Premier Bligh didn't have the numbers to oust unionist Stuey Traill

It's all about Stuey. Or is it.

In what should be viewed as an embarrassing attempt to silence outspoken members, Anna Bligh as head of the Queensland Labor Party failed to get the number late last night to oust Stuey Traill and fellow ETU member, Peter Simpson.

Bligh's embarrassing game to remove those in the party that have spoken out against privatisation, went pear-shaped when last night's meeting failed to draw a quorum. However, it appears that the meeting of the administration committee will be called again tonight in Brisbane to rally the numbers.

Cairns union organiser Stuey Traill, along with his colleague Peter Simpson, have been staunch critics of Queensland Labor's asset sales programme, after the party and MPs voted to uphold their Party platform, rejecting such a plan. Both have been on a relentless campaign to stop the $80 billion debt-ridden State coffers selling off a raft of public assets including Queensland Rail, than now is faced with a third of it's workforce being made redundant.

• 5.12: (2008) Labor platform
  Labor rejects a program of privatisation of public services, such as public hospitals and schools, public enterprises including subsidiary companies or utilities (in particular Rail, Ports, Public Hospitals, electricity and water) as an economic strategy.
  
  Privatisation of public enterprises should not be used to solve revenue problems of governments. Labor believes that it is more through improved management of the existing public sector than through privatisation that Government can provide a wide range of benefits to the community.

The high-profile Electrical Trades Union has discussed withdrawing it's Labor membership last year, and is set to vote if they should remain affiliated next month. They ceased making donations last year. Media reports wrongly tagged Stuey Traill as wanting to form a break-away party, and this claim is central to expel him from the party. However, if Simpson and Traill are ousted tonight, it is likely they will run an aggressive campaign against Labor at the next State election, most likely to be held before the end of the year. The vote would clearly split the chances of Labor retaining it's 102-year grip of the Cairns seat.

Rumours late last night said that the vote didn't get up last night because ''allies on the committee had deliberately sabotaged the meeting." They raised questions about the credentials of members of the administration committee, and then left the meeting, so the committee lacked a quorum. This fiasco shows the turmoil the party is in in Queensland.

An unattributed quote said that "it was the action of desperate people trying to delay the inevitable." This most probably came from Labor's National President and Queensland's State Secretary Bill Ludwig.

Did Bligh actually have the numbers at last night's meeting? If the decision was made and the deal was done to terminate Stuey Traill and Peter Simpson, and it was just a rubber stamp, as was said just a few days ago, it would have gone ahead. Bligh won't bow to the unions who helped elect her at the last two elections. However Simpson and Traill's power is best exerted from within the party that needs to change. There is so many members that are started to grow a voice when they see the likes of Stuey stand up and shout.

Premier Anna Bligh called for Simpson and Traill to resign late last year because they were in breach of party rules when they threatened an idea of supporting rival candidates.

My story yesterday on CairnsBlog alarmed Mike Bailey, the vice president of the ALP's Cairns Branch. Bailey sent me a strong rebuttal about the plan to remove Stuey Traill as a member, in a letter that said more about his disgust for those that speak out and uphold the party's principals, than it did about making the party more inclusive and electable come the next election.

''As a journalist who purports to present the facts, I would have thought you would check the details of any story on CairnsBlog,'' Mike Bailey wrote.

Mike Bailey voted at last year's Labor conference for privatisation, so he is loyal to the premier and the AWU. Bailey contested a number of points in my story yesterday.

''For the record, yesterday’s meeting did not take a vote if Traill should remain,'' Mike Bailey says. ''I challenged Traill as soon as he walked into the room and advised him that under the following rule:

• …(V) recommend to the Administrative Committee that the respondent be expelled (and in which case the person or persons shall be immediately suspended from membership until the next meeting of the Administrative Committee);

...''he [Traill] was suspended and as such, he could not attend the meeting. This had nothing to do with factions and everything to do with Party Rules and I applied the rules accordingly,'' Bailey said. ''For you to run the Traill side of the story without getting the facts is unfortunate to say the least.''

''I am not a member of the Australian Workers Union, but I am a member of the Queensland Public Sector Union. I am a financial member of what is known as Labor Forum or what is more commonly called the Right of the Labor Party. The AWU is also part of Labor Forum but do not direct me or anyone else in the group,'' Mike Bailey says.

''To paint me as Bill Ludwig’s stooge is grossly unfair. How I can be painted as Bill Ludwig’s stooge when I do not talk to or see Bill Ludwig except at the party’s yearly State Conference? I do not take direction from him or anyone else. I do however take advice from the State Secretary.''

I suggested in yesterday's story that Baily, who was branch president, stepped aside to allow Tim Grau to take over the role, who is widely expected to be the new Labor candidate for Cairns,

''I chose to retire as president of the Cairns Branch of the ALP at the AGM last year,'' Bailey said. ''At the same time my wife retired as branch secretary, after almost 16 years in the chair, for family reasons which had nothing to do with Tim Grua [sic. Mike appear not to know the spelling of his successor!] although I was pleased there was such an able person to fill the role.''

Mike Bailey says that Traill’s membership is not current, a claim Stuey Traill disputes vehemently.

''Under the rules (shown above), he was immediately suspended when the matter was voted on by the Administrative Committee, which was unanimous and included an Electrical Trades Union member, to referred the matter to the party’s Disputes Tribunal,'' Mike Bailey said. ''As a suspended member, he has no rights whatsoever in the party.''

Bailey puts the successful motion on Sunday meeting in Cairns down to ''Traill’s factional buddies'' who attended the meeting and pushed through a motion of support. A motion was passed and sent to the State Secretary Anthony Chisholm for consideration prior to last night's administration meeting.

''I believe this motion of support will not make any difference to the outcome of tonight’s meeting as Traill’s disloyalty is of such a level that cannot and will not be ignored by the Administrative Committee who I believe will take the most appropriate action,'' Mike Bailey said yesterday. ''When it is ruled on, Traill’s expulsion should serve a reminder to all members that the behaviour displayed by Traill is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.''

This of course proved to be wrong. One of those in last night's meeting in Brisbane told CairnsBlog that ''they fucked up, but they won't fuck up twice in a row.''

''They will get the knives out again tonight, subject to getting everyone together,'' the rebel party member said. ''Even though there's a ground-swell of support for those that stand up for the principals, there's also the politicians and hangers-on who've taken over the running of the party. There's people in there that shouldn't be there - bloody partners and wives of politicians, and all that sort of stuff, that are running the party, that's where it's all fallen down.''

Unions of course used to have a great say within Labor, but no more. It is not a party of the people, and the recent Party review showed that there was serious disconnect from the membership and the branch structure.

''The Parliamentary ring is running the whole shooting match,'' the Labor source told CairnsBlog.

''Just like any club or organisation that has rogue members who display gross disloyalty and act contrary to the objectives and principals of the organisation, they have to be weeded out through that organisation’ rules and regulations,'' Labor's Cairns vice president Mike Bailey said. ''Traill is no different.''

Owsley "Bear" Stanley- father of LSD

The elderly 76-year-old man, who was killed on the weekend whilst driving on the Kennedy Highway between Davies Creek and Koah, was an infamous former underground LSD cook.

The New York Daily Times said Owsley Stanley, simply known as "Bear", was probably the first private individual to manufacture LSD.

• ''Between 1965 and 1967 he produced more than 1.25 million doses of LSD—a catalyst for the emergence of the hippie movement
  
  ... [was] at the centre of the rock and drug scene in San Francisco in the 1960s.
  
  ...the former manager of the Grateful Dead, an LSD guru who turned on thousands of people in San Francisco in the 1960s and provided the substances for the Beatles Magical Mystery Tour.
  
