Published Friday, 17 August, 2007 at 11:03 AM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
AMALGAMATIONS WILL PROCEED: BEATTIE
Council amalgamations will proceed despite the Prime Minister trying to hijack the process to prop up a failing election campaign, Premier Peter Beattie said today.
“John Howard is on the nose in Queensland and he knows it,” Mr Beattie said.
“The polls must have really got him spooked if he is this desperate.
“The legislation introduced by the Special Minister for State yesterday on plebiscites – the Commonwealth Electoral Amendment (Democratic Plebiscites) Bill 2007 - is a sham without substance.
“It doesn’t mention local government or local government boundaries.
“All it does is let the Australian Electoral Commission hawk their services for a fee.
“He is asking councils, communities and taxpayers to fork out money for a pointless plebiscite that will have absolutely no impact on the amalgamation process.
“All it does is raise a bit more revenue for the Commonwealth Government and give false hope.
“It is a cruel hoax.”
Mr Beattie said he would examine legal options over the next few days, however he believed Mr Howard’s silly stunt would fall over of its own accord.
He said the vast majority of Queensland councils had accepted the umpires decision and were getting on with the job.
“Once again John Howard has underestimated Queenslanders,” Mr Beattie said.
“Some may like our Government’s action on boundaries and some may not, but the majority accept that it is a State Government decision and not a political football for Mr Howard.
“Transition Committees are being established and councils and communities are working together to lay the platform for the establishment of the new councils.
“A platform that will help create stronger councils for a growing Queensland.”
17 August , 2007
Further inquiries: Premier’s Office: 3224 4500
“John Howard is on the nose in Queensland and he knows it,” Mr Beattie said.
“The polls must have really got him spooked if he is this desperate.
“The legislation introduced by the Special Minister for State yesterday on plebiscites – the Commonwealth Electoral Amendment (Democratic Plebiscites) Bill 2007 - is a sham without substance.
“It doesn’t mention local government or local government boundaries.
“All it does is let the Australian Electoral Commission hawk their services for a fee.
“He is asking councils, communities and taxpayers to fork out money for a pointless plebiscite that will have absolutely no impact on the amalgamation process.
“All it does is raise a bit more revenue for the Commonwealth Government and give false hope.
“It is a cruel hoax.”
Mr Beattie said he would examine legal options over the next few days, however he believed Mr Howard’s silly stunt would fall over of its own accord.
He said the vast majority of Queensland councils had accepted the umpires decision and were getting on with the job.
“Once again John Howard has underestimated Queenslanders,” Mr Beattie said.
“Some may like our Government’s action on boundaries and some may not, but the majority accept that it is a State Government decision and not a political football for Mr Howard.
“Transition Committees are being established and councils and communities are working together to lay the platform for the establishment of the new councils.
“A platform that will help create stronger councils for a growing Queensland.”
17 August , 2007
Further inquiries: Premier’s Office: 3224 4500