A company part-owned by the Queensland premier's chief of staff was given $267,500 in government funding to develop an app to track personal journeys on cruise ships.
Annastacia Palaszczuk's government paid Fortress Capstone Pty Ltd from an $80 million business development fund it says helps unlock potential in innovative businesses.
Ms Palaszczuk's chief of staff David Barbagallo is listed as a director of Fortress Capstone by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
The state opposition says the firm used the funds to develop CruiseTraka, a smartphone app that lets friends and family follow travellers as they cruise.
"Each update sent using CruiseTraka includes a link that will take your friends to an online tracking map of your cruise showing them your current location, the places you have visited and all the wonderful photos you have shared along the way," the app's website states.
Ms Palaszczuk told a budget estimates hearing on Tuesday Mr Barbagallo had declared his interest in the company as required.
She has known about the funding transaction since last year.
"I'm advised that the funding decisions made by the business development fund are independent of ministers and cabinet," Ms Palaszczuk said.
"The chief of staff is indicating he is happy for an audit to occur."
Estimates was also told of the $70,000 cost of moving Labor MP Cynthia Lui's electorate office from Mareeba to Cairns, meaning it will now be located outside of her north Queensland seat.
Hospitality spending carried out by Trade and Investment Queensland, including almost $20,000 on alcohol, was also revealed.
Australian Associated Press
