Senate probe into Newman postponed

A Senate inquiry into the Queensland government has postponed public hearings which were due to be held this week - the final week of the state election campaign.

Members of the committee received an email from the secretariat on Friday informing them the two hearings, which were due to be held in Bundaberg and Gladstone on Wednesday and Thursday, had been postponed.

Queensland goes to the polls on Saturday, with the Newman government expected to retain office despite a substantial swing to Labor.

It is understood the committee was having trouble confirming a witness list for this week and some senators have been away on overseas trips.

The decision was made via email rather than at a meeting of the committee.

The inquiry has received 85 submissions, ranging from concerns about allegedly dodgy development approvals to union-busting activities.

Coalition senators have described the inquiry as a political witch-hunt.

The public hearings have been rescheduled for Townsville on February 4 and Cairns on February 5, as well as Chinchilla on February 19.

Comment was being sought from committee chairman, Palmer United Party senator Glenn Lazarus.