  One of his achievements was as the Grateful Dead's sound man for several years, who he pioneered the live recording of performances onto albums (Bear dates from pre-CD days). The album History of the Grateful Dead, Vol 1 released in 1973 was subtitled "Bear's Choice".
  
  But his bigger contribution to the psychedelic era was in drug production. Working out of an old chemistry book from the University of California at Berkeley in San Francisco, he produced more than a million doses of LSD, to the extent where he was described yesterday by Celeb Stoner as "San Francisco's first acid chemist".
  
  In the emerging acid rock scene of the time he became the supplier of choice for many musicians. Jim Hendrix's "Purple Haze" was allegedly inspired by Stanley's product.
  
  He did two years prison for marijuana possession in the early 1970s, and about 20 years ago, fearful of a new ice age, he left the US and emigrated to North Queensland, where he pursued an all-meat diet and sold enamel sculptures on the internet.

Makes the Police statement on the weekend that described Bear as ''an elderly man in his 70's'' a bit lame.

You really don't know who lives in our own back yard. Goes to show, you can't judge a face by it's cover - there's always a colourful story hidden below the surface.

Cairns' prices are almost as high as New Zealand now. WTF?

Prince William will visit Cairns. Pass the butler please

The heir to the British Throne, Prince William, will be in Cairns later this week.

Are you excited, or would you wish for Oprah again?

Outspoken Cairns Labor unionist removed from meeting ahead of expulsion today

One of Labor's most outspoken and charismatic members in Queensland, local Electrical Trades Union organiser, Stuey Traill, is expected to be removed from the Labor Party at tonight's meeting of the administration community.

Traill, who has been a member of the Australian Labor Party since 2005, was removed from a party meeting yesterday, ahead of tonight's vote that will consider his expulsion, along with fellow unionist, Peter Simpson.

Stuey Traill, who has been publicly critical of his party since Labor was re-elected in Queensland two years ago, when they reneged on their Party's Platform, to not privatise State assets. Traill has repeatedly spoken out about what he sees as hypocritical.

Stuey Traill and Peter Simpson have been found guilty of conspiring to form another political party, following reports that the Electrical Trades Union will consider if they will remain a member of the Labor Party.

Traill has said that the story around forming a new party is ''bullshit,'' ''..and the ALP knows it.''

Yesterday's branch meeting at Brother's League Club in Cairns, took a vote if Traill should remain, whilst his membership was still being considered. Mike Bailey of the Australian Workers Union was the proponent to remove the outspoken Stuey Traill. Bailey is commonly known as Bill Ludwick's stooge in Cairns. Ludwig is head of the AWU faction in the party and also a member of the ALP National Executive. Mike Bailey, as acting chair of the meeting, had previously stepped aside as branch president, so Tim Grau could take on the role to give profile before being selected as the Cairns candidate and Boyle's replacement.

Traill's party membership is still current, yet there is heightened tension around today's administration committee meeting that will consider the memberships of Trail and Simpson.

There is likely to be some discussion around this membership issue, however Traill is still a fully paid-up member of the ALP.

''I thought it would be important that I attended the branch meeting,'' Traill told CairnsBlog. ''Then Mike Bailey rules [to remove me]."

Sitting Cairns MP Desley Boyle arrived just as Stuey Traill was asked to leave the meeting.

"I asked Boyle to speak in favour of a motion that if I am expelled, that my [membership] money to be donated to the Cyclone Yasi appeal." Traill said yesterday. ''I don't want the stinking ALP, if they expel me, to have one cent of my money.''

Traill told the meeting as he was leaving that the ALP was established as a political voice of the trade unions movement, not the other way around.

"This is a disgraceful day in ALP history,'' Stuey Traill said as he left the meeting. ''You continue to tell us how to do our job. It will always be the other way around. Have a look whats going on in Japan right now. Once you get rid of us out of the ALP and the AWU gets control of the conference floor, we'll end up with uranium mining and power stations in our back yards. ''

Mike Bailey was challenged why Stuey Trail couldn't remain in yesterday's meeting. However there is significant support for the popular and vocal Traill, who attracts a strong following from the core of the party.

"There is a last ditch attempt to save Stuey," a party member of 15 years told CairnsBlog in confidence, amid a vow of secrecy in speaking publicly whilst the expulsion is being considered. "They are that sensitive about anyone speaking about this, but he has a huge amount of support in local Labor. There's absolutely no doubt about that. They don't want to see him go. Some may think he's outspoken or controversial, but a lot of them are saying is does not warrant kicking him out."

Similar membership terminations have also been underway in the local LNP with various expulsions, including Vic Black, who was a candidate for pre-selection as a candidate for the seat of Cairns.

"People are really rallying for Stuey, and they are saying these are the causes we need to stick to and people like Stuey speak up," the party member said.

It is understood that the party's ruling disputes committee has already made a decision to terminate Stuey Traill's membership, and today's administration committee will just rubber stamp it. However in the last week there has been some fierce lobbying to the party hierarchy to not go ahead with the membership terminations, with many believing it is destruction to the party.

"Brisbane is saying 'let's get rid of him, he's a trouble-maker' but that's not what the majority in Cairns want or are saying," the local member said late yesterday. "Stuey has a lot of support in the local media up here, and he has something worthwhile to say."

Search and rescue Tongue Reef, near Port Douglas

A search and rescue mission was mounted late this evening for three men that were found clinging to an upturned boat, near Tongue Reef, east of Port Douglas.

The powerboat belongs to a Kewarra Beach resident, and had taken on-board water and capsized just before 5pm Sunday evening.

The three men, all safe and well, were recovered at 6.30pm and returned to Port Douglas. Police are now investigating whether an offence under the Marine Safety Act has occurred.

Winning, a aong by Charlie Sheen

Missing teenager, Machans Beach, Cairns

Cairns Police are asking for help after a 13-year-old boy from Machans Beach went missing last Wednesday.

Declan Crouch left school on Wednesday afternoon on a bus from Hoare Street, Manunda around 3pm. Hi school bag and uniform were found at his at Machans Beach home.

There are now serious concerns for he safety and family say it is out of character for him not to make contact.

He is described as around 170cm tall with a slim build and collar length brown hair usually worn over his eyes. He may be wearing black or maroon basketball shorts and a black t-shirt.

• Please call Crimestoppers 1800 333 000

70-year-old killed near Koah

An elderly man, driving on the Kennedy Highway between Davies Creek and Koah late yesterday, swerved off the road, and collided with trees.

Passerby tried to assist the man and woman trapped in the vehicle, however the man died at the scene. The woman sustained minor injuries and was transported to the Cairns Based Hospital.

Barron Falls in great form today

Andrew Tunney shot this short video at the Barron Falls, near Kuranda, this morning.

Saturday SoapBlog: Rodney Croome - Do you take this man...

Marriage, but not as we know it.

Legal recognition of gay couples has occurred in most western countries, the most notably exception being USA and Australia. New Zealand has had discriminatory law reform since the mid-80s, and civil unions for near on seven years. So what's the big deal?

Rodney Croome is probably Australia's leading critic of successive governments to not move ahead with full legal recognition of same-sex couples. As campaign co-ordinator of the Australian Marriage Equality, Croome has been at the forefront of this divisive issues for many years. In today's SoapBlog, for Rodney, it's not only time, is overdue for gay 'marriage' to be sanctioned in Australia. What's the big deal?

The movement for marriage equality is under attack from right and left.

Opponents of the governing arrangement between Labor and the Greens have beaten up fears that a Green proposal to give the territories greater legislative power will lead to "radical social experiments" like "gay marriage". This conveniently ignores three important facts.

