Bert Bowden, Independent candidate for Pumicestone

Bert is all about the future. While we learn from the past, we need to focus beyond tomorrow; and this has been a major failing of previous Governments. The legacy we now bear is crippled infrastructure, a crippled health system, a struggling education system, and an economic system that has had large gaping holes shot in it. Businesses folding, people without jobs, and security of retirement for many now gone. And God help you if you get sick.

The knee-jerk reaction of the Bligh government to many issues is sinful. Drought and water supply is a prime example of the way Labor is operating -- recycled dunny water, Traveston Dam, and the introduced-by-stealth fluoridation. And there's the health system that itself is so sick that it needs resurrecting from the dead -- the ongoing saga of unqualified doctors, surgery gone wrong, and staffing levels that mean doctors and nurses are being worked into the ground -- and then held accountable when the inevitable happens.

Traffic and transport is yet another major failing. Instead of all the independent authorities working in isolation to create their own disaster, why not the State, City and Regional Councils, Brisbane Airport, Port of Brisbane, and private operators, all get together and plan as one for a whole-of-coast solution. Millions are wasted every year in terms of fuel, operator time, and inefficiencies, by having traffic at a stand-still; this is an enormous cost to the State.

Have we not had enough of failing to plan? Time to stop sticking band-aids on problems. Time to get back to the root of all these problems, and develop long-term fixes. You can cover an ulcer with a band-aid, but that only means the ulcer is out of sight. Let's get serious, stop the them-and-us political slandering, and work for a better Queensland.

The only way to keep the parties honest, accountable, and on track, is to empower Independent members of Parliament. Those who can take on the role of a house of review (which Queensland doesn't have, of course). Independents should have but one policy, as I do - only allow legislation and governance that is good for Queensland -- and reject everything else.

Whether it is me you elect, or any other independent candidate, you must vote independent. It is the only mechanism you have to keep the major parties honest and make them do what you want them to do.