Qld Premier dismisses states report

Queensland's economy has a bright future despite slipping in the rankings of Commsec's State of the States' report, the premier said.

The Queensland economy fell one position, along with WA, to sixth due largely to high unemployment, a downturn in the mining boom, and low construction work.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the report didn't take into account Queensland's $40b worth of exports in the last financial year.

"If they actually utilised this indicator of our exports, you would see Queensland much higher," she said on Monday.

"Queensland has a bright future - we will be leading the nation when it comes to economic growth of four per cent over the next year."

Ms Palaszczuk highlighted LNG exports from Curtis Island and an increase to the first home owners' grant, from $15,000 to $20,000, which would kick in over the next few months.

The state needed to focus on its strengths, including tourism, she said.

Around 450,000 Chinese tourists visited Queensland last year.

"We need to play on our strengths, we need to diversify," Ms Palaszczuk said, announcing a $1m investment to encourage drone technology in the state.

Shadow treasurer Scott Emerson said the CommSec report showed Queensland was fighting with Tasmania for the wooden spoon.

He pointed to Queensland's 6.5 per cent unemployment rate as a major concern, noting the state recently recorded an increase for the fifth consecutive month.

Youth unemployment was also at "crisis point" in places like Cairns (25.6 per cent), Mr Emerson added.