Queensland's newly appointed Tourism Minister has been forced to return from a poorly timed holiday after facing backlash for abandoning the industry in its "hour of need". The Courier-Mail can reveal Stirling Hinchliffe returned to ministerial duties yesterday after taking leave on Monday - the day Queensland slammed its borders shut to greater Sydney. A spokesman said Mr Hinchliffe returned from leave yesterday and "hosted meetings with tourism industry stakeholders and Queensland Health". It is understood Mr Hinchliffe was called back by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk's office amid fears the new restrictions would cripple the tourism industry.
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe was called back to work one day after taking leave – the day Queensland slammed its border to greater Sydney. Picture: Jason O'Brien