You have to love the way politicians manipulate things to suit their own wants and desires. Today’s announcement by Cpt’n Bligh shows complete contempt and disregard for the hundreds of council candidates who have already begun their election campaigns. Interestingly, at home, it is no surprise that one particular councillor has kept her head down and not declared whether or not she will be running again.
The timing could not be worse for some candidates who have already booked television slots and newspaper advertisements for the weeks leading up to the original (and supposedly FIXED) election date who will now find their ads clashing with the rubbish the LNP and ALP propaganda machines will be spewing out not to mention the added cost of an additional 4+ weeks of campaigning.
However.. it could be good news for up and coming candidates who haven’t quite got their profile out there.. if there are any ambitious people out there with NEW and FRESH ideas.. get in front of the cameras, get your self known.. FAST.. because the Fraser Coast needs you!
Yes it was a cynical time grabbing tactic for the benefit of Bligh and her useless bunch of has beens.
Time to find reluctant candidates in 16 seats – time to increase the chances of TV appearances complete with crying scenes on the back of unfortunate flood victims – time to employ muck raking and smear tactics against Campbell Newman.
The Premier claims her decision is based on ” truth ” via the scheduled Wivenhoe Dam flood report release .
The truth is an absent characteristic from the Premier’s glib tongue.
The cost of this political decision to individuals running as candidates in Local govt. elections will be quite significant . The Local Government Association has roundly condemned Bligh’s action as a disgrace and rightly so.
The decision is totally based on the Premier’s desperate attempt to cling to power.
I’ll, as always will play the devils advocate. Local government is not mentioned in our constitution, so as such Anna has not effected any one.
Speaking for myself, I’d rather no the outcome of the flood review prior to casting my vote; did government do the right thing?
The election date of March 24, falls within the prescribed electoral period and meets all constitutional requirements.
Off key, just what is the oppositions beef? they have more time to make their case, the
out come of the flood review might find the governmnt at fault, Bobb Katter might drop dead, all cases would benefit the opposition.
Against this, we would all have a chance to look at whet the opposition has to offer, at this stage iId suggest very little. But with baited breath I await their proposals and an indication of where the money is coming from.
But more dear to my heart, is the fact that I believe two party politics is killing this country.
So John…you would argue that local government is simply a figment of my imagination…perhaps you and your Labor buddies might like to put that to a few of the voters and see what they say.
Local Government is front line of service delivery and has been deliberately ham-strung by this Labor/Bligh government for various reasons.
Mostly this has been to hide the extra costs that Labor have imposed on QLDERs but also to nobble the breeding ground of conservative politicians.
I do find it very interesting that you ask the LNP where the money will come from and not take umbridge with the disgraceful management of our money by Labor.
Len,
I love the way both you and The Galah read your own biased interpretations into what
people say. I am not aware of having commented on your “imagination”!
As to QLD being a “breeding ground of conservative politicians”, I would never have
known, thanks for the info.
Regarding government waste; history would show all governments waste money, so
what’s new.
Perhaps you could tell us why Les has resigned fromyour party?
One wag suggests Les wants to run with Katter’s mob.. wonder if they’ll take him??
John
You appear either unwilling or unable to answer or indeed rebut the facts that Bligh Labor has taken QLD backwwards and placed massive burden on the people of QLD.
I have taken particular umbridge at the way Labor has used local government as a sneaky way to raise taxes. It’s time state government got out of habit of using local government as a play-thing.
John
While you’re thinking of a way to defend Labor’s waste, perhaps can I suggest you put your name forward as a candidate. Labor seems to be struggling to find anyone to put their hand up…can’t understand why!!??
John Neve’s version of playing the devil’s advocate makes one smile because every time he plays this silly game his comment is invariably biased towards Labor. For someone who loves to point to local governments absence from the constitution , his own interest in in this sphere borders on obsession. John condemns two party politics but without fail choses the Labor party line.
It is quite clear that Bligh has opted to draw out the campaign over parliamentary sitting time to give Labor the advantage of government facilities and time for muck raking and smear tactics.
Local government candidates have booked advertisng slots , made campaign plans and committments , believing the Premiers’s written assurance to the Local Government Association that L.G. elections would be held in March. As usual , Bligh failed to adhere to her word , putting self-interest and the Labor party ahead of Queensland.
Incidently , John , there has been a continuous flow of policy release from the L.N.P. for weeks and the finer policy detail will come during the real campaign start on the 19 th Feb. The phony campaign serves the interests of the failed Labor government in their futile attempts to cling to power.
On the subject of policy John : I note there has been no policy announcements from Labor at all , maybe you could enlighten us . ?
The Galah,
Accuses me of being “biased”, I suggest any one reading our posts would know who is the “biased” one.
Under Mistruths, he accused me of distorting the facts regarding the water park and airport, but to date has failed to support his claims.
I don’t believe The Galah understands what bias is!
Well there you have it. State election on 24th March and we will get around to having a Council election when we can. Shows the total contempt the state government has for both Local Government and the wishes of the Queensland people. They wanted the state election as soon as possible and the Council elections on their proper day. But everything must be sacrificed for political expediency. I think there will be a price to pay and it will not be light.
Jim MacKellar
Candidate, Division 5, FCRC
Len,
Can I state upfront, I love you, no one to my knowledge leads with their chin like you do., I still have copys of your posts of some years ago.
But up to date, I repeat I have no political affiliations, so why should I pass other than an unbiased comment on Labor?
As to Labor’s impact on this state, the people have elected them for the last twenty years! I wonder why?
I note you have not answered my question regarding Les!
John
You appear stuck in the past as are most of your Labor mates. Muck-raking, half-truths and bare-faced lies are in Labor’s DNA. It is very easy to find your comments over the years and they have one theme…backing Labor at all cost, no matter the impact of their policies on ordinary QLDers.
