Deal between Greens and Dems good for Queensland

I was glad to hear that the Democrats in Queensland, represented by Senator Andrew Bartlett, and the Greens, have done a preference deal for the senate at the upcoming federal election. Queensland is a traditionally backward state, electing more than their fair share of redneck 'conservative' senators. Which is why it's been such rich pickings for Pauline Hanson.

Even though the Liberals and Nationals are running on a joint ticket (with the Liberals first on the ticket, of course), Nationals leader Mark Vaile denies that this will put current National Party fatcat senator Ron Boswell at risk of losing his seat. Knowing Queensland, Vaile is right, but we can dream...

PM’s announcement to recognise Indigenous Australians in our Constitution

Posted by Andrew Bartlett under Indigenous Issues

John Howard’s announcement in a speech to the Sydney Institute that – if re-elected - he will seek to hold a referendum to formally recognise indigenous Australians in our Constitution is unexpected, but I think it is very welcome.

I’ve already seen comment brimming with cynicism about this announcement, suggesting it’s a pre-election stunt or even a way to keep the Prime Ministership away from Peter Costello for more than half of the next term if he does manage to get re-elected.

Personally, I couldn’t care less what his other motivations might be. And of course it would have been better if he’d tried to do something like this ages ago. But it’s still a good step, albeit only a first step, towards implementing just one measure amongst the many needed to properly recognise and respect the unique role the First Australians play in our nation’s past, present and future.

Full post at The Bartlett Diaries

Some Australians are more equal than others

Posted by Andrew Bartlett: Sat 6 Oct 2007

On Friday night I attended and spoke at a pre-election forum in Brisbane organised by the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland. It was focused on the issues of immigration, citizenship, multiculturalism and refugees & asylum seekers. Other speakers apart from me were Laurie Ferguson from the ALP, Teresa Gambaro from the Liberals, Larissa Waters from the Greens and Jan Pakallus from the Citizens Electoral Council.

The forum happened to coincide with the pre-meditated and deliberate public attacks on Australians with Sudanese heritage by the Immigration Minister, Kevin Andrews, supported by the Prime Minister and other Coalition members. Not surprisingly a number of Australians there who were originally from Sudan were present who were less than happy and made their anger plain to Teresa Gambaro. I had a tiny bit of sympathy for her, as I doubt she personally supports Kevin Andrews’ comments – but only a bit.

Full Post at The Bartlett Diaries

Andrew Bartlett is a Democrats Senator from Queensland.