Queensland Premier Anna Bligh called on grumbling Labor Party members to continue engaging on discussions about the state government's planned asset sales, specifically referring to the nearing float of QR National which elicited opposition even within the ruling coalition.

Addressing the state's regional business leaders gathered in Townsville, Ms Bligh pointed out that the planned sale of QR National would redound to huge benefits for Queensland as it would generate employment in the state.

The Premier also encouraged further dialogues about the state's asset sale plans as she gave assurance that any gripes aired by concerned entities would be seriously considered by the government.

She stressed that "I would encourage people like Peter Simpson and other people who have concerns about this issue to keep talking to the government."

Mr Simpson, currently secretary of Electrical Trade Union (ETU), had earlier revealed that the privatisation of QR National prompted some union members to talk him into severing ties with the Australian Labor Party and instead form a new party.

However, Ms Bligh countered that such decision would be premature as she enjoined Labor members to consider the pros and cons of the QR National float.

The Premier said that she was absolutely sure that following the completion of QR National's privatisation, it would go on "to be a bigger, better, stronger company, employing more people, employing more apprentices, creating more jobs and creating more security."

The Queensland state government is set to retain up to 40 percent stake in the company after the completion of its float, which is expected to be wrapped up by the latter part of 2010.