Under the Greens proposal federal parliament will retain ultimate control over territory law. The ACT Labor and the ACT Greens have only ever proposed civil unions, not same-sex marriage legislation like their peers in Tasmania and South Australia. This is a crucial difference. Civil unions do not carry the same meaning or provide the same legal security as marriage and can never be a substitute for allowing same-sex couples to marry.

Thirdly and most importantly, over 60% of Australian, including a majority of blue collar workers, men and Coalition voters, support this "radical social experiment".
But why let reality get in the way of the kicking the homosexual can all the way back to either a socially conservative Labor Government or a Coalition Government?

I am reminded of the way opponents of the very first Labor / Green accord - in Tasmania in 1989 - viciously attacked Green support for the decriminalisation of homosexuality on the basis that it would lead to "gay marriage". They failed to stop moves toward decriminalisation or drive a wedge between the accord partners. I suspect they will fail again today.

The attack from the left is just as strident if a little lower profile.

People like Dennis Altman and Helen Razer have recently dismissed the idea of same-sex marriages. They think gay people are too sexually creative to be constrained by marriage, and believe "there's nothing truly progressive" (to use Razer's words) about allowing same-sex couples to marry.

I doubt they'd say this about the struggle of Australian Aborigines or African Americans to marry the person of their choice.

Those struggles were obviously progressive because they were struggles against inequality, prejudice and the kind of stereotypes that say members of minorities are too infantile to make important life decisions for themselves. The struggle for same-sex marriage is the same struggle.
The mistake made by people like Altman and Razer is they believe marriage is more conservatising than it really is and same-sex partners are more radical than they really are.

Marriage today is not the one-size-fits-all cultural monolith it once was. Thanks to social acceptance of de facto relationships, contraception and divorce, partners are now freer to choose for themselves if and when they marry, how to conduct their marriage and if and when to end it.

With growing tolerance of same-sex relationships, same-sex partners are increasingly integrated into mainstream society. Broad-scale studies show our relationships are utterly unremarkable and conventional. We are more concerned with mortgage payments and our kids' school than being the vanguard of the sexual revolution.

The social reality behind the demand for marriage equality is that the attitudes of the Australian people, the nature of marriage, and the lived experience of same-sex couples have all evolved and converged at the point where same-sex marriages now make sense.

These developments have left some social conservatives and some sexual liberationists behind. I can understand their anxiety at discovering the world has moved on, but I can't share it.
Australia will be a happier, more equal, and more inclusive society when the love and commitment between same-sex partners is legally acknowledged.

Anyone who begrudges this has to ask themselves if their values are really serving them as well as they thought.

Spooky Christchurch quake doco predicted effects 15 years ago

A 1996 New Zealand TV documentary, that has just resurfaced, outlined what would happen if a large earthquake ever hit Christchurch.

It said the city's eastern suburbs and historic buildings, would bear the brunt on an earthquake, and claimed that Christchurch's "fatal flaw" was the land that it sat on – "a soft, shaky sponge of riverstones and silt half a kilometre deep. In any decent quake, the Garden City will shake like a leaf."

It also talked about substantial liquefaction that would damage sewers and drain systems and that buildings would sink or tip over. All of this occurred in the September 2010 and February quakes.

Here's an eight-minute clip from the doco called Earthquake!

Destroying mangroves for the Cairns airport runways

A significant portion of mangroves surrounding the Cairns airport will be bulldozed if a plan to increase the airport runways goes ahead, with just a thin strip preserved on either side of Airport Drive.

A draft Cairns Airport land use plan was presented to Cairns Regional councillors on 23rd February.

"Why are we, in the community, having to spend so much unpaid time fighting campaigns just to defend existing Natural and Cultural Heritage," local environmentalist Geoff Holland said in reaction to the mangrove removal proposal.

"Why did we fight for False Cape, for the Cairns Yacht Club, for the preservation of City Place, and now for the mangrove wetlands adjacent to the Cairns International Airport?"

"Why is Local Government, State Government and Federal Government not defending our Natural Heritage and Cultural Heritage for us?" Geoff Holland asks.

"The deadline for submissions regarding the proposed development, or destruction, of most of the mangrove wetlands adjacent to Cairns International Airport has already passed, even though most people who have heard about," Holland says. "How can this be? There is a serious failure of the process of governance."

"Fishermen say that this is an important habitat for fish breeding," Geoff Holland says. "We need to conserve the mangroves for the benefit of local recreational fishermen. This may be so, but what we need to remember is that perhaps the greatest eco-crisis we are facing today is mass species extinction."

Holland says that between 5-50 species are becoming extinct every day worldwide, according to UNEP, and the greatest cause of this, more than climate change, is loss of natural habitat.

"Wetlands are one of the most important forms of natural habitat, and the one of the most endangered forms of habitat on the planet," Holland says. "This is why we have the international Ramsar Convention on Wetlands to which Australia is a party. The Australian government sets off to 'unenlightened Third World countries' such as the Philippines, preaching how they must protect their mangrove forests, and also providing aid money, while we are happy to turn ours into runways."

Many local green activists have recently lobbied to set up East Trinity Wetlands Park with a research station.

"We as a community must prevent the plan to destroy most of the natural habitat of mangrove forest wetlands adjacent to Cairns International Airport," Holland says. "If the plan goes ahead, it would not be inappropriate to mount an international Internet campaign inviting international travellers to stay away because of the cost of their landing at Cairns International Airport."

"Shame on Ports North and shame on Cairns Regional Council, State Government and Federal Government for even allowing this proposal to be seriously considered. We must not underestimate the number of international and also interstate travellers who can and would easily choose another holiday destination."

Holland says that if the community accept the need for some expansion, as we come to terms with the idea of local limits to growth, we could consider moving light aircraft to a possible new airport near Edmonton or Gordonvale.

"I think building a new airport for large aircraft at Koah or Mareeba is inappropriate because we should not put added pressure on the Kuranda Range Road, nor encourage urban sprawl."

Council's manager of Planning Strategies, Peter Boyd says the Cairns Airport is a significant component to the regional economy.

"It is imperative that any non-aviation commercial development is undertaken with consideration to the surrounding trade area and regional centres hierarchy," Peter Boyd says. "It is essential that Council provide comments to both the Minister for Infrastructure and
Planning and Cairns Airport to ensure both support and issues raised can be considered by both parties."

However Boyd says that Council needs to seek clarification between the conflicting legislative provisions to ensure the land use plan has been drafted appropriately to deliver an appropriate outcome for the Cairns region.

Queensland loses 22,186 jobs

Employment figures just released show a grave situation in Queensland in the aftermath of floods and the recent cyclone.

Labor Force statistics shows Queensland lost 22,186 jobs in February, and had the second highest unemployment rate of any State (seasonally adjusted).

All the jobs lost were part-time jobs. Queensland’s unemployment rate remained steady at 5.6% due to a fall in numbers of those seeking work.

However State Treasurer Andrew Fraser quoting NAB’s February business survey, which some commentators had attributed to a surge of disaster relief in Queensland. The opposition says Queensland has for a long time had some of the weakest business trading conditions in the nation.

In 2009 Labor's election promise for 100,000 new jobs is far from its goal, with only 30,884 full-time jobs created. There are 20,929 more Queenslanders who are unemployed now than there were at the last state election, with unemployment rising from 4.9% to 5.6%.

Over this same period there are higher taxes and charges, including power, water and fuel bills, licence fees and the highest vehicle registration charges in Australia.

The State opposition says the taxes and charges are a direct result of Labor’s debt and deficit policy which is killing employment opportunities in Queensland.

“An LNP government will be a friend not a foe to Queensland businesses and households," Shadow Treasurer Tim Nicholls says. "If the Labor government are serious about job creation, they will ‘get a move on’ and distribute flood and cyclone reconstruction funds as quickly as possible, not only to rebuild our towns and cities, but to also keep Queenslanders in jobs."

