Nicholls backers rewarded in LNP reshuffle

New Queensland Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls has unveiled his shadow cabinet, littered with promotions for backers who helped him oust predecessor Lawrence Springborg.

But Mr Springborg's requested consolation prize to head a parliamentary committee that oversees the state's corruption watchdog may not be granted, with Labor protesting against the move.

Mr Nicholls didn't include Mr Springborg in his updated opposition front bench on Monday, insisting the ex-leader wanted to be nominated to chair the parliamentary crime and corruption committee instead.

The position, currently held by LNP MP Trevor Watts, needs to have bipartisan support.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk wouldn't say on Monday whether she'd back Mr Springborg's appointment, but her deputy Jackie Trad said there was no need to boot Mr Watts.

"I don't think there's any reason to slice Trevor - I think he's doing a good job," she said.

"This is about politics, not about integrity and making sure the PCCC is ably led."

Mr Nicholls earlier described Mr Springborg as a man of integrity and said there was no reason for Labor to block his appointment.

The new shadow cabinet saw former opposition transport spokesman Scott Emerson rise to shadow treasurer, Ros Bates promoted from deputy whip to opposition communities spokeswoman and Tracy Davis elevated to the education portfolio.

Michael Hart moved to the front bench for the first time as the opposition's energy spokesman, while former deputy premier Jeff Seeney was appointed leader of opposition business at the expense of Gold Coast-based MP Ray Stevens.

Mr Seeney launched the spill motion on Friday that led to Mr Nicholls becoming leader and Deb Frecklington his deputy, while the other four all flanked Mr Nicholls as he strode into the meeting.

But Mr Nicholls rejected suggestions the appointments were made to reward his backers.

"When you look at the decisions that we've made over the last 48 hours, you'll see that what we're focused on is making sure we've got a team that can take the fight up to the Labor Party," he said.

"And give Queenslanders the energy and experience we know they want in order to get Queensland moving."

Other new faces in the shadow ministry include Dale Last (agriculture) and Christian Rowan (environment and heritage protection).

Mr Watts replaced chief opposition whip Ian Rickuss to compensate him for losing the PCCC chair to Mr Springborg.

The reshuffle has also come at the expense of former Newman government ministers Mark McArdle (health) and Jann Stuckey (tourism), as well as Rob Molhoek (housing).

John McVeigh was removed from the opposition front bench, following his resignation from parliament to contest the federal seat of Groom.