Former opposition leader Peter Dutton has been appointed to the board of one of Queensland’s investment companies by the LNP-run state government almost a year after losing his seat at the 2025 federal election.
The Crisafulli government appointed Mr Dutton to the role at the state-owned Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC) along with former Labor MP Michael Choi.
The QIC drives investment in Queensland’s defence and critical minerals industries.
“The appointments are designed to put a greater focus on developing investment areas of critical minerals and defence industries,” a state government spokesman said.
“Queensland is home to 51 of the world’s most sought-after critical minerals and is making a major bid for Australia’s critical mineral agreement with the United States.”
It follows Mr Dutton leading the Coalition to defeat at the 2025 federal election last May, in addition to losing his seat of Dickson.
Mr Dutton held the seat since 2001 but was ousted by Labor’s Ali France.
Mr Dutton will bring government and defence industry experience to the role and provide strategic advice on accelerating development through the Sovereign Industry Development Fund.
Mr Choi has experience in the critical minerals sector as the government seek to secure international investment.
Treasurer David Janetzki said these appointments would bring world-class expertise to the Queensland Investment Corporation, strengthening its ability to driving investment in the state.
“Queensland is open for business, and we are equipping our state-owned investment manager to secure opportunities within Australia and abroad,” he said.
Speaking on Mr Dutton’s appointment, Queensland Opposition Treasurer Shannon Fentiman Shadow Treasurer Shannon Fentiman said: “David Crisafulli’s jobs for mates appointments has gone from sneaky to blatant abuse of taxpayer money.
“At a time when Queensland families are struggling to pay their bills the LNP are giving and creating lucrative jobs for former LNP MPs and donors,” she said in a statement.
“Sadly the only train running in Queensland right now is the Premier’s gravy train.”