Mo-less Warren Entsch gives us a "powerful and safe online experience." WTF?

According to Warren Entsch's new website, he is committed to "developing technology that gives you the most powerful and safe online experience."

What the? I know he likes his whip, but a "powerful experience"? Oh, please.

Warren's new portrait adorns the website, sans mustache, and in a new and thinner-on-top look. You'd almost believe it was a different fella than the majority elected just a few mad months ago. I also have to question the choice of a lily-white shirt. It's a bit pure looking for this veteran polly.

And what's with the photo of Cochy?

A pre-election sized Entschy is there with Cairns Regional Council's deputy mayor Margaret Cochrane.

I suspect she's getting some campaign advice on how to run for Mayor in a year's time.

Just think, next year we could have Paul Freebody and Margaret Cochrane running the town. I'd rather slit my wrists and pour mineral turpentine on them.

The battle of the malk, I mean milk

Simpsons fans will know all about malk - a dodgy cheap version that fills Springfield's school cafeteria.

A similar battle is being waged across the nation as both major supermarket chains have introduced cheap malk, I mean milk.

You can now get a litre for just $1, and two litres for two bucks. Bargain. But some coffee Baristas say the new cheap milk doesn't froth like proper milk, especially in home coffee machines.

The milk price war between Coles and Woolworths is selling milk at half the price most coffee shops pay for better quality milk and many say cheaper milk is not as good.

Some cafes I chatted to in Cairns yesterday were coy about what milk they purchase, others said they wouldn't touch the el cheapo brands.

According to some reports, Woolworths brand milk has a slightly lower fat content, around 3.4% compared with 3.6%.

There is now concerns that dairy farmers will be the ones who will cop a massive loss in the national bitch fight of this key shopping item. It's true that the strategy is working with so many increases in basic household items, the attractive discount on such a common and basic commodity means that many are choosing the cheaper brands.

Meanwhile, many Cairns locals are hooked on the orgasmic, I mean organic, Mungalli milk from Milla Milla on the Atherton Tablelands. At around $5 for 2 litres, it's by far the most expensive on the market.

So do you buy malk or milk?

Wanna tell your Councillor what you think of them?

Cairns Regional Council will accept formal deputations on Wednesday 23rd March 2011, 1pm to 2pm.

This will be held at the RSL Hall, 94 Gordon Street, Gordonvale. Delegations will be given 15 minutes and must abide by the requirements of the Standing Orders.

Application forms are available on Council's website. Written applications can be addressed to the CEO at PO Box 359, Cairns by Thursday 17th March.

Hands off Tara

Both the LNP and the ALP in Queensland have become two heads of the same creature, according to the Queensland Party, that will contest the next State election.

Both major parties voted down a motion put forward by emerging party in November last year, calling for a moratorium on the coal seam gas activities which are rolling out across Queensland. This was despite the application approvals being in breach of the Queensland Act as our farming sector across the State is under imminent threat.

"Never before in Queensland's history has there been a need for a new voice to enter the parliament," Beaudesert MP Aidan McLindon says, who is the force behind the emerging Queensland party. "As adverse legislation is passed each month with the support of the two major parties, which have increasingly distanced themselves from the population that pays them to represent their concerns."

"If you are not happy with the way Queensland politics is played out in this great State, then please share this video with your family and friends so that a grassroots campaign can begin."

McLindon says this is one of many issues which has been steam-rolled by both the major parties and the time has come for action.

A fine bunch of tweeters, if ever I saw

Last evening around 25 of Cairns most active Twitter tweeters turned up at the Salt House for a good ol face-to-face.

Organised by outrageous Scot Simon Crerar, online editor at the Cairns Post, this was the second gathering, which has almost doubled in size. Don't know if that's a good thing.

Twitter is the fastest growing social network after Facebook, and has been embraced in many local businesses and social net nerds. It was used actively during Cyclone Yasi, most famously by computer man Carl Butcher who did a live web cross with CNN. Twitter is also playing a role in the rise and fall on the Australian Labor Party, Cairns Branch.

Among the mob were myself Michael Moore, Mr Savannahlander, Wendy Ackland, Jamie Evans, Fiona Henderson, Tori Sugden, Nicky Jurd, Robert Rutten, Carl Butcher, Simon Crerar, Dallas O'Brien, Richard Johnston, Philip Warring, Rashmi 'Rush' Pathak, Lisa Monks, Julie Johnston, Tammy Barker, Raden Sucalit, and eligilbe non-bachelor Kaj Haffenden.

Michelle Murray - 'gentle soul' is lost from James Cook University family

Michelle Murray at James Cook University.

42-year-old Michelle Murray of Kuranda, was swept from her vehicle by flood waters on Sunday night in Kuranda.

At 7am Monday, her vehicle was discovered upturned in the fast flowing water near Fallon Road. Her body was located 11am yesterday.

Michelle Murray was involved in the Campus Shades programme, a peer support project to help students who have been sexually harassed, assaulted or experienced discrimination.

Michelle grew up in UK and studied psychcology. She was a friendly, and although some thought a bit of a loner, she loved kids and often looked after others children.

"She was sweet, and would help anyone," fellow JCU student and friend Stacey O'Brien told CairnsBlog. "Michelle had a little business where she imported and sold 'crappy' jewelry at the markets and to us at Uni when she was broke. We all have some earings. Nnot crappy but cheap."

"Michelle was fragile, but we all looked out for her."

Stacey remembers Michelle as a gentle soul.

"She was doing her PhD, and hung out in the Learning Centre under the libary," Stacey O'Brien recalls. "Although it is a workspace, it is also a social mixing space - mentors hang in there, and we get free cuppas to coax us, and help the lost souls that wander in. It's a great way to get to meet people outside our own degree. It's the heart of the whole Uni. This is how I got to know Michelle."

"She was chatty, chirpy and would always greet the new students, making them feel welcome," Stacey O'Brien says.

Michelle Murray was active in the social life at JCU. She was a Shades representative and was the MC at the annual pyschology Art Nueron competition in 2009.

"I remember one night late last year, we were all stressed and up to our ears in work in the learning centre," STacey O'Brien says. "We were all whinging and moaning. Michelle got everyone to throw in a few bucks and she went and got lots of lollies from the machine outside. She got bowls and mixed them all up and put them all around the tables. It cheered all the students up."

"Michelle also loved to get a cup of tea, tim tams, and have a ciggie and a chat out the front of the library."

"One thing not many people knew, is that she was a rather fine artist, but only ever painted character portraits," Stacey O'Brien says. "Her first degree was Arts. She rarely showed anyone her work."

One of her last posts on her Facebook page, is a link to support breast cancer awareness: "Raise awaremness and support for those who have been affected."

It was what she was all about," Janine Aitken remembers. "Michelle was always a listening ear for others at the learning centre.

Deal between China and Australia must benefit Cairns

The Federal government announcement between China and Australia should substantially help our damaged Far North Queensland economy and tourism industry.

A deal struck for Brisbane airport has been kept secret, according to DJ Hunt of the Queensland Party.

The agreement with the Chinese government, is to increase the number of travellers between Australia and China, placing Cairns in the box seat that should establish Cairns as an air hub with Asia.

Queensland Party candidate for Cairns, Darren Hunt says the government needs to fast track a deal outh China Airlines or Air Asia, for direct flights to Cairns to the same amount they did for South China Airlines to fly to Brisbane.

"50,000 visitors wanted to come here but couldn’t. If those visitors would have spent $1,000 here, that’s $50million our economy missed out on," Darren Hunt says. "The government’s original decision, to subsidise direct flights to Brisbane instead of Cairns, shows where the governments focus is and always will be and that is South East Queensland.”

