Who's Running This Show?
The Former Queensland Leader's Electoral
Office - Is Anybody There?????
The new Queensland Leader may have announced the October
13 by-election for Brisbane Central today [16/9/07], but citizens in the
electorate remain unrepresented, since the old Leader cut and run last Friday.
'The past few days have been terrible,' said Mrs Oldnosey
from up the road.
'I mean, his sign's on the electoral office door, but he's
not there, so what are we supposed to do in a crisis?'
But other residents remain nonplussed by the absence of
a political representative in their area.
'That commie ratbag was never there anyway,' said Mr Richypants.
'The fact of the matter is, it's developers and big business
who run this electorate, so putting a caretaker politician in there is a
complete waste of time.'
Residents of Bradley Street, Spring Hill, where the former
Leader's electoral office is located, have reported recent sightings of
the ghost of Sir Charles Lilley.
Sir Charles Lilley was a Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
and Premier of Queensland [1868-1870] and mostly remembered for founding
the Brisbane Grammar School in 1868, and introducing the Free Secular Education
Bill in 1870. He also owned land in the area of Lilley Street. (At the height
of his fame, Arthur Street, Spring Hill was renamed Lilley Street in his
honour.)
Sir Charles Lilley and his family lived in Jesmond Cottage,
at the corner of Bradley Street and Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill throughout
the 1860s and 1870s. The St. Andrew's War Memorial Hospital Administration
Building on Wickham Terrace was constructed around Jesmond Cottage in the
1930s.
It is thought the ghost of Sir Charles Lilley has stepped
in to protect the electorate until a living replacement is found.
Sir Charles Lilley - Ghostly Apparition
in Bradley Street
Cover Up At Jacob's Ladder
Jacob's Ladder recently acquired some scaffolding and a
lovely boxy looking cover. Presumably this is to protect pedestrians whilst
construction work is taking place on the adjacent IBM building.
But who would know?
Rohrig Constructions, who refurbished the (soon to be tenanted
to Rio Tinto) McDonnell & East building in George Street, have their
sign on display.
Rohrig's webite (which is advertised in the White Pages
as www.rohrig.com.au) doesn't work, so you could phone them - if you can
be bothered!
Other than that, you'll have to wait for a propaganda piece
in the corporate pages.
Anyway, if you're olde Brisbane you'll know Jacobs Ladder
- that challenging set of stairs you need to climb when walking from town
up to the medical specialists on Wickham Terrace.
According to the Spring Hill Heritage Tour, a walkway known
as Jacobs Ladder existed in the early 1900s, with the concrete steps being
built in 1920. On one occasion a motor car was driven up the ladder! Jacobs
Ladder once nestled beside Trades Hall, a five-storey Classical-style masonry
building built in the early 1920s and demolished in 1985 to make way for
the IBM Building.
These days, Jacobs Ladder is regularly traversed by boot
camp fitness fanatics. In May last year, we encountered a bunch of extreme
in-line skaters using the ladder as an obstacle course, taking run offs
from the top of the stairs and attempting to roll along the railing to the
bottom - one or two actually made it! Lucky for them the little white picket
fence that went all the way up the left hand side of the ladder was recently
replaced by the hard steel railing.
One youngster, who had come from Toowoomba, told us there
were kids from all around South East Queensland in attendance and that the
event was a once a year occurrence, organised by a local skate shop. The
whole Saturday was devoted to an in-line skating tour of our town.
Over the past four years, the author of this website has
amassed a considerable database of historical information pertaining to
Spring Hill. If you are interested in this information, contact: spring_hill_voice@hotmail.com.
Lesbian Vampires At La Bot Bot
Expect a night of ghoulish thrills and created
chills as La Bot Bot explores the motivation behind one of hokeytown's most
infamous murder cases.
Yes, for $20 you can hear all about our
very own lesbian vampire murderers at La Bot Bot, and how they were influenced
by the occult. No, you won't hear anything about the police investigation
revealing factors relating to childhood psychological and physical abuse.
It's vital we prolong the demonisation of these women, especially as one
of them is currently fighting to be returned to a low security prison.
As with the recent revival of the "Cat
Lady Murderer" case, you will definitely read more about this event
in the corporate media. Just don't expect any investigation into the REALLY
creepy stuff going on around town being perpetrated by powerful, rich, white
males.
Queenslanders To Be Barcoded
In a world first, the Department of What Ails You have
decided to barcode all Queenslanders for their health and wellbeing.
"Rather than properly address the current crises -
a shortage of doctors, vanishing specialists, and a lack of hospital beds
- we decided it would be best to give Queenslanders the impression that
we're actually doing something," the Ailing Minister announced yesterday.
"It's a similar strategy to the "What Ails You?"
hotline that we set up at the end of last year."
Research Professor Porschendriven from the International
College of What the hell is going on in Queensland said, "Something
needed to be done. I mean, how many more botoxed willies do we have to see?"
The Ailing Minister agreed.
"Sure, there are a lot of initiatives we could implement,
but one has to consider the implications. Barcoding all Queenslanders will
have much better outcomes (going forward) than say, releasing all the data
relating to cancer clusters throughout the state."
Dr Nanotech from the University of the Dominant Paradigm
will commence work on the barcoding project next month.
"Ze plan iz to insert ze barcode on ze foreheadz of
all ze Queenslanders," he said.
"But for an extra cost, zere will be an option to
put ze barcode on a more discreet part of ze body - like ze arze."
In related news, Brisbane developer, Mr Ripoff, has recently
launched an exclusive block of apartments at New Farm that will greet you
on your arrival home every day.
