With elections now past, both here in Queensland and the US, there is no doubt that the majority are thankful that the newspapers and commentary online and off will return to other matters, before it all starts again with the federal campaigns.
With this my first column after Noosa voted to retain its independence and for the third term the only elected Independent MP in QLD, I would like to share some brief ‘tidbits’, as well opportunities, that a new government brings whilst we get ready for the opening of the 58th Parliament.
First, to all who have been elected, re-elected, or missed out, hearty congratulations. For anyone who has encountered the reality of an election, any campaign is an enormous achievement and undertaking, and we should all be deeply appreciative that candidates and their volunteers commit to providing ‘choice’.
Then to our independence! Various commentators have scratched their heads as to why Noosa ‘bucked the trend’ of the swing across the state and came to various conclusions, which all have some relevant elements. However, one they missed out on was the simplicity that by being independent, neutral, or even ‘Switzerland’, we get the benefits from being able to work with all, and that is gold! Noosa has often been seen as a leader in many realms and different by ‘nature’, and not following political trends highlights our further difference and is something to be proud of.
Lastly, to the coming term. We are at an exciting crossroads in Queensland with the many opportunities a new government brings. That includes them being bold and moving into a future that delivers to all, whether that be much-needed infrastructure/upgrades or reform in many areas that have seen some or no progress. Examples include modernizing the committee system, amending legislation to end ‘hoodwinking’ via those postal vote applications, inequality in election donations, or that famous third-party signage that dominated at the booths. Throw in creating an environment for bipartisanship, transparency and greater efficiency, and we have the basis to what is expected from Queenslanders.
At the same time, it is vital to retain a culture where the diversity of our state can flourish, promote respectful debate and give capacity for all voices to be heard. We can only move to a place of unity, sustainability and credibility when there is a preparedness of governments at all levels to listen, act and provide factual information minus the slogans, misinformation and media grabs that incite high emotion. This is especially important with our controversial or divisive issues, whether that be Truth Telling, VAD, or the use of hydrogen, nuclear, or twigs for energy! And yes, I had a laughing emoji after ‘twigs’!
The reality is, across the globe, communities are seeking similar, as the issues we face are not unique, and come back to the basics of human needs. The old Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a good starting point, however, Maslow never had to contend with a government’s role to fund and manage those needs including an assurance for a home for all without major disruptions, however, that is for another discussion.
Ultimately, governments can deliver to community expectations when there are efficient and effective systems to promote good communications and decision making, as well operational actions of those decisions. The flaws that have been identified and advocated by many, not only my office, unless addressed, will continue to lead to failings regardless of who holds office.
Having spoken before about some of these, I will recap as they are critical to move into a space that delivers more and wastes less, which our new government can do.
First, those Parliamentary Committees! Without an Upper House since 1922, these committees should provide an objective lens on proposed legislation with independent Chairs (without a casting vote) to work toward true bipartisan agreements, with deliberations and voting transparent to the public.
Second, we need to add a couple of extra committees in addition to what has been announced. One to specifically cover electoral matters to enable independent reviews as occurs with the Commonwealth Government and in other states. We now have extra support for this from a plethora of civil society organisations, academics, and election commentators including Transparency International Australia, the Queensland Council for Civil Liberties, The Australia Institute, and the Centre for Public Integrity, which is welcomed. We also must reinstate a Public Works committee for review and oversight of government infrastructure spending, as the current ‘ad hoc’ oversight of this is totally insufficient in all ways.
Third is to amend those standing orders that allow the guillotining of debate, silencing of voices through the blocking of motions, and a lack of any real say from the Opposition in setting the Parliamentary agenda. With the previous Opposition in government railing against these, it will be good to see this remedied.
With better systems for effective oversight and decision making, there also needs to be improved actioning of these via our public service. We previously sought an independent review into how to increase the capabilities of the operational arm of government in reply to the many concerns, including around future pandemic responses and a housing crisis that could have been prevented. However, instead, we obtained an internally developed Queensland Public Sector Strategy which goes nowhere near addressing the size of the change that has to occur. This, as well my motion to the chamber regarding the pandemic that failed to get support from the previous government, I trust will see actioned given its importance.
Having always supported greater transparency, it is encouraging to see the appointment of a Minister for Open Data, and we look forward to information being ‘pushed’ out, versus the current difficult ‘pull’ we operate under. Data is vital in good decision making, including on funding received, where it is spent, as well statistics (who can forget the endless debacles over youth crime numbers) and performances via KPIs of both the upper echelons in the public sector and our Ministers. With the Premier announcing greater accountability, as well real-time data from our hospitals that will include bed availability and the number of patients waiting at emergency departments, we should be able to identify much quicker where issues are to remedy faster.
Then there are the all-important cost-saving avenues available through binding bipartisan agreements as occurs in Canada. That is where projects needed by communities that have gone through all their stages to arrive at construction, are not then defunded by a new government. Such occurrences are all too common across Queensland and Australia, with Noosa not immune as we saw previously with the defunding of Six Mile Creek Bridge #7. The billions wasted can be much better utilised.
So, there we have it! Just a taste of some of what a bold new government can achieve, in addition to the other items on our list which I have shared previously. Given the ability of the previous government to deliver to our community, I have no doubt the new one will be able to demonstrate even greater capabilities and am excited for the coming months as we work through these. Yes, no doubt there will be some challenges, however at this point have no concerns. Contact has already been made with our new Ministers, with letters submitted with updates on all that we have been working on, and assurances sought on a number of matters including election commitments such as the SFDs and the Tewantin Bypass.
In the meantime, we are focused on potential upcoming legislation, some welcomed, some possibly of concern, and will update on these as they evolve.
Now, to our annual Noosa MP Community Survey! It has some vital questions that we need your feedback on, including potential upcoming legislation, and I encourage everyone to jump online at www.sandybolton.com/your-say-annual-survey or call my office on 53193100 for a paper copy. Always remember, if you do not have your say, how will we know your thoughts?
Until next month, enjoy these last moments of relative ‘quiet’ before the chaos of the festive season, and keep an eye out for when bookings open for our Community Christmas Day Luncheon!
