2016-02-05
The Queensland Greens say the Labor and Liberal parties are trying to sneak through a referendum aimed at giving them more power and reduced accountability.
Greens spokesperson Andrew Bartlett says it is outrageous that the two big parties are giving barely six week’s notice to the community on a major change which will mean fewer elections and less accountability for their actions.
“Even at this ridiculously late stage, the Premier’s belated official announcement states that the Government and Opposition are still to finalise a "yes" case committee.
“Six weeks away from polling day, and the “yes” case haven’t even formed a committee yet!
“Meanwhile, the Greens who have clearly stated we are in the “no” camp, and are the party with the next largest level of public support after Labor and LNP, have been given no information and no opportunity to feed into the NO case.
“This is a typical stitch up by the two old parties seeking to further entrench their power.
“The Labor government’s official announcement makes a point of saying that Queensland is the only state without four year terms, but neglects to mention the crucial fact that Queensland is also the only state without an Upper House to provide a check and balance on the actions of the state government.
“Queenslanders eagerly took the first available chance to chuck out Campbell Newman and his government, despite it being their first term in office. If we had four year terms, Campbell Newman could still be Premier today!
“This is a travesty of democracy, which sadly is business as usual for the Labor and Liberal National Parties in Queensland.”
For further comment, contact Andrew Bartlett on 0418 743 789.