Isolated Children's Parents' Association, was held on Zoom to highlight the plight of Queensland's boarding students.

Mr MILLAR (Gregory—LNP) (4.39 pm): I rise to speak to this bill with mixed feelings of relief and frustration. I am relieved that this bill has finally come before the House, but I am frustrated that it has taken so long.

I am frustrated that while we waited we saw the deaths of eight mine workers in Queensland mines in 18 months. This was still insufficient to get the Labor government to ensure this legislation was put before the House for debate.

I rise to speak on the Resources Safety and Health Queensland Bill. I am relieved that, finally, some action is being taken with regard to mine safety. I am frustrated that it has taken the deaths of eight Queenslanders in 18 months to get the government’s attention and to have this matter debated in the House.

I rise to put on the record the LNP’s sympathy for the victims of the current bushfires in Queensland and across Australia. Since the current fire season started in Queensland last September, the courage and kindness displayed by ordinary Australians responding to an extraordinary public disaster has been inspiring.