tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878592054777492431.post1493469162331994943..comments2024-01-20T10:32:53.309+10:00Comments on CairnsBlog.net: Saturday SoapBlog: Chris Forsberg: Alas, a lack of Liberalism - and NationalismMichael P Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02890121680113642715noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878592054777492431.post-20972565710334702852010-06-18T11:19:55.283+10:002010-06-18T11:19:55.283+10:00Hey Ho, Hey Ho, It's off to play we go...Hey Ho, Hey Ho, It's off to play we go...Destinynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878592054777492431.post-59683212164251215402010-06-18T02:38:25.145+10:002010-06-18T02:38:25.145+10:00it's a bit rich of chris forsberg to go on abo...it's a bit rich of chris forsberg to go on about charlie mckillop and her "sexuality" ...<br /><br />I know at least three friends who's "bumped into" Mr F in the dark hours at a park near Brinsmead.... and it was him for sure... of that there's no doubt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br />Pot calling the kettle....Snoppy Dog and Moony Pongsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878592054777492431.post-5758127185668788842010-06-07T05:59:39.002+10:002010-06-07T05:59:39.002+10:00Bob katter was asked to walk out onto the floor o...Bob katter was asked to walk out onto the floor of parliament.<br />And say I am the federal member for the fnq and they then would not need to recruit 500 members. And he shit himself and nearly ripped off my front doors after rudely whooshing past my wife .<br />Fact because I asked him and he shit himself . Did n't you bob ? You dip into every group of discontents but are never brave enough to commmit yourself . And to think you are my rep now god help us!<br />LOOK AT HIS PAST PISS WEAK EFFORTS<br /><br /> "emerging political force, dubbed "The Beast" by independent federal MP Bob Katter, has a new name - Southern Cross."<br /><br />"The Independent Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter says he will support, but not join a new North Queensland political party."<br /><br />He dips his toe in but never ever swims.<br /><br />PUT YOUR SPIN ON THAT CHRIS.Bobs new followernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878592054777492431.post-74629708096136836352010-06-06T21:48:51.830+10:002010-06-06T21:48:51.830+10:00Perhaps the NQ party should be talking to the DLP....Perhaps the NQ party should be talking to the DLP.<br />Connecting with an existing party would enable NQ to register tommorrow and with the added support up north may even add a Senator and a possible lower house up there.<br /><br />Many of the issues of the NQ party are already supported by the DLP and if a separate state is not on the cards the upper house policy with the regional model pushed by the DLP would certainly assist in adding representation in the North<br /><br />Why not? Registered tommorow in the State. Senator in a few months.<br />Certainly makes senseTony Zegenhagennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878592054777492431.post-38419270682950442792010-05-26T06:51:59.913+10:002010-05-26T06:51:59.913+10:00Chris Forsberg Assures Bazza:
Bob Katter does ind...Chris Forsberg Assures Bazza:<br /><br />Bob Katter does indeed regard the<br />LNP as Bazza notes - BUT Bob Katter<br />is hugely supportative of the North<br />Queensland Party and often attends<br />NQP meetings and events.<br /><br />I would ask Bazza to seek confirmation of this fact by contacting Bob personally, should<br />he choose to do so.<br /><br />As a genuinely Independent Federal<br />MP, Mr. Katter endorses NQP's<br />position on an equitable share<br />of the state's wealth for the<br />North - and has greatly assisted<br />our emerging party through it's<br />formative stage.<br /><br />Lest Bazza, or anyone else, wrongly<br />assume that Bob Katter's valued<br />assistance is indicative of a<br />'conservative' inclination on the<br />part of the party - please note<br />also that former Labor Party members, including Councillor Rob<br />Pyne, are also active members<br />of the North Queensland Party.<br /><br />It has to be STRESSED that the<br />NQP has NO political philosophic<br />leanings in either direction (Left<br />nor Right)- and is focussed ONLY<br />on getting a fair deal for the<br />North.<br /><br />chris forsbergchris forsbergnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878592054777492431.post-90178317187849183932010-05-25T00:45:34.474+10:002010-05-25T00:45:34.474+10:00“Lucifer” ol’ droogie, how’re they hanging? “Bitt...“Lucifer” ol’ droogie, how’re they hanging? “Bitter”, “resentful”, “spite” and “vindictive” sounds a lot more like your gig than mine. Likewise, anyone who thinks my approach to Desley Boyle amounted to “grovelling” ought read it for themselves and ask just how sulphurous this “Lucifer” truly is. http://www.cairnsblog.net/2010/04/desley-boyle-is-vindictive-lying-mp.html<br /><br />My guess is it’s just one more nameless and shameless party hack whose job is to protect the Labor monopoly by making anonymous and irrelevant personal attacks against any who would criticise that illustrious organ of state security. I don’t “hate” the ALP. I just want to hold it accountable. You know, like in a democracy. <br /><br />I ask why Desley and the rest of them act like (second-rate) bosses, and get all flouncy with the people they pretend to serve. I want more than empty rhetoric and lip service only to the political principles I believe in...participation, equity, social justice.