Commentary: How government media advisers muzzle the media
There’s an elephant in the room of Queensland governance. It’s the stranglehold unelected government employees have on government information. Information about policy decisions, new government programs, progress on taxpayer-funded research, business development programs, new legislation and all manner of things of public interest. Every day the Queensland Government sends dozens of media releases directly to […]
Lucas under fire in Parliament over health woes
The State Government has been forced to defend its record on health in the face of a barrage of questions from Liberal National Party shadow ministers and independents. More than half of Wednesday’s question time in Parliament was spent on the topic of health, with Deputy Premier and Minister for Health Paul Lucas (pictured) fielding […]
Candidates take to the buses
Three candidates in the federal seat of Ryan last week battled overcrowded buses and tight schedules to get to their campaign commitments. The were trying to show voters they understood the issues around public transport by actually using it. ACF Sustainable Transport Campaigner Gail Broadbent said the LNP’s Jane Prentice (pictured left), Labor’s Steven Miles, […]
Councillors accused of using work cars in election campaign
With the federal election only days away, tensions have leaked down to a local level, with Brisbane City councillors attacking each other for using council vehicles to campaign. Councillor Adrian Schrinner used question time on Tuesday to defend fellow Liberal National Party councillor Jane Prentice against Labor accusations at committee meetings. He said Labor councillors […]
Council ‘failed to consult’ on community garden
A community action group has accused Brisbane City Council of not following correct procedures before approving a community garden in Wynnum. Bridge Street Action Group spokeswoman Simone Bleaney said yesterday the council had failed to consult properly with local residents before it approved the garden at Kitchener Park, adjacent to Bridge St. “As residents, we […]
Australian activists recall Gaza flotilla horror
An Australian wounded in the Gaza flotilla raid has accused the Israel military of brutal conduct. Mr Ahmed Talib was speaking at an Amnesty International forum in Brisbane on Saturday. The United Nations will this week begin its investigation into the raid on the aid flotilla that left nine activists dead and dozens wounded, including […]
Rudd hits campaign trail in Brisbane
Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd spent more than an hour today campaigning in a Carindale shopping centre in support of the local Labor candidate. Mr Rudd (pictured) chatted and drank coffee with shoppers alongside Bonner MP Kerry Rea, who won the seat at the last election and now holds it with a less than 5 […]
No dodgem Latham as Gillard moves forward into sideshow
Outspoken former Labor Party leader Mark Latham gatecrashed Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s tour of the Brisbane Ekka yesterday. Barging through show-goers and a tight media scrum, Mr Latham greeted Ms Gillard brusquely with “Long time, no see”. Mr Latham quickly made it clear his words were not in welcome of his former friend and ally, […]
Construction workers hammer govt red tape
Dozens of construction workers jammed into the Brisbane City Council public gallery this week to support a union representative addressing the council on their behalf. Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union state secretary Michael Ravbar (pictured) told the council construction workers were concerned about the future of the industry. “The outlook is anything but encouraging,” […]
Major parties’ mental health policies slammed
The major parties’ mental health policies in the current federal election campaign are an improvement but still a long way short of Australia’s needs, the chief executive of the Mental Health Council, Mr David Crosbie, said today. Mr Crosbie (pictured) said the Greens’ policy was the most comprehensive and well-developed put forward by any party, […]
Farmers to rally over coal seam gas dangers
Environmental activists and farmers will hold a rally outside Brisbane parliament house tomorrow to call for an end to coal seam gas extraction research due to fears it may cause irreversible environmental damage. Friends of the Earth spokesperson Bradley Smith said farmers from Kingaroy and the surrounding Surat Basin would join environmental groups at a […]
Street poll: How will you vote? [video]
The 2010 federal election is only three weeks away. Newsbytes asked people in Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall if they have made up their mind which party to vote for. Most are still making up their minds. Reporter: Emma McBryde Camera and production: David Stuart
Street poll: should the Prime Minister be a cover girl? [video]
Australia’s first woman prime minister, Julia Gillard, is cover girl of top selling magazine Women’s Weekly, with a 13-page spread of glamorous photos. Newsbytes asked people in Brisbane what they thought. Reporter: Alex Stilianos Camera and production: David Stuart
Threat of national strike if workers jailed
Construction union leaders at a Brisbane rally last week threatened to take nation-wide industrial action if any construction worker was jailed under the current Australian Building and Construction Commission laws. In a fiery speech to hundreds of industry workers, Electrical Trades Union assistant secretary Allen Hicks threatened industrial action if the ABCC laws were used […]
Street poll: Who won – MasterChef or the pollies? [video]
Politicians and their minders had to back down in the face of MasterChef on Sunday night, rescheduling the one debate between the Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader to 6.30pm to avoid a TV clash with the ratings blitzer. Newsbytes asked Brisbane people what they believe this says about Australia as a country. Reporter: John […]