“It is time that the Far North was given a realistic long term solution to help our economy recover. The Premier can no longer hide behind blaming the Chinese government for not completing this deal given the Federal government announcement that an extra 4,000 visits have been approved by the Chinese government," DJ Hunt says. "Providing the same subsidy given to Brisbane would bring huge amounts of tourists through our area and give our economy a much needed and long term boost. ”

“The deal the government struck for Brisbane airport has been kept secret," DJ Hunt says. "The people of the Far North deserve to know what they missed out on. The Queensland Party calls on the government to honour their promise to make public the amount of the subsidy given so that it can be determined if a similar amount can be provided for the same deal for Cairns."

"I believe the people of the Far North deserve that much."

Our own peace prophet will spout perilous messages in the city

Here's a message left by angels from the Lord: The end is nigh.

This Thursday and Friday, Cairns’ own Peace Prophet will begin a regular speak out for peace in City Place at speaker’s corner, and outside Cairns Central.

Central to the Prophet’s speak out, is a graphic display showing the technology and consequences of today’s wars in the middle east, particularly Australia’s war against the villagers of Afghanistan. (A graphic of that display is attached.)

The Prophet’s message is that the time of Isaiah has arrived. Swords will be turned into plowshares, and nations shall study war no more.

“Now is the time when Christ’s commandment shall be obeyed, for the end is nigh!”

Peace Prophet will appear in the image of death.

At a more secular level, Peace Prophet will observe that the war in Afghanistan is failing, the Karzaik leptocracy now rules Afghanistan, NATO forces are regularly killing civilians - nine children murdered by helicopter while collecting firewood just the other day. Even Kevin Rudd thinks it a bit much.

The Peace Prophet will compare the amount of money Australia has committed to weapons acquisition, to the amount available for disaster reconstruction and relief. He will proclaim the rise of Ploughshares actions in a resurgent peace movement to end Australia’s involvement in Afghanistan within two years.

An open microphone will run for two hours from midday till 2pm, and any resident of Cairns will be able to speak about peace and justice in Cairns and how to achieve it.

Peace Prophet supports the CBD revitalisation campaign of Gavin King and the Cairns Post’s CBD Revival campaign.

• For more information: Pray
  (or Bryan Law 4052 1563 or 0403 049 566)

Pauline Hanson proves again, politics is lower than used car salesmen

The racially mad Pauline Hanson is planning to run for parliament again, this time in NSW in the March 22nd State poll.

Pauline Hanson, who quit politics after losing a run for Queensland parliament, is now planning to run for NSW.

Hanson has done time in jail over electoral fraud, but was cleared. Last year said she was moving to London but changed her mind when she discovered that the UK was "worse than Australia and full of immigrants and refugees."

You know you're in Christchurch when...

* You know what that extra gear lever on your 4X4 is for
* Geonet is your homepage
* A bucket of shit is no longer that old car you drive
* Peeing in a bush feels totally natural
* You know how to refuel a generator, start it and know the load it will handle
* The kids have stopped asking for a sandpit and want a quad bike instead
* You actually understand the conditions of your "House and Contents" Insurance policy
* You know the location of all the best toilets in town
* As soon as it rains your deck is full of containers to collect fresh water
* Having a third person under a door frame is not an invasion of personal space
* You go 'pfffff' when Wellington has a 4.5 earthquake that's 40km deep
* Earthquakes are a source of fun guessing the sizes and direction
* You see lovely old buildings on TV in another city and your first thought is how long they will last in a quake
* Everyone has a long drop toilet out back
* You sleep in one suburb and shower in another
* Your mayor describes your city as "munted."
* Going to Wellington to escape earthquakes makes sense
* You see tanks driving around town
* The roads are full of traffic but the shops are empty
* A dust mask is the new fashion statement
* The rest of the country offers you a place to stay
* Voluntarily staying in Timaru for five days seems like a good idea
* A game of Jenga only lasts three minutes
* You finally realize the media really are blood-sucking vampires
* You have dust mask tan lines
* You use the term "liquefaction" in casual conversation. "My, would you like some liquefaction after dinner?"
* Helicopters clattering overhead is normal
* "Danger No Entry" signs are just a suggestion
* You now have a survival kit
* After earthquakes, high winds and heavy rain, you are just waiting for the four horsemen of the Apocalypse

Too soon?

AusPost doing nothing for more, every year

We all know Australia Post is in peril, as the preferred method of communication has shifted in the last 15 years from snail to email, but this is ridiculous.

Do you "rent" a post office box from Australia Post?

If you do, then you will have noticed this year's bill, which has just arrived go up around 22%. The increase has occurred every year for at least the last four.

This year, the annual rental for a small box sits at at whopping $91, with a generous $5 discount if you cough up before the end of the month.

It seems renting out a hole in the wall, is rather lucrative in these heady days of economic uncertainty.

What have AusPost done to earn the extra dosh they're charging each and every year?

A silver lining inside your box? A soy latte awaiting for you when you retrieve your mail? Sexier, hotter staff? Home delivery? Oh, didn't we used to get a delivery as part of the stamp that the sender paid?

What a scheme. And we thought used car dealers and real estate brokers were the dodgy ones.

All roads are open, damn!

The Captain Cook Highway, and all access roads, are open to the north of Cairns.

Those who had a day away from the office, have to get their lazy butt back to work today, as all roads are open after yesterday's surface flooding. The Captain Cook Highway is open in both directions from Cairns to the Northern Beaches.

Access roads to Machans Beach, Holloways Beach and Yorkeys Knob are open. Kamerunga Road at the Freshwater roundabout is open.

And be aware, as Paul Drabble has just informed me, look out for potholes, especially at night. They are full of water and just look like normal road, but a hole in road could swallow a Getz!

City Place becomes the battle over shitty space

City Place - the centre of our small town, has had a long history of bureaucratic bulls-ups and confused town planning. What is the future for what should be an important public meeting space?

The proposed City Place redevelopment is causing a lot of anger in the community, who have been largely ignored at the State Government push through Queensland Transport's Transit Network plan, that will see buses take ownership of the central city intersection of Lake and Shields Streets.

There are two public meetings today being held: 2pm - Calypso Cafe, Hides corner of City Place, and at 6.30pm, Havana Music Cafe, 113 Lake Street (50m north of City Place).

The transport plan is meant to be working alongside Cairns Regional Council's City Centre Master Plan, but it appears that it's a one way street, in more that one way, if you know what I mean.

Over the last 10 years, previous councils have ripped the town centre apart and made a mess of what had been a functioning public space. It was complete with grassy knolls and plenty of large shady trees. These were all removed, probably under an arrogant and ironic plan to remove people from hanging around, including Aboriginals, something a former Mayor didn't have a liking or an understanding about.

There was a community workshop meeting in February to discuss the Cairns City Centre Master Plan. Cairns Regional Council will host another meeting (they love meetings, but do they listen?) on Monday 28th March at 6pm. This will be at the Council's civic reception. RSVP Leisa on 4044 3542 or email.

According to Council, this next meeting, consultants will discuss more detailed "design and land-use proposals" for the City centre.

Councillor Rob Pyne says he cannot pretend he was not a part of the process to change the use of City Place, though he says some councillors will.

"Rachel Reese from Queensland Transport has briefed us many times and gave us input," Rob Pyne says. "I have keep my constituents informed along the way. I support the Cairns Transit Network."

However Pyne is aware the community is unhappy with City Place as it is.

"Every redevelopment ends up as something worse than before. The ratepayer is sick of spending big money for poor outcomes," Rob Pyne says. "There are only two options now on the table. That is the Cairns Transit Network, which is 100% state funded; and the second option is no change at all."