<br /><br />Tell you what “Lucky”, tell us all what you think a better solution is (and save the blather for your next branch meeting). If your ideas hold water, I’ll adopt them.Bryan Lawnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878592054777492431.post-49169789135471301232010-05-24T23:09:37.078+10:002010-05-24T23:09:37.078+10:00Bob Katters explanation of the LNP was "same ...Bob Katters explanation of the LNP was "same bottles, same fluid, different label", so far with the make up of NQP, just a third bottle.Bazzanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878592054777492431.post-22388560917035867242010-05-24T18:51:12.573+10:002010-05-24T18:51:12.573+10:00Who claimed that the northern beaches were the cen...Who claimed that the northern beaches were the centre of the universe? <br /><br />It was merely claimed what the numbers showed that this was where the greatest voter disaffection happened contrary to the bizarre claim that the council election swung on a clique of resentful liberal liberals!<br /><br />It's bleedin obvious aint it!monty pythons parrotnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878592054777492431.post-74398290006326385892010-05-24T16:23:06.660+10:002010-05-24T16:23:06.660+10:00The Quick influence could be more accurately descr...The Quick influence could be more accurately described as the RSL faction....A bunch of ex- servicemen who prefer to run things as a military dictatorship.<br /><br />And their mantra is:<br />So long as you have structure and discipline, then it's ok to have a bit of good old fashioned bastardisation along the way. <br /><br />Some of these has-been blowhards based at second beach and in the para-military foothills are still running around saluting each other. <br /><br />The war is over gents, it is time for a cup of tea and a good lie down.Moriartynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878592054777492431.post-21999221945497553332010-05-24T16:06:39.840+10:002010-05-24T16:06:39.840+10:00Yes, 'Thornton on Spence', you are in erro...Yes, 'Thornton on Spence', you are in error - recently elected NQP President Beatrice Booth is NOT a candidate, and nothing Beatrice has said publically or privately could give anyone the impression that she is a candidate.<br /> <br />NQP will be calling for candidate nominations <br />in a year's time - and any member of the party is entitled to offer him/her self for the normal pre-selection process, common to all political parties.<br /><br />It is anticipated that candicacies for the four of the FAR Northern seats will be keenly contested. A number of enthusiastic NQP members have indicated an interest in challenging in Cairns, Mulgrave, Cook and Barron River - NONE of these aspirants is Beatrice Booth.<br /><br />Regarding Beatrice's five year tenure as President of the Queensland Chamber of Commerce and Industries, her highly successful term at the helm of the 'Chambers' is a matter of public record.Chris Forsbergnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878592054777492431.post-42178667959106681132010-05-24T16:03:52.285+10:002010-05-24T16:03:52.285+10:00Are the northern beaches really the centre of the ...Are the northern beaches really the centre of the universe?Galnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878592054777492431.post-51904432776768238772010-05-24T16:01:04.400+10:002010-05-24T16:01:04.400+10:00Bitter and resentful, this is what you have become...Bitter and resentful, this is what you have become Bryan. Your balanced and intelligent arguement has now succumbed to one-eyed spite and vindictiveness. Grovel no more to the party you despise, seeking relief from fines and punishment. Oh joy of joys embrace this new found blind hatred!Lucifernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878592054777492431.post-26325106819323974812010-05-24T15:36:25.357+10:002010-05-24T15:36:25.357+10:00I'd vote for you too Bryan!I'd vote for you too Bryan!Satannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878592054777492431.post-86011615965242813212010-05-24T14:30:02.258+10:002010-05-24T14:30:02.258+10:00Lisa Robbie's examples a figure of 12,000 appa...Lisa Robbie's examples a figure of 12,000 apparent supporters for 'Save Sugar World' as 'flocking in droves', contrasting this awesome figure<br />with the current number of members of the North Queensland Party.<br /> <br />Whereas I am a 'foundation committee member' of the NQP, I am not a member of the Executive Committee - and hence don't have the latest NQP member tally at my finger tips. The last count drawn to my attention was (approximately) 480 - just a whisker short of the 500 required to 'run' candidates in a state election. Which is in two years time – not three. Obviously, NQP will have the 'magic number' by then.