No public transport for you – The #QldWeekly blogazine: @Qldaah #qldpol

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No public transport for you

The Qld Weekly - No FibsTable of contents

No public transport funding for you.
(May 30, 2015) – The Courier Mail attacks ‘Green smear’.
(May 29, 2015) – LNP asks, ‘What went wrong?’
(May 28, 2015) – Queensland’s overcrowded prisons.
(May 27, 2015) – The value of political connections.
(May 26, 2015) – No deals for Carmody.
(May 25, 2015) – Tim Carmody ready to resign.
(May 24, 2015) – No funding without asset sales.

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No public transport for you

Queenslanders face a third election on asset sales as Prime Minister Tony Abbott told reporters in Brisbane this that he would not be funding public transport unless the state agreed to the federal government’s asset recycling program. Asset sales were a major election issue for both the Bligh Government in 2012 and the Newman Government in 2015. Both lost government which the subject being a major polarising platform among Queenslanders.

In its fledgling one hundred day existence, the Palaszczuk Government has continued to vow not to sell any assets. At the same time it remains determined to secure funding for such projects as the cross-river rail project and the dual Sunshine coast railway extension. Queensland Deputy Premier Jackie Trad leads the government’s charge for public transport funding. If the initial Twitter shots between herself and the Liberal’s Jamie Briggs are anything to go by, there are a lot more robust discussions about to take place.

Doing the “noddies” along side the PM as he broke the news on Sunday was Liberal MP for Brisbane, Teresa Gambaro. She remained silent on the issue as she did in 2013 with the then Queensland Premier Campbell Newman as Abbott torpedoed any chance of federal funding for the cross-river rail project.

No no Gambaro: MP for Brisbane stands idle whilst Newman agrees with Abbott to not fund Brisbane's Cross-River rail project.

No no Gambaro: MP for Brisbane stands idle whilst Newman agrees with Abbott to not fund Brisbane’s Cross-River rail project.

Federal treasurer Joe Hockey finished the week in parliament by blaming Queensland Labor as the reason for a perceived lack of business confidence.

  • Steven Scott reported, “Joe Hockey has delivered a stinging attack on the Queensland Government, accusing it of stifling business investment. The Federal Treasurer said the new Labor Government’s refusal to sell off assets is to blame for a drop in business confidence and planned expenditure. But his state counterpart, Curtis Pitt, said Mr Hockey was attempting to drum up support for state asset sales.”: Treasurer Joe Hockey blames Queensland’s lack of asset sales for business doldrums.

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(May 30, 2015) – The Courier Mail attacks ‘green smear’

Nothing wrong with Reef claims Craven

  • Brian Williams reported, “A FIVE-year nightmare for Australia is close to an end, with a critical UNESCO report finding that the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area should not be listed in danger. International Union for the Conservation of Nature scientists accepted that enough has been done by Australia to stop out-of-control development and Reef degradation. An in-danger listing would have had the potential to dent the nation’s international reputation and devastate tourism earnings on the Reef which earns Australia up to $6 billion a year. It also would have blemished one of the defining world images of Australia. The overriding message of the draft decision handed down in Paris by the World Heritage Committee was that UNESCO has rejected the threat of a listing.”: Great Barrier Reef: UNESCO report recommends Reef not be listed as ‘in danger’”: Great Barrier Reef: UNESCO report recommends Reef not be listed as ‘in danger’.
The Courier Mail - Great Barrier Relief - 30 May 2015

The Courier Mail – Great Barrier Relief – 30 May 2015

 

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(May 29, 2015) – LNP asks, ‘What went wrong?’

The LNP has been soul searching after its 2015 election defeat

  • Amy Remeikis reported, “Hubris, a false sense of security, leadership issues, a breakdown between the executive and the parliamentary wing, lack of consultation and listening, the election timing, errors in policy and political judgement and a perception of arrogance that just would not go away. The Sheldon-Borbidge review into what went wrong for the LNP at the January 31 election has returned a list of criticisms into the one-term Newman Government, but maintains “Queensland was left a far better place than the LNP inherited when it came to office in 2012″.”: Hubris and unpopular leader – what went wrong for the LNP.
  • Amy Remeikis reported, “Hubris, arrogance and in-fighting is a long way from governing with “grace, humility and dignity”, but the party that said it was listening to Queenslanders while in government, insists that now, having lost government, it really is listening to Queenslanders. But despite wide-ranging criticism of both the parliamentary and executive wings of the LNP in a review of why the Newman Government was relegated to history as a one-term wonder, Party President Bruce McIver said he was confident his leadership was secure. Responding to the “warts and all” review carried out by Rob Borbidge and Joan Sheldon, which found things began to go wrong for the LNP almost as soon as it won the 2012 election, Mr McIver said he still considered installing Campbell Newman as party leader from outside parliament, the right move. “I think if you look back to 2012, everyone to a man, woman agreed that this government was the right government for Queensland,” he said.”: ‘Now we’re really listening’ – LNP.

