LNP Must Not Reduce Parliamentary Scrutiny

Katter's Australian Party Member for Mount Isa, Rob Katter, has warned the LNP against reducing parliamentary scrutiny after it proposed cutting the role of non-government MPs on the Parliamentary Committee System.
 
Mr Katter said that Queenslanders had given a strong mandate to the LNP but that did not include limiting the ability of the Queensland Parliament to hold the government to account.

"The LNP's proposed plan to cut the number of non-government MPs that sit on the parliamentary committees is dangerous," said Mr Katter.

"It will set a precedent and all future governments will be able to amend the role and function of the committees as they see fit."

"Queensland finds itself in an unprecedented situation where the biggest concern is how the government will be scrutinised. Proposing to reduce that scrutiny even further is not the answer."

"For Queenslanders to maintain their trust in the government and the parliamentary process resources must be allocated to non-government MPs so they can fulfill their roles."

"The Premier has graciously stated that he will govern with dignity and humility and we thank him for that. Now he has an opportunity to live up to his words."

Mr Katter also stated that it was clear the Labor Party had not learnt the lessons from its defeat and that it was entirely motivated by clinging to whatever government perks it could hold onto to.

"The Labor Party has shown what a complete joke it is by announcing portfolios for its MPs that it cannot hope to manage," said Mr Katter.

"Annastacia Palaszczuk is Leader of the Opposition and holds responsibilities for the Attorney-General, Justice and Industrial Relations, Education, Training and Employment, Tourism, Small Business, Major Events and Commonwealth Games and the Arts."

"The reality is that Labor Party does not have the MPs or credibility to be the opposition alone yet they are trying to keep all resources for necessary democratic oversight to themselves.For the good of all Queenslanders who expect a robust opposition, these resources need to be allocated fairly and evenly amongst all non-government MPs."

"Queenslanders have come to expect petty politics from Labor and that is why they were booted from government. They expect leadership from the LNP and I also call on the Premier to step in and ensure that the parliament in this state does not become a complete farce."

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Publish Date: 23 Apr 12

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