Stephen Parry (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At the request of Senator Boswell, I move:

That the Senate—

(a)

condemns the dictatorial actions of the Beattie Queensland Government in imposing forced amalgamations on Queensland local government without the opportunity for appeal;

(b)

expresses serious concern at the Queensland Government’s decision to impose fines on councillors who put the amalgamation policy to local citizens by referendum;

(c)

notes that the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights states that every citizen shall have the right and the opportunity to take part in the conduct of public affairs and that this right is being undermined by the Queensland State Government; and

(d)

calls on the Beattie Government to make any amalgamations voluntary as recommended by the Federal Leader of the Opposition (Mr Rudd).

Question put.