Forgotten Vote

Are you already bored with the election campaign? Only 26 days to go! In 33 days was to be another call to vote, in conjunction with the original federal election date, the now forgotten and postponed till who knows when referendum on the constitutional recognition of local government. A referendum 3 years in the making; yes a government committee was involved. It was part of the deal with the Greens and Independents to give Labor the numbers to form a minority government. Now because the Prime Minister wants an election 7 days earlier it’s just dropped with hardly a mention. Why the concern?; legitimate recognition of the 3rd tier of government for a starter, giving councils a little more control of their destinies, instead of being largely dictated to by the state government. Ability for local government to legally accept funds direct from the federal government instead of through the state government after the deduction of their administration fees. Perhaps even, if you believe the conspiracist’s, the beginning of the end of state governments. Wow fewer politicians, would we notice! I was going to vote yes, to me it provided an opportunity for Central Queensland councils to unite and use the power gained from the amount of industry happening and planned within it that positively affects government income and job targets to present submissions direct to the federal government and for it to be paid direct to them. It didn’t necessarily mean we get more or even if the submissions would have more chance of success. However the opportunity for Central Queensland to form a stronger identity and voice in Canberra, than having to use George Street as a conduit should at least be more efficient. If we aspire for a stronger CQ we need more influence. The Queensland state government, no matter what party is in will naturally prioritise the south east corner as that’s where the most votes are. Hopefully whoever in 26 days wins Capricornia and Flynn will pro-actively add their voice on the need for recognition of local government and push for the referendum to be held, as it appears the major parties aren’t really interested in changing the status quo. An opportunity lost for Central Queensland to exercise its clout.