Newman defends Hockey's wife appointment QUEENSLAND'S premier denies the appointment of federal shadow treasurer Joe Hockey's wife to the state's public service super fund board is an example of jobs for mates. Sydney-based Melissa Babbage was appointed to the QSuper Board in June. Premier Campbell Newman says Treasurer Tim Nicholls recommended her appointment. "She has a track record in investment banking, she is interstate," he told ABC Radio. I don't know the lady and I don't think anyone around the cabinet table has a personal friendship with her. She is suitably qualified to be on the board and that's where it should start and end surely. He said jobs for mates was about appointing someone linked to them but unqualified for the job. Just because she happens to be related to someone in federal politics shouldn't disqualify her at all.