QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Mr ALBANESE (Grayndler—Prime Minister) (15:00): I thank the member for Kennedy for his question—a question that, I've got to say, was not on my bingo card! The idea of a break-up of the states, including the great state of Queensland, would perhaps see a premier Katter in Far North Queensland, which might or might which might or might not be a good thing. It would weaken the Queensland State of Origin team somewhat, given the magnificent players who've come from places like Cloncurry and Mount Isa.

I understand that Queensland is such a big state, which is why I have visited the member for Kennedy on multiple occasions. In Cloncurry I've been to the Mount Isa rodeo with the member for Kennedy. We built the Cloncurry bypass.

We're dealing with the challenges with the flood that has impacted Cloncurry—Julia Creek and all these magnificent communities. I've been into some pubs with the member for Kennedy and sat in the wrong seat, as the member for Kennedy would recall. A seven-foot gentleman asked me to move, and I moved very quickly!

But there is certainly a case for making sure Far North Queensland gets its share of resources, particularly infrastructure. That's why I'm very proud of the Einasleigh River Bridge, the upgrade to Karumba Airport, and the visits to Normanton and all those communities that I've had, together obviously with the magnificent work that the member for Leichhardt does in Cairns.

I'm not sure where the Torres Strait would fit under the analysis by the member for Kennedy. But I do want to say, with regard to the Olympics, that one of the things that will happen is that there will be some events throughout regional Queensland, something I've emphasised with Premier Crisafulli. I think the Queensland Olympics will be a great thing for Queensland, for economic activity and for jobs and will make a big difference for Queensland.

I know the infrastructure that was built for the Sydney Olympics, like the infrastructure that was built for the Melbourne Olympics, has lasted and has produced an outstanding outcome. And we're working constructively. Last week I had a discussion with Greg Norman, who's the federal representative on the Olympics committee, to make sure it's the best it can be.

(Time expired)