This statement which the Premier delivered to the Queensland Parliament told the people of Queensland the real success stories coming out of our area and certainly gave us all a break from the whinging from some of our so called elected leaders.

This is what we need to hear so close to Christmas from the leader of our state.

This is leadership, telling the public the good news stories but also telling us all how it really is and not dwelling on negative issues in the search for headlines.

I have over time had my differences with our North West Star but I give credit when its due and the coverage leading up to the Cabinet meeting in Mount Isa.

Its reporting and the results of the decisions taken was journalism at its best.

The residents of Mount isa, Cloncurry and the North West can all have a Good Christmas and look forward to a happy New Year as a result of many of the decisions taken at that Cabinet meeting and on a personal note my efforts in inviting our Premier to bring her cabinet to Mount Isa convinces me yet again that we have a leader of our State Government who listens.

Happy Christmas to our Premier and her Ministers and Thank you for the positive decisions taken during your deliberations in Mount Isa and the North West which has brought so much positive news to Mount Isa, Cloncurry and our region.

There is still so much more needed but I think 2020 already looks so very promising and I am certainly looking forward to it

Tony McGrady,

Mount Isa

Saying thanks to international volunteers

Thursday 5 December was International Volunteer Day.

It is a day to celebrate the contributions Australians are making in 26 developing countries in the region, through the Australian Volunteers Program.

The Australian Government has supported people like us to volunteer internationally since the 1960s.

More than 15,000 of us have packed our bags, said goodbye to family and friends, and headed off in support of incredible organisations overseas.

In farewelling our own communities, we've supported communities in developing countries to achieve their goals.

While our skills, experience and motivations are many, we're united by a desire to broaden our horizons, learn from others, and bring out the best in those we work alongside.

Today we say thanks to all volunteers: for what they give, and for what they bring home

Mira Muliajati Lay, Jonno Steele and Fiona Moore,

Queensland state representatives,

Returned Australian Volunteer Network

On the ABC's Insiders, the Treasurer proudly proclaimed that Australia now has its first current account surplus since 1975. It's a great joy to know that the Liberals have finally caught up with the Whitlam Government. It's also a relief to hear a Liberal put paid to the puffed-up posturing of Peter Costello.

Insiders this morning also showed Scott Morrison mocking the idea of crisis in a speech to the Business Council of Australia. And saying that he was appalled by the behaviour of Westpac. And claiming that the Liberal government was taking real action on climate change (as it had been ever since Tony Abbott took over, of course).

Scott Morrison needs to do a long, cold, hard self-assessment. He is starting to look and sound like Bob Jelly.

Grant Agnew,

Coopers Plains