Full public election funding

  • Brisbane Times reported, “Queensland Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg says it’s worth considering full public funding of election campaigns, meaning trade union and corporate donations would be banned. The recommendation was the last of 39 made in a Liberal National Party (LNP) review into why the party surprisingly lost January’s state election, despite having an overwhelming majority in parliament. “I think that that’s something well and truly worth considering,” Mr Springborg said.”: LNP to consider full public funding of election campaigns.

Great Barrier Reef report

Education funding fight

  • Brisbane Times reported, “A bitter fight about federal education funding is either over $30 billion or absolutely nothing, depending on which political party you believe. State and territory Labor ministers say Australian schools will be left with a $30 billion black hole from 2018 after the federal government made changes to a six-year Gonski funding deal signed under the previous Labor government. But federal Education Minister Christopher Pyne maintains there are no cuts and funding for schools will actually increase over the next four years.”:Bitter fight ensues over education funding.

Indigenous protest Adani coal mine

  • Oliver Millman reported, “A Queensland Indigenous group has escalated its battle to halt Australia’s largest mine by launching a federal court case, while members of the group are travelling to the US and Europe to urge banks to not fund the project. The Wangan and Jagalingou people, which have a native title claim over 30,000 sq km of central Queensland, have lodged a legal bid to overturn a decision that clears the way for the $16.5bn Carmichael mine, overseen by Indian mining firm Adani. Court documents allege that Adani “grossly overestimated” the economic benefits of the mine to the national native title tribunal, which decided the mine was in the public interest in June.”: Adani overestimated Carmichael coalmine benefits, Indigenous group says.
  • John Taylor reported, “A small Indigenous protest has been staged in Brisbane’s CBD to highlight a legal challenge against the proposed $16 billion Adani Carmichael coal mine project in the Galilee Basin. The protest of about eight people was lead by Adrian Burragubba, who is part of a registered Native Title claim by the Wangan and Jagalingou People. “We don’t consent to Adani being on our country,” Mr Burragubba said on the street outside Adani Mining’s Brisbane office:”: Indigenous protest held in Brisbane against $16 billion Adani coal mine in the Galilee Basin.

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(May 28, 2015) – Queensland’s overcrowded prisons

At breaking point

In 2012, the Newman Government cancelled the Murri Court. Then then Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie said, “The Murri Court was not delivering consistent results and did not justify the amount being spent to keep it operating.”

However,  founder and Murri elder Uncle Albert Holt commented that the state government would need to build more prisons as a result.

“It is absolutely disgraceful for the elders who participated in the Murri Court. It’s unacceptable the over representation of Aboriginal people in the criminal justice system. We’ve got a lost generation just in our jails. The government didn’t even have the decency to address the issue with the elders and I think that’s abysmal,”: Murri Court comes to an end.

A recent report by Joshua Robertson showed a 21 percent increase in the Queensland prison population with incarceration among indigenous at record levels: Indigenous incarceration at record levels as Queensland’s prison population soars.

Elise Worthington reported: Queensland's packed prisons a legacy of the Newman Government.

Elise Worthington reported: Queensland’s packed prisons a legacy of the Newman Government.

Tim Carmody cancels speech

Geoff Breusch reported: Chief Justice Tim Carmody cancels Hamilton Island speech after his wife admitted for neurological condition.

Geoff Breusch reported: Chief Justice Tim Carmody cancels Hamilton Island speech after his wife admitted for neurological condition.

Legacy way toll rises before it opens

  • Jorge Branco reported, “The long-awaited Legacy Way tunnel will be one of the most expensive tolls in south-east Queensland by the time early discount periods end in May next year. Car drivers taking advantage of the Toowong to Kelvin Grove shortcut will pay just $3 a trip when it opens, with an increase to $3.90 by November 16. But that rate is scheduled to jump to $4.85 on May 2, 2016, when the standard price kicks in.”: Legacy Way to be among Brisbane’s most expensive tolls.

