State opposition leader Annastacia Palaszczuk announced a new childcare vaccination bill today.

But the government says it’s already looking at ways to improve Queensland’s vaccination rate.

Michael Kersnovske reports.

TRANSCRIPT

Unveiling the new bill outside parliament, opposition leader Annastacia Palaszczuk was all smiles .

The controversial policy could see childcare centres given the authority to deny enrolments if children haven’t had required immunisation.

Annastacia Palaszczuk, Opposition Leader: “It’s the right thing to do. It makes sense and I would be very surprised if there was any other member of parliament that did not support the plan.”

The announcement follows a similar bill being passed in New South Wales last week.

Lawrence Springborg, Health Minister: “The government has already been looking at this issue of how we can lift our immunisation rates and also possible legislative responses. I mean for me its about doing this for the right reasons.”

Ms Palaszczuk said there were three thousand people across the state who had not had their children vaccinated, posing a serious health risk for childcare staff and their families.

Overnight, the government announced that it would be using state owned electricity generators to supply energy to Ergon.

But Energy Minister, Mark McArdle was quick to deny this was in preparation for the energy supplier’s sale.

Mark McArdle, Energy Minister: “I indicate from the start the government has made it quite clear that we are still considering whether certain assets should go up for sale.”

Michael Kersnovske, QUT News.