WATER MANAGEMENT

November 8, 2019

Making The Desert Bloom

This was David Ben-Gurion’s dream for turning Israel into an agricultural powerhouse. We need an Aussie version of it.

Much of our climate is similar and the need to manage our water and our landscapes are the same, if not greater. Yet somehow, with the honourable exception of the Snowy Mountain Scheme, we Aussies don’t seem to be able to talk sensibly about water management. We seem doomed to a long time between drinks.

DROUGHT REFORM

October 18, 2019

Like a Bush Rat in the Scrub Python’s Embrace

Like a bush rat in the Scrub Python’s embrace, this week the rest of Australia woke up to find drought is choking the life out of us.

After years of “beating the drum”, I have mixed feelings about what has unfolded. Drought became this week’s crusade. It seems everyone had something to say. Some of it useful; a lot of it, less so. All of it was a bit late.

THROUGH YOUNG EYES

Friday, October 4, 2019

It’s a Small, Small World

You would think smartphones and social media should have made us all closer, but sometimes connectivity can be toxic.

Seeing it Through Young Eyes

I have just seen the anti-cyberbullying ad made by 15 year old Charlotte McLaverty for Dolly’s Dream.

New Reef Laws

September 25, 2019

Parliament was a week to Shock even the Cynics

Pandering to inner-city electorates, last week Labor threw away any pretence of governing in Queensland’s interests. Read on and make up your own mind.

New Reef Laws for Farmers

Gagging the debate so that not every MP could speak, Labor used their numbers to push through the Environmental Protection (Great Barrier Reef Protection Measures) & Other Legislation Bill. They even stopped the LNP from moving any amendments that might have improved this terrible Bill.

Stand Up for Ag

August 30, 2019

Who will Stand Up For Regional Queensland?

This was asked by Agforce General President, Georgie Somerset, on the opening day of the Ekka this month. It echoes something I have been saying for the term of this Parliament: we have to stand up for the Bush. It is under serious attack.

Anti-Coal Crusade

August 16, 2019

I’m Still a Believer!

In my newsletter in March this year, I wrote of Jackie Trad that “When someone shows you who they are - you should believe them, the first time!”

That was after she told Parliament coal miners should start re-skilling.

Did the federal election change her mind?

No chance.

Budget Estimates

August 2, 2019

As I write this we are in the middle of Budget Estimates. Jackie Trad presented the Budget in June but the money can’t be spent until the Budget is passed by the Parliament. This is called the Appropriation Bills.

Like any other Bill, they are referred to the parliamentary committee system for examination before being debated in the House. In the case of the Appropriation Bills, this means all seven portfolio committees are involved.

VEGETATION SURVEYS UNSOUND

July 7, 2019

How sad to hear of a primary producer who will be the last of his line on the land. He is leaving because he is so discouraged by the hostile approach of Queensland’s Labor Government towards agriculture.

The Last Straw

The last straw was the sneaky introduction of new Trigger Maps which came into force on June 1, 2019. There was no consultation or official notification or announcement.

BUDGET BLUES

June 14, 2019

It’s a Record – in Every Respect

On Tuesday, Treasurer Jackie Trad brought down Labor’s fifth budget. She boasted of a “Record” budget; record health spend, record education spend, record spend in the regions, regions, regions.

The one record she didn’t mention is the Record Debt for Queensland. We are heading for $90 Billion; $19,000 for every man, woman and child. A Queensland family of five will carry a debt equivalent of $95,000.

WAR ON ECONOMY

June 7, 2019

Scott Morrison’s Queensland election “miracle” seems to have left many southerners scratching their heads, but after living under a Green Labor government for the past five years, Queenslanders knew what a Green Labor federal government would bring.

The Palaszczuk Government has been busily passing legislation to secure Green preferences in the next election. The result is like a declaration of war on key pillars of the Queensland economy.