As I wrote last edition, the LNP gave Queenslanders a result with getting a cut to learner licence fees, and last week the Government ‘pinched’ another LNP policy by announcing changes to bail for youth offenders. Making a breach of that bail an offence is about ensuring there are some consequences for action. What’s the point of bail conditions if breaching them carries no consequence? I’ll have more to say on this, and the LNP will keep highlighting the Government’s massive youth justice failures and seeking a better system.

SCENIC RIM REGIONAL COUNCIL
Following is a contribution to Queensland Parliament last week:
“This week Scenic Rim councillor Derek Swanborough resigned from Council…
He cited the 70 complaints—approximately one per fortnight for three years—and the process of constantly having to prove his innocence as reasons for his resignation. I will say more about this in the future, but for now I say that the OIA [Office of the Independent Assessor that deals with councillor conduct complaints] and conduct provisions for local government and councillors fail Queenslanders, diminish local government and seriously deter people from standing as councillors.
The OIA report tabled last year was a missed opportunity. There were some good things in it, but it could have gone a lot further. More staff and resources for the OIA, as recommended, is all well and good. However, I believe more than anything that the substance of the conduct system needs to be fixed. That is where the problem lies. In addition, it is now 20 months since the Deputy Premier promised to fix the conflict of interest provisions that can be weaponised—just like conduct complaints—to stifle debate and silence councillors. Fix it, Deputy Premier. How much longer does local government have to wait to get the conflict of interest provisions fixed, as he promised to do in June 2021?”
UKRAINE AND UNCERTAIN TIMES
24 February 2023 marked one year anniversary of Russia’s violent invasion of Ukraine - it’s worth remembering five million people had to leave their homes because of that invasion. In addition to that, over 200,000 pets and animals were left behind. I want to highlight some work being done by the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation – it’s a great organisation and they’re helping the volunteers left in Ukraine helping those animals. Governments all over the world, including Australia’s, have sent a lot of money and aid to help Ukraine in their effort and the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation is doing their bit to help the animals left behind. For more information, visit thepurplepoppy.com.au and make a donation or find out more.
The events in Ukraine – even though a long way away in physical terms – have the potential to cause huge disruption to Australia by destabilising the international trade we depend on, pushing the price of essentials even higher and reducing overall national income. These events reinforce the need for affordable, reliable energy and policies to support our businesses and industries at home in Queensland and Australia. While we hope for peace and prosperity, uncertainty looms large on the horizon and we must do whatever we can to ensure the independence and sustainability of our economy and way of life into the future, even in the face of huge disruption that may come our way from over the seas.