The Queensland government isn't necessarily being held to account by the parliament, an inquiry has heard.
The state has no upper house, so parliamentary committees act as a quasi-senate by reviewing laws and grilling the government over spending.
Clerk of Parliament Neil Laurie says reforms in 2011 improved the way proposed laws are probed but committees are falling short on scrutinising the government.
"We have a long way to go," Mr Laurie told a budget estimates hearing on Tuesday.
"I think the parliamentary committees have not necessarily been discharged in some of the things that were envisaged in the 2011 review.
"In particular, around things like public works and public accounts, and reviewing the auditor-general's reports in proper and adequate way.
"I think we have a long way to go in regards to that accountability aspect in the work of committees."
Mr Laurie said there was no magic bullet for improving scrutiny of the government but the estimates wasn't working as well as what was envisaged in 2011.
"The system that was in place prior to 2011 may, in fact, be better in some respects, because you know, things may have gotten even worse in terms of overall estimates process," he said.
"But I don't have a magic bullet and I think it's a subject to review."
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk was being grilled on Tuesday morning, with Treasurer Cameron Dick due to face the committee later in the day.
