IN another life I was a talk-back radio host in Townsville. That was in the 1980s during the Bjelke-Petersen era.
Local candidates across all parties were available to answer questions in a live to air interview with no interference from minders.
This election the LNP has effectively gagged all its Ipswich candidates from local media interviews. A carefully prepared written statement is all we get with no chance to ask questions.
And there’s plenty to ask too.
For example, what are the local candidates’ views on being given a conscience vote on re-criminalisation of abortion if it came before the house? How would they vote?
Then there’s the LNP leader’s statement he would immediately shut down the Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry established under the Path to Treaty Act. This is extremely disappointing because the LNP originally supported the Act in May 2023.
The Inquiry’s powers are limited to providing advice and making recommendations to government.
Nothing scary here, so why the change of heart?
Importantly, the Inquiry provides a public forum to listen and record experiences, collate evidence, educate and build understating of First Nations history and culture.
It is also about healing and shining a light on things that have happened in the past and are happening now.
The Inquiry began on July 1 this year and is intended to run for three years. I hope that is still the case after Saturday.
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