<br /> <br />I don't think the membership tally of a new political party can be contrasted with the number of 'hits' the Save Sugar World web-site or Face-Book site has received - Lisa is comparing chalk with cheese.<br /> <br />But the Save Sugar World cause is certainly well-supported - and I would INVITE Lisa to attend the public meeting at Sugar World this Sunday (30 May), at which I have been asked to serve as 'MC'.<br /> <br />Lisa refers to the "blame game" and "low level propaganda" - at the same time expressing a desire to join a political party, but not one<br />that "plays the political blame game".<br /> <br />In fact, what Lisa describes as "blame game" is just the normal political debate that is engaged-in by ALL parties, without exception. We are fortunate to live in one of the world's few true democracies - criticism, where it's valid, of other political parties is a genuinely important part of the democratic process.<br /> <br />The NQP is correctly critical, in equal measure, of both the ALP and the LNP. - due to the fact that both are, understandably, focused almost exclusively on the state's over-populated south east corner.<br /> <br />Both major parties are justified in this focus - as the south east corner now has near 70% of the state's total population - and hence, almost 70% of the seats.<br /> <br />In real terms, North Queensland no longer counts in terms of the money a state government spends on infrastructure and services. Yet the North of the state generates almost two-thirds (roughly 60%) of the state's revenue - via rural production, mining, tourism and taxation.<br /> <br />No North Queensland entity, whether or not it's a political party, can expect this grossly unfair situation to change unless it's prepared to 'take-on' the political status quo.<br /> <br />Doing so could be described as playing the "blame game" - both mainstream parties have a lot to be blamed-for, in terms of<br />their obsession with the south east corner - and their willful neglect of North Queensland.Chris Forsbergnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878592054777492431.post-66726245096766180602010-05-24T14:22:56.978+10:002010-05-24T14:22:56.978+10:00continued...
'Jack', the NQP. will not ...continued...<br /><br /> <br />'Jack', the NQP. will not and can not "ensure the effective entrenchment of the ALP", as you suggest - for the simple reason that the NQP will never contest seats south of Mackay, and therefore will only offer candidates in fewer than a dozen North Queensland seats.<br /> <br />Where the NQP could conceivably score 'balance of power' in a tight, close election (where neither the ALP or the LNP secured a majority), NQP would support whichever of the two guaranteed the best outcome for the North Queensland region. <br /><br />In 2012, NQP could well pick-up a couple of seats - a 'balance of power' scenario only becomes a possibility after subsequent state polls. <br /> <br />Finally, you're darn right about 'leadership' - there is an absolute VOID, a dearth of pro-active political leadership in North Queensland at all three levels (local, state and federal) at this time, and has been for many years, perhaps decades.<br /> <br />"Red" Ted Theodore, the state member for Chillogoe who almost became P.M. – and Ned Hanlon, the member for Cairns who became state premier - were a long, long time ago - and both were brought down by a financial scandal involving un-disclosed shares in the (then) booming MINING industry.<br /> <br />The more things change, the more they stay the same - which, in a way, is what you're saying too..... <br />Jack, don't fret, sweat or worry too much about NQP candidates 'splitting votes'.<br /><br />The next state poll is two years away – I feel sure that NQP by then will have strategies in-place that will exploit the 'stacked' nature of OPV. This can be done - and has been done by a few Independents already serving as state MPs.<br /><br /> Were it not possible to slip-through a relatively little known but perfectly legal loop hole that exists within the OPV system, the Bananaland Parliament would have NO Independents at all.Chris Forsbergnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878592054777492431.post-74462896143085089162010-05-24T14:20:28.173+10:002010-05-24T14:20:28.173+10:00Thanks 'Jack' Unlike the comments and crit...Thanks 'Jack' Unlike the comments and criticisms of others who have responded to my 'item' – based to an extent on the bloggers' various own political loyalties or leanings - your's is an informative contribution.<br /> <br />I have studied the political history of Bananaland - and I agree that what you've called the dynamics of the political landscape of the long period of Labor government between the 30's and 1957 DO continue to influence electoral outcomes today.<br /> <br />Certainly, it is NOT my role to "articulate why you should vote for a disgruntled rural rump". But the NQP is not by any stretch of the wildest imagination a "rural rump" - such an in-accurate description could also have been applied to the handful of striking shearers and railway fettlers who gathered under the "tree of knowledge' in Barcaldine well over a century ago - to found the Australian Labor Party.