WATER MANAGEMENT
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.
Read moreDROUGHT REFORM
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.
Read moreTHROUGH YOUNG EYES
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.
Read moreNew Reef Laws
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.
Read moreStand Up for Ag
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.
Read moreAnti-Coal Crusade
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.
Read moreBudget Estimates
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.
Read moreVegetation Surveys Unsound
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.
Read moreBudget Blues
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.
Read moreWar on Economy
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.
Read more