"I support the Cairns Transit Network and people with more brains than I have come up with it and been awarded commendations on their work. They can answer questions so much better than I."

As part of the proposed redesign of City Place to allows buses through, the 'Greening of Grafton' will see the two lanes in Grafton Street reduced to one, mainly for safety reasons. Also Lake Street will be extended to Airport Drive.

"If this CBD section does not get funding now, we have little hope of extending the network stages 2 and onwards," Rob Pyne says. "This means people in Woree and further south will be denied their transit way, bus stations and regular transit services. At the end of the day, the provision of those services is my main priority and working with the state government is the only way to achieve this."

A regular commentator of local transport issues, Pat Flanagan, says there is an assumption that pedestrian spaces and public transport corridors are mutually exclusive.

"I am of the view that road corridors that have for too many years been seen as the domain of private vehicles to exclusion of other users has lead to a view that pedestrian spaces must be for the exclusive use of pedestrians," Pat Flanagan says. "Road corridors should be seen for what they are- corridors for community communication and interaction. They should be shared spaces, particularly in CBD, without any particular user having dominance."

Flanagan says that road corridors in CBDs should be "people places" but not exclusively so.

"These shared spaces should be able with careful design to accommodate pedestrians, cycles, private vehicles, public transport as part of their transport function but also provide for meeting places, shady spots, entertainment , dining places, public art etc as part of their community function," Pat Flanagan says. "There are plenty of examples, particularly in European cities, where public squares and places are also public transport corridors and hubs."

"It appears to me that City Place issues are design issues rather than a debate about exclusive use for particular transport nodes. The concept of shared space helps to break down unnecessary delineation and dis-aggregation of the CBD," Pat Flanagan says. "A vibrant CBD will include shared spaces, good PT for accessibility and thriving active spaces with dynamic “conflict” to create excitement."

Queensland party candidate for Cairns , DJ Hunt, has called on the other parties to publicly declare their position on the proposed changes to Cairns City place.

"I call for community consultation and discussion to be held regarding the threatened changes," DJ Hunt said. “The community consultation regarding the City Place aspect has been tokenistic at best. City Place should be a focal point given its relative central location in the CBD and returned to its former glory as a meeting place for local people to relax and enjoy the ambiance."

Hunt says that fleets of buses roaring through the middle and plumes of exhaust smoke aren’t compatible.

"Cairns has many unique features that showcase our city and the City Place is one that with a little work could continue to do so for years to come,” DJ Hunt says. "Just because mistakes have been made and it has been turned into an eyesore, shouldn’t be grounds for turning it into a bus depot. There are other options available but as usual, the state government is playing school yard bully again, strong arming and threatening stakeholders into supporting what they know is a bad decision."

The question basically is what do the community want. If we wish to retain an open square without a through bus service, then we must demand this. There may be a suitable alternative rather the accept the decision from the Department of Transport and their dictatorial stand over approach by making the southern road corridor upgrade linked to the redesign of city place.

• PUBLIC MEETINGS: “Save City Place! – Heart of Cairns”
  Monday 7th March
  - 2pm - Calypso Cafe, Hides corner of City Place
  - 6.30pm, Havana Music Cafe, 113 Lake Street (50m north of City Place)
  
  
• Monday 28th March at 6pm
  - Council community workshop, civic reception. RSVP Leisa on 4044 3542 or email.
  
  

Mackenzie just has the Cairns Post today!

Warning: 4CA's 846am radio talkback host, John Mackenzie, hasn't been able to collect the his southern newspapers this morning.

He's only got the Cairns Post to read for topics. Oh dear, how does he manage when the papers don't arrive?

Road flooded Captain Cook Highway at Thomatis Creek

Following a huge rainfall overnight, the Captain Cook Highway is currently closed in both directions due to flooding at Thomatis Creek, between the Yorkeys Knob and Holloways Beach roundabouts.

According to Cairns Police, northern beach residents can still use the Cairns Western Arterial Road, Kamerunga Road, via Caravonica and Brinsmead.

CairnsBlog reader Luke, just emailed this pic, as he's stuck in traffic near the roundabout at McGregor Road, just after Trinity Park.

"It may take a couple of hours for me to get to work," he said.

Yeah, right.

The ridge coming up the coast is probably going to bring more rain. Have a look at MTSAT.

UPDATE:

Police have advised the north-bound lanes of the Captain Cook Highway have now been closed at Arnold Street at Stratford, due to flooding further north at Thomatis Creek between the Yorkeys Knob and Holloways Beach roundabouts.

The access roads to both Machans and Holloways beaches are also closed.

Residents in the Redlynch/Freshwater area are also advised that the section of Kamerunga Road between the Freshwater roundabout and Redlynch-Intake Road is also closed at Ryan Weare Park due to flooding.

8:40am: Traffic is now backed up to Clifton Beach, on the Capitan Cook Highway

Outrage as Council stomps on youth dance gig

Cairns Regional Council has decided to not support the hugely popular Stomp the Nard youth music and dance event, putting it's future in jeopardy.

A city Councillor says an independent assessment team promoted other events instead, and that councillors have "little say in what gets funded."

"It really saddens me to have to do this, but after many months of planning and the many applications I have applied for, Cairns Regional Council has decided to decline Stomp's request for financial support and in-kind support," organiser Angelo Saliba said.

Cairns Regional Council has in the past provided a venue like City Place or the Esplanade skate park, along with fencing and staging as part of their in-kind support.

"In-kind support means that they are providing a venue or equipment that belongs to the Council," Angelo Saliba says. "My application for it this time has been declined alongside my application for some minor financial support for audio, and security. I don’t know why the council is choosing not to support Stomp anymore as it is an event that has always been family-friendly and provided a great opportunity and atmosphere for people of all ages and demographics."

Stomp the Nard has been running since 2005 and has attracted a huge youth following across the region, drawing crowds up to 3,500 patrons.

"You can imagine that I am just as surprised and let down as you are," Angelo Saliba says. "At this stage I dont know when there will be another Stomp as without the Cairns Regional Council’s support, the event will have to change dramatically to be possible."

Councillor Alan Blake, whos division encompasses the central city, was asked to review the decision.

"Unfortunately, we as councillors have little say in what gets funded," Alan Blake said. "The Stomp project is worthwhile, however the independent assessment team promoted other events to the top of the list."

Former youth co-ordinator at Cairns Regional Council, Tanya Brooks-Cooper, who serves on the Cairns Youth Mentoring board, is shocked that there is no support being offered to run the event this year.

"I'm extremely sad to hear that Council isn't supporting Stomp The Nard," Tanya Brooks-Cooper says. "Why won't they get behind Cairns' biggest dance battle this year? Surely this makes no sense."

Woree mother of two teenage sons, who have taken part in Stomp the Nard over recent years, is angry at the lack of support for youth activities by Council.

"My son went to this a few years ago where DJ nino Brown DJ'D at the even as Anthony's youth mentor is his dad," Jenelle Dillon said. "It was certainly a popular event and I can tell you has been something that has stuck in Anthony's mind as a wonderful event. How sad."

She's asked Council to get behind this event so our youth don't lose a great event.

Large earthquakes continue in New Zealand

In the last few hours, there have been more substantial earthquakes recorded, including a 4.9 close to Christchurch.

Yesterday evening at 7:34pm, a 4.8 quake hit Christchurch, centered near the 6.3 hit on Wednesday February 22nd. I just chatted to my mother on the phone, whom I visited for the last 7 days, and she said last night's quake was another frightening event.

"It was awful, I was home here by myself, and it was so horrible," she told me.