Water bills to rise in SEQ

Michelle Rattray reported: Brisbane and Ipswich rate payers will suffer a blow to the household budget, with water bills set to rise next financial year.

Michelle Rattray reported: Brisbane and Ipswich rate payers will suffer a blow to the household budget, with water bills set to rise next financial year.

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(May 27, 2015) – The value of political connections

Developers with strong political connections

  • Joshua Robertson reported, “Researchers have quantified the value of political connections to property developers in rezoning decisions worth “many billions of dollars” across Australia every year. A new study, “Clean money in a dirty system”, which examined the record of Queensland’s Urban Land Development Authority (ULDA), found developers connected to networks containing politicians and bureaucrats were 19% more likely – and those at the centre of networks 44% more likely – to win favourable decisions than “outsiders”.”: Developers with strong political connections ‘44% more likely to win favourable decisions’.

Charges in Broady brawl case that sparked Newman’s VLAD laws

Carrie Greenbank reported: Charges dropped in Broady brawl case which sparked Newman's VLAD laws.

Carrie Greenbank reported: Charges dropped in Broady brawl case which sparked Newman’s VLAD laws.

Natasha Squarey reported: Riot charges have been thrown out against 10 of the 11 men involved in the Broadbeach bikie brawl on the first day of their mass trial.

Natasha Squarey reported: Riot charges have been thrown out against 10 of the 11 men involved in the Broadbeach bikie brawl on the first day of their mass trial.

Premier says Queenslanders should make up own mind on Carmody crisis

Geoff Breusch reported: The Premier says Queenslanders need to judge if the behaviour of Chief Justice Tim Carmody is appropriate.

Geoff Breusch reported: The Premier says Queenslanders need to judge if the behaviour of Chief Justice Tim Carmody is appropriate.

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(May 26, 2015) – No deals for Carmody

Government won’t negotiate on terms of resignation

Geoff Breusch reported: Tony Fitzgerald QC has commented that it is best for Tim Carmody to resign quietly without more controversy.

Geoff Breusch reported: Tony Fitzgerald QC has commented that it is best for Tim Carmody to resign quietly without more controversy.

The Boiler Room scams

  • Mark Willacy and Mark Solomons reported, “Former police officers are in the sights of Queensland’s Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) as it investigates multi-million-dollar Gold Coast fraud syndicates. There are allegations the syndicates may have been protected by corrupt former officers. The CCC and police are probing a range of so-called boiler rooms, or high-pressure sales offices. Customers across Australia invested tens of thousands of dollars in software packages on promises of high returns from sports betting. But in the words of one insider, “it’s a giant con”.”: Former police officers under suspicion over Gold Coast boiler room scams that raked in millions of dollars.

Mark Willacy and Mark Solomons reported: The boiler room scams - The boiler room scams - Gold Coast police investigated over protection racket.

Mark Willacy and Mark Solomons reported: The boiler room scams – The boiler room scams – Gold Coast police investigated over protection racket.

Queensland supports removal of GST on tampons

  • Amy Remeikis reported, “Along with South Australia, the Northern Territory and ACT, Queensland Deputy Premier Jackie Trad also backed the move. “This is the first time you’ll hear me agree with Joe Hockey, but of course,” she said.”: Most states back scrapping GST on tampons.

Segway mounted police go quietly into the night

  • Josh Bavas  and Michael McKinnon reported, “The Queensland police Segway trial was a hit with the public but not very useful when it came to law enforcement, Right to Information documents have revealed. The $40,000 trial involved the rollout of eight Segways across the state, two each at Brisbane’s South Bank and in Cairns, then another four between the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast.”: Queensland Police Service quietly abandons Segway squad trials after early fanfare.

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(May 25, 2015) – Tim Carmody ready to resign

Carmody crisis nears an end but what’s the catch?

The Australian: Chief Justice: I'll quit to 'stop the bleeding'.

The Australian: Chief Justice: I’ll quit to ‘stop the bleeding’.

