But we must remain vigilant in guarding against possible threats and protecting our way of life.

We can’t take for granted the freedoms we enjoy.

That’s why I was pleased to announce our wide-ranging counter-terrorism plan last weekend.

If elected at the next state election, the LNP will introduce stronger laws to help protect Queenslanders and targeted prevention to re-double our efforts in the fight against terrorism.

This policy includes stronger bail and parole laws that work in favour of community safety.

There would be a dedicated Minister for Counter-Terrorism to provide greater leadership within government.

We will also give police greater powers to prevent an attack by increasing the maximum time of a preventative detention order from 14 days to 28 days.

This is part of our plan to provide safe and liveable communities and Build a Better Queensland.

Tim Nicholls

Leader of the Liberal National Party

Regarding Tony McGrady’s latest missive to rewrite himself into history (BOB KATTER HAD NO INVOLVEMENT IN GETTING HEADSPACE TO MOUNT ISA’, North West Star, July 1).

Mr McGrady may not recall the emergency community meeting convened by Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter as part of our community response to a crisis of youth suicide in our region, because Mr McGrady was not there.  

I know this because I took the minutes for the crisis forum on October 6, 2011 at Mount Isa Centre for Rural and Remote Health, James Cook University.

The forum was chaired by Brian Riddiford and attended by the then, Labor State MP for Mount Isa Betty Kiernan.

Also there were Mount Isa Deputy Mayor Les Bunn, Cr Robbie Katter, and Father Mick Lowcock, to name but a few of the many community representatives at the coalface. 

Federal Mental Health Minister Mark Butler was sent up by the Prime Minister.

He participated in the forum after Mr Katter drew the Prime Minister's attention in Question Time to a front-page North West Star article about the tragic toll.

Mr Butler was presented a petition signed by more than 1000 people calling for a Headspace. 

Immediate actions noted in the meeting minutes – which were taken by the Health Minister to report back to the PM – included the investigation of an extension of the Headspace program to Mount Isa, and it was noted a submission was pending. 

A couple of weeks after the forum, on October 24 2011, the Federal Government announced a Headspace for Mount Isa.

It was a credit to one and all in our community who rallied together.

Alice Nolan

Mount Isa

Democracy's a funny word, we pinched it from the Greeks.

It means "rule of the people" to us wordy, nerdy geeks.

A problem with this worthy aim is every vote is equal.

That stupid last election has provided a great sequel.

It gave us Hanson, Roberts, Hinch, Leyonhjelm and Lambie.

I have to stop now because those last five names made me choke.

George Harley 

Mount Isa