This afternoon another 4.9-magnitude earthquake has brought down massive rocks near Kaikoura at 4.43pm, 180 kilometers north of Christchurch. It was felt along the east coast of the South Island.

It's now expected that the cost of the earthquakes will be between $10-$15 billion, and will knock GDP growth back by 1.5%

Here's a rather graphic video released by The Press that was filmed minutes after Tuesday's 6.3 quake...

Cairns Dining picks Caffiend as best cuppa

With new coffee shops opening in Cairns like Bang Espresso! and recently Silk on the corner of Spence and Sheridan, there's now lots of discussion of who grinds the best in the far north.

A cool collaborative review website that has been round for many years time is Cairns Dining, run by a couple of mad-keen foodies, Nicky & Kaj of Precedence web fame. They describe the site as a reflection of the dining trends and news happening in Cairns.

So, what is it about the charm of an amazing cup of coffee? Be it espresso, cappucino or latte, whatever your preference. People travel great distances to savor their favourite brew, Nicky says.

Bean Hunter is also a nice "trip advisor" type site, and also available as an iPhone app. They have already reviewed Silk, and as the Cairns Post is now running a ‘best coffee in town' competition, Cairns Dining is keen to share their opinion. They have surveyed, sipped and sampled all over Cairns and have come up with their five best cups of coffee in town.

Here's Cairns Dining's picks, and their comments...

1. Caffiend
Caffiend is owned by a hard case coffee crazy, Ollie, who is passionate about every cup of coffee he serves. If you too adore espressos, ristrettos, single origin and macchiatos then this should be your local.

2. Silk Caffe
A fresh (and welcome!) newcomer to the Cairns coffee scene, this seasoned cafe owner has found a niche location. Reminiscent of a stand-up Italian espresso bar, everything is right here; the beans, the barista, the machine, and of course, the coffee.

3. Tosca Trattoria
The discovery of Tosca’s as a top notch coffee stopover was an accident after recently meeting the owner, Paul, when he was the winner of a latte art competition. His specialty is the piccolo latte, but honestly all the coffee here is awesome. Tosca’s is head-and-shoulders above all other cups of coffee at Cairns Central.

4. Bang Espresso
In our (humble) opinion Bang Espresso was the pioneer of the developing coffee culture of Cairns. Their Melbournesque styling and no nonsence cafe really brought the Cairns coffee connossoirs out of the woodwork. Bang would be #2 if you were always lucky enough to get a coffee by baristas Erol or Ian.

5. Industry One
One of Cairns’ few specialty coffee roasters, the aroma as you enter Industry One is intoxicatingly good. Their coffee is pretty good too! A real industry player, Industry One actively engages the wider coffee community by holding regular events like latte art competitions, and cupping nights.

So, how did they come up with their top picks? Recently one of the CairnsDining team judged the Cairns Barista Championships which is an official competition under AustraAsian Specialty Coffee Association regulation. They used the same competition judging technique and scoring system. At each cafe they sampled an espresso and a cappucino. And probably cake too, but they didn’t make it onto the judging criteria.

What's your opinion?

Another day, and another shit story about Jetstar

Qantas' budget airline Jetstar has been forced to refund a group of teenagers for flights cancelled to a cancelled Christchurch swimming competition, in the aftermath of the earthquake.

David at KiwiBlog has highlighted the appalling record of Jetstar across the Tasman. He says that Jetstar must have the worst corporate reputation or brand of any major company in New Zealand.

"Time and time again they treat their customers like shit," David Farrar says. "They did it in their first week of operations, and have kept it up since. It would be great to have decent competition in NZ, but I refuse to fly Jetstar in NZ. Their service is bad enough, but it is their attitude that really appalls me."

I flew into Christchurch the day after the 6.3 quake on February 22nd. Air New Zealand bent over backwards to accommodate those wanting to travel to and from the devastated city. Their $50 'compassionate fares' have now been extended till the end of March, gaining them massive respect and praise, however the additional Australian airport and government taxes, tripled the base fare. Wankers.

Another 4.8 quake has just occurred tonight in Christchurch at 7.34pm. It was centered close to Lyttelton, at a depth of 11km. There are now 165 confirmed as dead, with close to 50 still missing. It was also revealed today that as much as 800 buildings will have to be demolished, and it's likely a commission of inquiry will now occur.

Charlie or Gaddafi?

Take this quiz of 10 statements from the Guardian and select whether Charlie Sheen or Muammar Gaddafi said them.

Harder than you might think.

Hat tip: KiwiBlog

A joke

Stolen and adapted from KiwiBlog...

• "A banker, a Labor MP and a beneficiary are having morning tea with a plate of 12 biscuits.
• 
  The banker takes 11 of the biscuits then leans over to the Labor MP and whispers “watch out for the beneficiary, she’s after your biscuit”.

Beached Whale - Bro, donate to Christchurch

SOAPBLOG: TJ Norton: Labor's internal review - enshrining the value of member contributions

TJ Norton is a prolific community advocate who lives in Logan City. As a member of the Australian Labor Party since 1998, he's served as campaign manager on local, state and federal campaigns, and is running for Logan City Council at the next local body elections.

He subscribes to the adage that the welfare of the people is to be the highest law.

For today's SoapBlog, TJ reviews Labor's national review, authored by Steve Bracks, John Faulkner, Bob Carr. He looks at the way Labor party branches are enshrining the value of member contributions. There's some real lessons here for the Cairns branch of the ALP about selecting it's candidate, but can they read?

I'm now about 3/4 of the way through the 2010 Bracks/Carr/Faulkner ALP National Review.

An assessment of all points raised is far too difficult to address singularly. Nonetheless, there are some profound and self-evident recommendations throughout particularly with regard to the role of branches and the rank and file membership. I have views on some other notes but I would like to use this time to address issues about branches and membership specifically.

From the thousands of submissions there was a central theme: Acknowledging the power that comes with being a party member and assuring that their voice is being listened to - not just received.

The single greatest challenge for all branches is ensuring there is a contemporary feel and operation for maximum attraction. This is the best way to keep members active and engaged. However, my view is the goal markings have been formulated in a one-sided way. Whereas the desire of branches is to attract members, keep those members and build on that success, there is a real disconnect between the exercise of membership and empowerment of that to be recognised by the party machine at-large.

My take on this, whilst not intending to be overly simplistic or nebulous in meaning, is that when members do not feel their contribution and their skills valued by the branches and party respectively it discourages active participation. In other words - what is left for that member to do other than slip out the door?

It is true that democracy wins and this isn't a mere case of branch infighting - although it certainly doesn't help.

The evidence from the review is crystal: members are growing in their discontent of the machinery of the party - particularly on pre-selections, conference rules, policy development and partnerships in power with Labor governments.

This is in stark contrast to the well-oiled LNP machinery in Queensland and credit where its due is a large plus in their electoral column. In comparison, the ALP is severely hindered by a web of near impossible processes and lacks meaningful direction on such matters as social media engagement, community advocacy in each electorate and inter-unit communication. It's a bitter pill to take but one that cannot be refuted. Labor can no longer afford to rely on out of touch mechanics.

"Partnerships In Power" was a one-time Queensland Labor mechanism to act as a conduit between the party and the-then Beattie Government. This was where branches and other party units could submit policy ideas to the Government through the party. I can think of no other time during the course of my 13-year Labor membership that branches - and members in particular - had access to such a thorough, direct and timely process to submit feedback directly from Queensland communities and bring it to the attention of the relevant Minister. Within a matter of a few years this fell away from practice and - don't quote me on it - seemed to coincide with the Shepherdson Inquiry into electoral rorting and acts using public funds. It does appear to be the most logical reason for its discontinuance.

From there on in, party members maintained the usual accesses although it was often a long and truncated structure. In an attempt to fix the wrongs in the political system, the new process was untenable for any party's partnership with the government of the day.