<br /> <br />Your comments on the Optional Preferential Voting system are well made - OPV tends to advantage Labor incumbents. It's introduction by the Goss regime was one of the Labor Party's smartest-ever political manipulations – and the Liberals and Nationals NEVER twigged to it's long-term implications.<br /> <br />OPV SHOULD have been explained to the Queensland public by the State Electoral Commission, which should have informed voters that the sytem gave them opportunity to RATE candidates in order of merit.<br /> <br />Politicians trade on the fact that "voters don't understand preferences" (which they don't - but nor do many politicians).<br />However, the public does understand RATINGS, accustomed as they are to the 'ratings concept' as it applies to TV programing.<br /> <br />It can only be presumed that Goss spin staffers - followed by Beattie's spin-folks – prevailed upon the S.E.C. to ensure that the electorate was never appropriately informed about Optional Preferential Voting.<br /> <br />"Just Vote 1" was a trap set for the conservatives - they tumbled in to it, of course. 'Just Vote 1' is also a gross insult to voters - as it presumes that they're (we're) too lazy or stupid to give any serious consideration to the totality of candidates (never more than handful) on a ballot slip.Chris Forsbergnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878592054777492431.post-48597706148529768842010-05-24T08:53:47.601+10:002010-05-24T08:53:47.601+10:00Am I correct in saying the Candidate for the North...Am I correct in saying the Candidate for the North Queensland Party is one Beatrice Booth? The same person who reportedly eroded a significant cash surplus at the once Commerce Queensland in her role as President and then when her term was up headed back up to Cairns and announced her candidancy for the North Queensland Party. Hopefully for the 500 contributing Members she doesn't make too many financial decisions on your behalf.Thornton On Spencenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878592054777492431.post-59536617248697685132010-05-23T22:34:09.197+10:002010-05-23T22:34:09.197+10:00I note that you, Chris Forsberg, are a Foundation ...I note that you, Chris Forsberg, are a Foundation Committee Member & the Media Advisor for the North Queensland Party.<br /><br />I also note that the NQP Latest News (April 26th, 2010) states, “Any political party must have 500 members to field party candidates in a state or federal election, and Mr. Filippi is confident that “the magic figure” will be realised well-ahead of the next state election, not due for over three years”.<br /><br />Getting 500 members over the next few years is not exactly “flocking to the new North Queensland Party in droves” as stated above. But may I ask how many members you do currently have.<br /><br />12,000 on the Save Sugarworld in a matter of weeks is flocking in droves.<br /><br />I am considering joining the NQP, however, the article above screams of the same low-level propaganda that other parties bandy around. Something I’ve detested in life is those who make themselves look good by putting others down. I would love to be associated with a party that refuses to play the political blame-game & rather wins on its merits.Lisa Robbienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878592054777492431.post-43427493654442234182010-05-23T16:06:43.016+10:002010-05-23T16:06:43.016+10:00Charlie McKillop was only selected by Warren so th...Charlie McKillop was only selected by Warren so that one gay politician would be replaced by another. Charlie is an equally empty suit to Mumbles Turnour, but given that Turnour is part of the "government" party you'd think he'd be able to get SOMETHING for the FNQ to assist us with the failed economy here. The fact that he's done less than nothing is understating the obvious.Ed in Edge Hillnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878592054777492431.post-33744312553532894462010-05-23T08:45:22.678+10:002010-05-23T08:45:22.678+10:00Yes Chris, you may be right in your critique but f...Yes Chris, you may be right in your critique but for the electors to swap sides they need to be convinced that the alternative is worth voting for.<br /><br /> You fail to articulate why I should vote for a disgruntled rural rump.<br /><br />Furthermore, the NQP needs to realise that under the optional preferential system, they have as much hope of winning a seat as I have of climbing Mt Everest. <br /><br />The whole purpose of this voting system was designed and implemented by Goss and Rudd to continue the domination of a united party.<br /><br />What you and NQP advocate is effectively the entrenchment of the ALP. Until such time as the various disparate splinters unite in one common party, you are effectively ensuring the continued dominance of the ALP. Mind you that is not necessarily a bad thing.<br /><br />Chris you and NQP need to familiarise yourselves with the dynamics that prevailed in the Queensland political landscape during the electoral domination of the ALP between 1930 and 1957.<br /><br />Familiarise yourself with that period and therein lies the reason why unity is success and splinter groups entrench failure.<br /> <br />Ferret out a strong respected leader like a Forgan Smith, a Frances Nicklin or even a Bjelke-Petersen and build a party around them.