  • Kim Stephens reported, “Queensland’s Chief Justice Tim Carmody has confirmed his intention to resign, taking a parting swipe at the judges who have “made it their primary goal to force me out”. In a statement released on Monday morning, Justice Carmody confirmed newspaper reports that he would stand down, saying that he believes the move to be in the best interests of Queenslanders.”: Queensland Chief Justice Tim Carmody to resign: reports.
  • ABC Radio Brisbane spoke to Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath and Shadow Attorney-General Ian Walker about the Chief Justice’s intention to resign, “The stoush between the judiciary and Chief Justice, Tim Carmody, continues. Mr Carmody has told The Australian newspaper he is prepared to resign because his position is untenable. Mr Carmody was unavailable for interview this morning, as was former Attorney-General, Jarrod Bleijie, who was responsible for Mr Carmody’s appointment under the premiership of Campbell Newman. Steve Austin spoke with Attorney-General, Yvette D’ath, and shadow Attorney-General, Ian Walker.”: Embattled Chief Justice Tim Carmody is prepared to resign.
  • Amy Remeikis reported, “Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath says the ball is in Chief Justice Tim Carmody’s court when it comes to his resignation. Ms D’Ath confirmed Mr Carmody approached her in mid-April with an offer to resign, but she said it was not for her to decide what happened next.”: Resignation rests solely with Tim Carmody: Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath.
Shane Doherty reported: After only ten months Queensland's Chief Justice Tim Carmody is proposing to resign.

Shane Doherty reported: After only ten months Queensland’s Chief Justice Tim Carmody is proposing to resign.

Ten News Qld: Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath explains the separation of powers in relation to proposed Tim Carmody resignation.

Ten News Qld: Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath explains the separation of powers in relation to proposed Tim Carmody resignation.

Developer crack down

Boost for Yeppoon

  • Austin King reported, “Cr Ludwig said Livingstone Shire Council would match the $1.5 million State Government injection. That essentially would boost the $5 million stage three water park feature into an $8 million project. He also said that extra funding could go towards building ground-level car parks behind The Strand, and associated pedestrian links. Cr Ludwig suggested the funding could also be used to put a roof over the amphitheatre.”: Yeppoon foreshore receives $1.5m boost from State Govt.

Depressed Borg

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(May 24, 2015) – No funding without asset sales

Abbott rules out public transport funding

  • Guardian Australia reported, “The federal government must contribute to Queensland public transport projects without strings attached, the state’s deputy premier Jackie Trad said. But the prime minister, Tony Abbott, is refusing to budge. Canberra has allocated $1.1bn for state roads in the federal budget, but Queensland can only access federal funding for public transport projects if it privatises or sells state assets.”: Tony Abbott refuses to budge on funding for Queensland public transport.

Rugby League commitment for Rockhampton

  • Amy Remeikis reported, “Rockhampton is to get its time on the big stage, with the government one step closer to securing a nationally televised NRL game in the central Queensland town. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the government’s $250,000 commitment to the game on Sunday. She said she was confident the NRL was on-board, with just the teams and the date to be set.”: Annastacia Palaszczuk announces $250,000 Rockhampton NRL commitment.

Qld Election 2018

  • Amy Remeikis reported, “Not content with having helped the LNP to lose government, Queensland unions are working on a new plan to see if “it has really changed” ahead of the 2018 state election. Marginal LNP seats Whitsunday, Chatsworth, Mt Ommaney and Everton are among the electorate target list for the Together Union as it begins its campaign to see the government’s industrial relations laws pass the minority parliament.”: Unions already planning fight for 2018 Queensland election.

Fitzgerald Inquiry never happened

Max Futcher reported: Lawrence Springborg says Gordon Nuttall was "worst act of official corruption by a public official that we've ever seen":.

Max Futcher reported: Lawrence Springborg says Gordon Nuttall was “worst act of official corruption by a public official that we’ve ever seen”.

Galaxy poll 52 percent to Labor

Geoff Breusch reported: Galaxy shows two-party preferred result of 52pc to Labor.

Geoff Breusch reported: Galaxy shows two-party preferred result of 52pc to Labor.

ReachTEL poll 52 percent to LNP

  • Amy Remeikis reported, “Queensland’s pollsters appear to be as split as the voters, with two separate polls delivered on the same day returning paradoxical results. According to the latest Galaxy Poll, first published by News Corp, which queried 800 voters across the last three months, Labor has gained 2.5 points since the last election, to lead the LNP on first preference 40 per cent to 39 per cent. Based on preference flows from the January election, Labor leads the LNP 52 to 48 on a two-party preferred basis. “: State polls show mixed response to Palaszczuk government.
Geoff Breusch reported: ReachTEL shows two-party preferred result of 52pc to the LNP.

Geoff Breusch reported: ReachTEL shows two-party preferred result of 52pc to the LNP.

-Ends


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