For the ALP, members rose issues with branches, which raised it with State electoral councils, Federal electoral councils, which, if adopted, raised it with regional conference, which if adopted it resolved with state conference..... the process went on.

Debates on the issues affecting one community originally was taken on as a far removed proposal, if it succeeded at all.

Let's now sum up what members across the country have said and were acknowledged in the National Review:

1. In order to survive, branches must be inclusive of its membership.
   
   
2. All party units - branches in particular - should always be contemporary of its members, community needs and profile and their direction for the success of the party unit.
   
   
3. The adoption of a single, uniform process where members and units can raise issues and make submissions to the party and the respective Labor Government, complementing electoral laws and regulations with regard to the use of public funding.

It is absolutely critical that all members and the wider community have the assurance that Labor is working for them, by opening up the doors and developing a system that is responsive to the electorate.

With breathless anticipation, the crowd awaits the unveiling of the Anna Bligh statue...

35-year-old motorcyclist in critical condition

A 35-year-old Cairns man is in a critical condition after a motorcycle crash last night.

Around 11.25pm the man was riding his motorcycle on private property in Sheridan Street, Cairns when he collided with the wall of a carport.

He is now in Cairns Base Hospital with head injuries.

Freebody "best man for the job" - Langbroek

The LNP have confirmed that it is reviewing the pre-selection of Paul Freebody as their candidate for the State seat of Cairns, despite the Party's leader saying he is the best person for the role in Cairns yesterday. God help the LNP.

A report on WIN TV last night said the change of heart follows "lewd allegations" about the former citry councillor's business dealings.

John Paul Langbroek said yesterday whilst visiting Cairns, Paul Freebody is the "best person for the job."

Well, what a sad reflection of the LNP if this is the best they can to to represent our region, after 10 years of Labor, and close to 100 years of Labor representation in the Cairns seat.

Mr Freebody has called our female councillors "witches and bitches" and has made numerous threats of violence against people's lives. There are also serious questions to be answered about his business dealings over recent years that are part of a legal liquidation investigation from his Car Wash Cafe business

"The fact is I'm here to represent the people of Cairns, I want to work for the people," Mr Freebody said yesterday when he was with his Party's leader on the Cairns Esplanade.

"Paul Freebody has been chosen as a former Councillor, very enthusiastic, chosen by the local people in Cairns," a defiant John Paul Langbroek said yesterday, who cancelled an open media interview at the last night. However the LNP has now said the decision for the pre-selection will be "re-evaluated" but Langbroek says Freebody is still the right choice. "It will be a tough fight, but we will show the people of Cairns that [we] are a better alternative than Labor."

However CairnsBlog has been informed that very senior members of the Party are now looking into the background of Freebody, something that wasn't done prior to the selection. A Liberal MP is also calling for this to "be dealt with" as a matter of urgency, and that all claims be heard. Another party source, who did not want to be named, said he "needed to go, so we can select someone else, and move on as soon as possible."

Federal Party leader, Tony Abbott, has also been informed of the ructions within the Cairns LNP and been made aware of the specific issues surrounding Mr Freebody.

The WIN TV report said that Mr Freebody had also "stepped down" from his role as CEO of his waterpark project, planned to be built on the flood plain of the Barron River delta. It will be a project that will now not ever happen, and was never going to get off the ground, given it's location, the Council's damming development assessment report, and a lack of investment of banking for this idiotic plan that flew in the face of local experts.

Freebody still says the building of the waterpark is on-track, despite hurdles. "When you have floods and cyclones, we tend to have investors that get a little bit spooked," Paul Freebody said yesterday.

Ahem... Bullshit!

Use it or lose it, AusPost says

Following a 60% drop in turnover last year, Australia Post has said it could be looking at the service ending if the current trend continues.

Most of the downturn has been attributed to our love of using email instead of 'snail mail' as we now affectionately call posting a letter.

Are you still using the good ol fashioned postal service to communicate? I can't recall the last time I posted a letter.

Tuesday 22nd February, 12:53pm. Christchurch, New Zealand

Two minute silence at 12:51pm for quake dead

Church bells will ring across New Zealand today at 12:51pm (9:51am Queensland time) the precise time a 6.3 earthquake struck Christchurch a week ago today.

A two-minute silence will be observed to honour one of New Zealand's most deadliest natural disasters that has so far claimed 154 lives that have been located in the city and suburbs, with 40 still missing.

Substantial aftershocks are still rattling the city every hour. 5,190 aftershocks have been recorded since September 4th, 348 in the last week. 20 bridges and around 120 roads, are still closed, included a cordon of the central city stopping 5,000 workers from returning.

The Press has done a tribute page of known victims to date. I will publish a series of photos this evening I have taken over the last few days.

LNP to investigate Paul Freebody's suitability

The Liberal National Party are now reviewing the suitability of Paul Freebody, who was selected just over a week ago as their candidate for the seat of Cairns.

A special meeting between senior committee members will be held in Brisbane this morning after formal complaints lodged with state director, Michael O'Dwyer, will be considered. It seems after recent disquiet with the local LNP, when they terminated local memberships, including Vic Black who was a candidate for the Cairns seat, they are now taking a serious interest in allegations from people who have had dealings with Mr Freebody, including former business partners and associates. It is believed that some of the concerns relate to how Freebody has run his business and managed legal employee obligations.

Paul Freebody also engaged in a threatening telephone call with myself in early November, that incited physical harm and worse, and this is also subject to a separate investigation. Paul has publicly denied he made any such threat.

The former Cairns city councillor, who lost to 21-year-old Kirsten Lesina at the 2008 local elections in a narrow defeat, has never been far from sparking angry outbursts. Mr Freebody's proposed waterpark, planned for Smithfield on the Baron River flood delta, and has never commenced construction, despite claims at various times in the last 12 months. Following the South East Queensland floods, it's extremely unlikely any investor or bank would back a development on the flood-prone Captain Cook highway site. During council deliberations Mr Freebody called the female councillors "witches and bitches" after a majority called for a deferral to consider objections by the development assessment manager, a reasonable course of action considering the implications and obligations the Council was being asked to commit to.

The selection of Paul Freebody as the Liberal candidate for Cairns caused a volatile reaction on talkback radio and the Cairns Post website last Monday, however all comments were subsequently removed after intervention from Mr Freebody to the Post's online editor who was told there were allegations of false names being used in the comments.

Federal MP Warren Entsch, who did not support Freebody's selection as the Cairns candidate, has insisted that those with complaints and concerns about Paul Freebody, be heard by the party's ruling committee.

Gavin King in his weekend column also discussed the poor choice of Mr Freebody as the LNP candidate, comparing it to Labor's intention to railroad Tim Grau into the seat following Desley Boyle's retirement. King suggested that under Dennis Quick's tenure as a senior party official, was somehow responsible for such candidates, however the selection of candidates rests entirely with the local members.

"Why are they so out of touch with the reality of average voters? Party membership is declining. So too is the calibre of candidates," Gavin King wrote. "People are sick and tired of big parties and all their spin and bulldust. What planet are the people who run the parties on, seriously?"

"The LNP executive need to take a hard look at the local hierarchy and the decisions they’re making. It’s almost like they don’t actually want to win government because it’s much, much harder than being the Opposition. The party’s Far Northern stalwart Dennis Quick has the best interests of the region at heart and he’s got some good ideas for diversifying the local economy. But the quality of recent candidates touted under his watch has been so bad the pre-selection process was delayed by months until they could find some better options." Gavin King wrote.

The party's State Council normally officially ratifies all selections after local pre-selections and therefore has the authority to override a local electorate committee, however this process is normally not invoked.