I am looking forward to a future for QLD where we are not ham-strung by red tape and bureacracy which is the hallmark of Bligh Labor. I’m looking forward to a big change!
The Galah,
You really do worry me, If you read you will see I have already made comment on
the waste levy.
P.S. I note you still not answered as to how I have distorted the facts regarding
the water park and airport!
Len,
I see you have not changed! There is nothing in your current post but vitriol and biased vitriol at that. Try backing up you comment with facts rather than innuendo.
Sil aiting on your respone regarding Les.
John Neve…would be very interested in your comment on the Qld. state Labor govt’s waste levy on all local govt. The interesting part of this iniquitous tax on ratepayers is that the revenue will be distributed to areas where councils have either been cash strapped or incompetent or simply do not have existing infrastructure to deal with rubbish. As a full supporter of Labor’s policies and socialistic programs perhaps you will enlighten us just how local ratepayers will benefit from your favoured party’s action.
You mention that the people have voted for your Labor cronies over the past twenty years – sure , they did , much to their current sorrow .
However , that mistake is soon to be corrected and whats left of Qld. Labor will cry in the wilderness for 30 years or more.
Oh and while your on ” leading with your chin ” , your socialistic loaded commentary makes you a candidate for KO everytime. Pots and kettles !
Hmm Lots of good arguements. Two party politics is defiantely killing us both in state and federal levels. They have voted Labour for 20 years for the same reason they voted Labour federally. The unionists and hand out junkies have joined with the do gooders and tree huggers to outnumber the rest of us. Simple really. One thing I guarantee you John, if i’m elected as a councillor and I see any of this state influence over our local politics i will be a very loud and vocal brick wall.
Wade,
I find your comment interesting, are “they” the people Len refers to as “ordinary QLDers”?
The fact that “the unionists, hand out junkies, do gooders and tree huggers”
outnumber you, should really being telling you some thing. Could you be wrong? No, never, perish the thought.
John….when Queenslanders remove the current state Labor failure from office will you be the first to declare the people’s decision is right . ?
After all , collectively , they will outnumber people with views such as yours which constantly back Labor.
Wade makes a very good point in relation to state government influence in local government affairs .
If this is the thread you meant John I didn’t comment as I didn’t think you needed any help looking sillier than you already do. You will find out in the next few weeks that these swinging voters who dwelve in the realms of fairyland and stupidty will correct the error of their ways and once again vote with common sense.
Am I saying the coalition is the ducks guts of politics? No. But compared to that other pack of disgraceful incompetant fools they are the best on offer. Do we need a third party? Hell Yes!
“The fact that “the unionists, hand out junkies, do gooders and tree huggers”
outnumber you”
John – The polls tell a very different story!
Have to disagree with Wade’s assertions about 2 party system. While certainly not perfect, the 2 party system has served us well in that both parties cover an extremely broad range of ideas and bring a lot of these under their umbrellas. No small task I might add. Reconcile this with the current federal mess and the flirtation with minor parties in the past and you can clearly see why this is the case.
I do agree that at a regional, local level, there is no place for a party system in local government.
Agreed, no room for parties at a local level…
Wade,
How you define a “party system”, are the UDIA or C of C parties?
While we are at it, is the AMA a union?
Therr is much talk around about Chris and his team, do they fall into the “party system”?
If you have a group of like minded people elected, who vote and act as one, what do you call them?
I think we all know what a political party is John as apposed to a group of people that join a very specific interest group eg UDIA. I would call a group of like minded people who vote and act as one a fairytale. A group of people that are like minded and come to agreement on a myriad of different topics i would call “a group of like minded individuals” Hope that clears it up for you and it wasn’t too hard.
Wade,
Sorry but I don’t think “we all know what a political party is”. Based on your response to my four questions, you don’t either!
Might I suggest one of the qualities this region needs in it’s councillors is a clear and
logical mind. Not one governed by party dogma, but I have to admit it is simpler to
be part of the herd, I’m sure you’d agree.
** (Not sure if this should go under this thread or be a new thread for discussion?)**
Just to throw the cat amongst the Pidgeons.
Firstly I believe that there is no room for Party politics at a local level. But hey, it happens. Many candidates for council have a genuine political interest and often prefer one side or the other.
The problem is that some of them cannot put that aside to do what is best for their local area. When was the last time we saw a state or federal politician cross the floor? Ed Casey?
However, I believe there is a place for councillors of similar views to group together BEFORE an election to show the voters that if they get in, this or that “will happen”. This is not party politics but showing the voters that “These people will make this happen – no excuses”.
It also shows the voters that they can actually work together, unlike some of the petty fueds that currently exist.
For too long we have seen individual candidates promise the moon knowing full well [or at least they should have known] that they did not have to honour that promise and would have an excuse because they knew that they would get voted down. And don’t say that strategy is not used! Some of the current councillors sit in the seat for that very reason. They promised stuff while other more rational candidates failed because they only promised what they knew they could achieve.
These groups, or teams (which currently is not a popular word), must agree on core values – roads rates and rubbish etc but would be free to pursue their individual goals for the region and their division. And no I am not supporting the current “team”, but I would happily consider further options.
I believe this is even more important now that we have the divisional system. If I am only allowed to vote for the mayor and ONE councillor, I want to know that that councillor is alligned with others who have similar goals and can actually achieve those goals. Otherwise my vote is wasted.
John,
Yes i 100% agree. People are far to quick to join the group even if it’s wrong. I often say something when with groups of people that is not popular opinion and everyone looks at you like you have two heads. We have a culture now that if you say something that is different you are labelled sexist, racist, biggoted, opinionated, fanatical, arguementative or conspiricist. People have lost the ability to discuss and reason new ideas.