Queensland House, historic London address of state agent-general, could be sold off in overhaul of trade network For sale? Queensland House on The Strand in London. PIC: Tim Anderson Source: The Courier-Mail QUEENSLAND House, the historic London address of the state's agent-general, could be sold off as part of a huge overhaul of the Government's international trade network. The Courier-Mail can reveal the Newman Government has backed the sale and leaseback proposal for Queensland House - occupying a plum position on the Strand - which has been recommended as part of a wide-ranging review of the state's trade arm. Opening new trade offices in emerging markets, closing others, installing deputy commissioners and introducing new performance indicators have also been recommended in an effort to make the trade network more performance rather than personality-based. The state's eight international trade posts have long been used as a sinecure for former politicians, favoured bureaucrats and business leaders with little or no regard given to their efforts to secure business for Queensland. Former premier Peter Beattie was controversially appointed to the Los Angeles trade post soon after his retirement while former premier Anna Bligh's chief bureaucrat Ken Smith snared a five-year contract for the coveted agent-general position in London. Treasurer Tim Nicholls last night told The Courier-Mail the review would ensure Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) was refocused to become the state's "shopfront to the world." Foreign investment is vital to helping Queensland industries maintain their international competitiveness. It helps create a highly skilled workforce and drives improvements in productivity," he said. The review, by businessman Geoffrey Thomas and former trade minister John Mickel, recommended the London trade post remain but found Queensland House was currently underused with only a single floor taken up by TIQ. "The big benefit to Queensland would come from redeveloping the Queensland House site, either as a sale deal or in a development approach which guarantees office space going forward," the review said. It is recommended that the Government consider such an approach. Treasurer Tim Nicholls talks about the possible sale and leaseback of Queensland House, in the middle of London. PIC: Steve Pohlner Promoting a "One City" approach, the review recommended the Guangzhou and Los Angeles offices be closed and the current Americas commissioner, Chris Rodwell, be based solely in Santiago with responsible for Latin America. A new office was recommended in Jakarta and a full time office in Houston as well as deputy positions in China, Japan, India, Britain, United Arab Emirates and South America. While the commissioners will face expanded performance indicators, they will also be given more freedom over expenses with the current rules requiring pre-approval for almost everything, including buying someone a cup of coffee. A final decision on each proposal will be made in concert with a new management board with the review recommending TIQ become an independent statutory authority. Email Steven Wardill