Queensland's transport minister has sidestepped calls for his resignation over a $2.4 billion costing "stuff-up" he insists wasn't a cover up.
Mark Bailey has faced questions about a media release announcing a $7.1 billion train manufacturing program, when the transport department's website priced the same project at $9.5 billion.
The disparity sparked claims the government was trying to hide a cost blowout, when Mr Bailey and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said they knew the project would cost the higher amount.
The transport minister apologised last week, prompting opposition calls for his resignation.
The LNP attacked the government in parliamentary hearings this week, with Ms Palaszczuk apologising for the old figure being used and her deputy, Steven Miles, insisting he had confidence in Mr Bailey.
Facing the media on Thursday, the transport minister said staff in his office had removed the $9.5 billion figure provided by his department from the draft media release on June 19.
He said this was because negotiations with manufacturer Downer to build trains in Maryborough were ongoing and the final figure could change.
Mr Bailey said he expected the updated amount to be added later, but the lower, earlier figure was added before the release went public on June 30.
"There was an error made here, which I am apologetic for," he told reporters.
"There was an error and I'm sincerely apologetic for that, but it was a stuff up and it was only a stuff up."
The minister said the day of the announcement was unusually busy and normal processes were not followed.
"I didn't personally ... sign off on (the release), I approved it to go on to another office to be worked on as any early releases do, and yes, it was my expectation that figures would be put back in there, absolutely."
Mr Bailey is scheduled to appear at the parliamentary hearings on Tuesday.
