The Queensland government is to provide additional funding to the Opposition.

Announcing half a million dollars worth of salary support, the Premier, Peter Beattie, said “democracy is improved if a government is constantly challenged and scrutinised by an effective opposition”.

The Queensland Labor government holds 66 of the 89 seats in the single chamber parliament. The National Party has 11, whilst the Liberal Party has 3. There are 9 One Nation and independent members. Under parliamentary rules, the Liberal Party lacks official party status, which means it misses out on additional salaries and access to staff, cars, etc. [Read more…]