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INTRODUCTION
My
Fellow Far North Queenslanders
The
political landscape in Australia is currently undergoing a long overdue change.
At last a shift in attitude within the community is becoming apparent, people
are questioning what the party politicians are actually doing, who they
represent, and are they really worth voting for.
Traditionally,
Australians are not easily stirred into action to change a tried and proven
political system such as we have developed over the last 100 years, to encompass
true 'representative' democracy.
Australians
are more likely to fight to preserve this system, with its aspects of equality,
fairness and justice, due to the separation of political and judicial power. But
there must be more accountability by our 'Parliamentary Representatives' to the
people who elected them!
Australia's
two-party system has effectively disenfranchised over 40% of Australian voters.
We
must acknowledge that the excessive influence of party discipline has become a
major obstacle to the original intention of our Constitution to elect a
parliamentary member to represent the 'WILL' of the Electorate. This situation
has caused many Australians to lose confidence in our politicians, our
institutions and our governments.
Further,
we must recognise that Independent Members of Parliament offer service to their
electorate that is unimpeded by the outside influence of the party machine; the
advantage of this freedom to the electorate is obvious. An Independent puts the
interest of his or her fellow Australians first, by addressing the issues that
affect all Australians.
It
must be noted that I have NEVER been a member of
any political party, and as such, I am able to represent the expressed majority 'WILL
of the PEOPLE' of Queensland without any outside influence.
Like
most Queenslanders, I have ‘had a gutful’ of
outrageous fuel prices, relentless tax increases, rising inequality, falling
living standards, and, Governments pandering to minority groups at the expense
of the majority!
The
party politicians appear to have more regard for, and interest in, salary
increases, superannuation pay-outs, numerous lurks, perks and other fringe
benefits, rather than your views and concerns on:
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Aged Care
Facilities |
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Health, Dental
& Mental Services |
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Community Values |
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Immigration |
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Education |
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Primary & Secondary Industry Strategic
Plan |
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Employment Creation |
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Privatisation
of Taxpayer-Owned Assets |
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Energy -
Hydrogen Power |
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REAL Taxation Reform |
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Fuel Prices |
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Water Infrastructure |
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I
believe we have a right to be safe and secure in our homes, parks and streets.
We want a society in which everyone receives a fair go in life, regardless of
race, religious belief or gender. We want a country that will stand tall in the
world, but not at the expense of selling our taxpayer-owned assets and forcing
Australia's private enterprise to move offshore. We want a clean, accountable,
effective and efficient Government…
‘Government
of the people, by the people, and for the people’
The
vast majority of our population shares these values, but they are not reflected
in any current Government policy. Our politicians do not respect the wishes of
the people who elected them. We have trusted them and they have let us down.
A
major underlying issue that requires urgent attention is EMPLOYMENT
CREATION.
In Queensland, one project alone has the potential to create
over 90,000 permanent jobs, stimulate local shire economies, and give a massive
boost to small, medium, and large businesses. This project will cost hundreds of
millions of taxpayers' dollars, but is totally returnable, with enormous
monetary gains to the public purse.
I
refer to a 'National Water Grid' (Bradfield
Scheme), which proposes the harvesting and diversion of annual
floodwaters from Northern Queensland onto the inland plains of Central
Queensland and south into the Murray-Darling delta.
You
may say, great project, but look at the cost. In fact, over the past 10 years,
losses in the rural economy of up to $1,250 million dollars per year have been
recorded as a direct result of massive shortages of life-giving water during
harsh drought periods.
This
project is potentially on such a scale that it will eclipse the achievements of
the Snowy Mountain Scheme, create a clean energy source by way of hydro-electric
power harnessed by the rivers system, apply conservation and utilisation of
water resources by irrigation of drought effected and water starved areas of
Queensland.
By
diverting the annual floodwaters of Northern Australia into the 'scheme', the
hardships and burdens placed on 'the man on the land' in terms of stock and crop
losses, will be dramatically reduced.
It
will assist in the reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and facilitate a
totally renewable, and fully sustainable, hydroelectric energy system in
Queensland, as well as be of enormous benefit to the whole of Australia…
particularly to Australia’s rural economy.
This
is one of a number of projects that could create
employment, and a reduction in consumer costs, by the responsible utilisation of
Queensland’s natural resources such as water, oil, coal and gas.
The primary attribute
of an credible Independent Candidate is the ability to LISTEN to
the views and concerns of the electorate and make decisions based on common
sense; moral integrity; for the protection of family values; and to REPRESENT
the expressed majority 'WILL of PEOPLE'.
To
achieve this goal, I seek your support and assistance in restoring the dignity
of our great Nation and returning integrity into our Federal Parliament.
I look forward to you contacting me should you require any assistance on issues of concern to you, your family or your local community.
Respectfully
Selwyn
Johnston
Independent
Community Representatives' Advocate
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INTRODUCTION
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