<br /><br />The rest is like whistling in the dark!!Jack the Insidernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878592054777492431.post-3480538387535261432010-05-22T18:46:57.064+10:002010-05-22T18:46:57.064+10:00It's great to hear from this 'small man...It's great to hear from this 'small man' grub who can barely remember your name longer than five minutes unless he sees self-advancement from it. <br /><br />Bare in mind he's been spin doctor for One Nation campaigns as well as Kevin Byrne's, which says something of the politics of the NQP.<br /><br />He believes in nothing and sells to the highest bidder.hieronymus boschnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878592054777492431.post-14246410110075570062010-05-22T15:21:18.889+10:002010-05-22T15:21:18.889+10:00I find myself agreeing with Syd. I have been fort...I find myself agreeing with Syd. I have been fortunate enough to meet Charlie on a few occassions and I think that she is intelligent and very capable. She would have made a fine member for Leichhardt.<br /><br />Unfortunately though people like Chris found her "unelectable" and although Chris doesnt say so, I have no doubt that he means that Charlie is unelectable because of her sexuality. No doubt that is a quality that Bob Katter would have appreciated in Chris. <br /><br />The rest of the article ranges between a mind-numbing history lesson and a work of pure fiction.JKRnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878592054777492431.post-39425660689287651082010-05-22T15:01:02.970+10:002010-05-22T15:01:02.970+10:00Thanks for that Chris, but it doesn’t make me feel...Thanks for that Chris, but it doesn’t make me feel any better about the state of play within our political system.<br />I’ve watched the “hard bastard” apparatchiks of the ALP (and its Greens wing) enforce a minority view, and disable community participation. And now you demonstrate the same game is being played by controlling elements of Libs and Nats.<br />My touchstone for the next two elections is to do whatever is necessary to get rid of Jim Turnour, Steve Wettenhall, Jason O’Brien, and whoever replaces Desley Boyle. I’d vote 1 Satan if that’s what it took.<br />But real and fundamental change requires their replacement with some effective force. Eventually.<br />I like Wendy Richardson as an independent, and I’ll be watching the performance of the FNQ Party with interest. Will they be running a candidate in Leichhardt?<br />I don’t like being in this position, and I have to wonder how such slimy bastards manage to get away with their disgusting behaviour.Bryan Lawnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878592054777492431.post-91636632966240097542010-05-22T14:38:42.294+10:002010-05-22T14:38:42.294+10:00Dear Chris,
You accuse the LNP of lack of liberal...Dear Chris,<br /><br />You accuse the LNP of lack of liberalism and / or nationalism (and I agree), but when is the NQP going to show its political colours?Blogsternoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878592054777492431.post-61497153643074281912010-05-22T10:02:02.672+10:002010-05-22T10:02:02.672+10:00I'd like to comment on one point in Chris'...I'd like to comment on one point in Chris' interesting article.<br /><br />Referring to the Liberal candidate for Leichhardt in 2007, who was defeated by Jim Turnour, he dismissively brands her as 'unelectable'.<br /><br />It's possible that Charlie McKillop was unelectable within the Liberal Party (yet she was, after all, nominated).<br /><br />But I dispute that she was unelectable within the community as a whole.<br /><br />Of all the aspiring - or successful - politicians in this region with whom I've had minor dealings over the years, she struck me as having the sharpest mind.<br /><br />We had a couple of chats in the period preceding the last election, disagreeing strongly about some controversial issues I raised. However, I had, at least, the sense of genuine intellectual engagement on her part. It was not like talking to a wet sponge. Charlie has a brain.<br /><br />On the one specific practical issue I raised with her (telecomms) she demonstrated genuine understanding of a fairly complex set of circumstances - and a desire to help.<br /><br />There may be policy reasons why you think Charlie McKillop was 'unlectable', Chris. In that case, it would be interesting to know what they are.<br /><br />I'd be surprised, because she took no 'risque' political positions at that time that I'm aware of. I wish she had - but she struck me as too practical a politician to go out on a limb, not at that stage in her career.<br /><br />If your point is that Charlie was unelectable because of her sexuality, why not come out and say so, Chris?<br /><br />Personally, I don't agree. <br /><br />Like many people, I directed my preference away from Charlie MacKillop at the last election not because of her personal qualities.<br /><br />I just didn't want the Howard Government back again, with a passion. <br /><br />Charlie McKillop was a lot more 'electable' than John Howard at the last election. He dragged her vote down - not the other way round.Syd Walkernoreply@blogger.com