The recent regional Labor party conference in Mount Isa has rejected the Katter Party’s call for a new state for North Queensland.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Party branch secretary Kendall Santillan said the conference unanimously voted against the proposal as “silly, stupid and pandering to the lowest instinct of politics and politicians”.
The branch voted a motion saying such a proposal would mean that the population of the proposed new state would be diminished and would need duplication of existing services at massive costs as well as a reduction of services.
Ms Santillan said we’d need a new Parliament, politicians and State Governor as well as new police, prison, housing and health systems.
“The question was repeatedly asked ‘Where would the money come from and who would pay to provide new roads and maintain the existing ones, not forgetting the upkeep of the Aboriginal communities’,” she said.
“It would be massive increase in costs coupled with a massive reduction in services all to satisfy the political whims of the Katters and their supporters.”
The conference lasted a day and discussed many political issues
Ms Santillan said there was much satisfaction at the remarks from State Treasurer Jackie Trad in handing down her budget that she was able to deliver a strong budget due to the higher royalties from the mining industry.
She said delegates said this was proof the mining industry continued to play a vital role in the economic development of our state.