The apartment says, "Hello Dave. You are SO good looking
and wealthy," while fixing you a nice cold beer, and switching on the
air-conditioning and stereo, just the way you like it.
Mr Ripoff said there a plans to incorporate a scanner into
the building's security system, which will read the barcodes on residents
foreheads to let them in.
the deal has been done
have you noticed?
or is it just me?
that it's rotten to the core in the sunshine state?
why give a eulogy?
why not mention his legacy?
or are you beholden?
an apparatchik
in academia or the public service
or an "edgy" columnist
with your head up your arse
self congratulating
writing for "independent" on-line newsletters
pretending to be a lefty
quite happy their developer mates and international friends
are carving up the state
and indulging every decadent whim
while you present a cultural paradigm
that makes the rest of us want to vomit
what about the 'deal is done' dam?
and cruiseship terminal on the spit?
electoral fraud?
council amalgamations?
stolen wages?
the ministers who did bad things?
millions of dollars in government advertising
into the news ltd coffers?
and those shredded pages?
oh sorry
that's a conspiracy, and now i really need to vomit
so long,
farewell,
auf wiedersehn
fuck off
i go now with the missus
dr death has spoken
i'll leave you with
my good friend anna bligh
in her construction helmet
'cos chicks are great
in the smart state
as long as they know their place
just ask merri , linda or
di
by the way
i did not do my best
Gee. I wonder if this poem could jeopardise my Smart
State, Arts Queensland grant application?
Beautiful Poets Pay Tribute To Leonard
According to the Director and evening's MC Graham Nunn,
Leonard Cohen very nearly made it to town for this years Queensland Poetry
Festival at the Judith Wright Centre. Maybe the man himself will sing 'Everybody
Knows' and 'I'm Your Man' if he makes it in 2008.
But only someone who has committed a Bacardi Breezer Brisbane
BBQ blunder would point out that last night [8/9/07], not one of the artists
performed these two famous Cohen songs.
Or dare to question the significance of the Canada Council
for the Arts being a festival sponsor..
Perhaps I should elaborate.
A lifetime ago, I attended a strange party in an old house
in West End. 'Decksandrumsandrockandroll' was repeating itself - but Shirley
had been programmed out.
So I programmed her back in.
The up-and-coming combi driver's former musicians were
so irritated by this faux pas, they couldn't play 'Norwegian Wood'.
Forgive me.
cohen is broke
and would not be impressed
that you can't smoke on the balcony of the jude anymore
it isn't very poetic
nevermind
the bartender is a lovely chap
and suzanne shimmered in emerald satin
we all meowed when david told us to
i saw a senator
heard excellent guitar, and pat benatar
asked, "where is my gypsy wife?"
graham held it together
while julie was framed by her frames
and pointed out the perversity with stella
a beautiful loser in boots and denim
had the brisbane aesthetes wondering
shane had the truth in his eye
so steve calmed us down
and we entered the night and the mini skirts of brunswick street
Deputy City Hall Guy In Sunday Shocker
The only Sunday paper in pointy town have concocted a sex
and death non-story that accuses a local politician of being a graverobber.
According to the scribe, said politician arranged to have
a couple of cousins buried in the same family plot back in 2002.
What an ogre this man is, wanting to fulfil a relative's
final wish.
Plus, he's openly gay - AND an artist - so we must continue
our concerted campaign to paint him up as a real weirdo.
The clowns' tongues were really wagging this morning, and
no-one questioned the fact that a couple of bitter and twisted family members
waited 5 years to take "legal action" and speak out to the only
paper in town.
Everyone in pointy town agreed because they all know they
have weird family shit hidden away in their own closets. In any case, they
didn't really want to know what the real story is because their heads would
explode.
Funny how the BCC's online "Grave Location Search"
isn't functioning today:
http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/BCC:STANDARD:726672626:pc=PC_899
Photo-documentary Study Reveals Secret
Life Of West End
An intriguing urban planning study to be launched at a
public exhibition this Sunday [9/9/07], will take viewers on a photographic
journey through the parallel worlds of Brisbane's vibrant West End
The exhibition is part of a Griffith University Urban Research
Program study, 'Life in the City', by PhD student Sarah Gall, who spent
the past six months recruiting participants across the spectrum of West
End's community.
"We enlisted the help of 25 volunteers ranging from
18-year-old students to professionals, to retirees in their 60s. There were
people who came up through emergency and public housing, people who rented,
and people who own million dollar homes," she said.
"They spent a week or more documenting their daily
lives in a photo diary that captures their home life, work, travel, shopping,
socializing and the way the use the space around them."
Sarah said the first-person perspective had uncovered a
richness that statistical data alone could not reveal.
"I focused on West End in response to intense debate
about the future of this historic area, and its changing character.
"A lot of urban planning research is done on the macro-scale,
collecting quantitative data on population, built form, demographics and
housing affordability," she said.
"This is important for planning purposes, but it doesn't
really bring out the qualitative data that exists in a diverse place such
as West End. I needed to work on a micro-scale, using informal tools such
as interviews, personal stories and photographs to capture the nuances that
give a place its character."
"For example we hear about the lack of affordable
housing, but actually seeing how a low-income person manages in West End
brings this home."
Sarah said documenting 25 parallel lives revealed some
unexpected results.
"I noted the way people change their daily walks to
coincide with flowering and fruiting plants in people's gardens, almost
like setting up an urban food trail!"
'Life in the City' will be held:
WHEN: Sunday 9 September 3.30pm
WHERE: Moxa Healing and Art Space, 158 Boundary St, West
End
DETAILS: s.gall@griffith.edu.au
A.P.A.E.C. Gets Underway
Sydneysiders are whooping it up as A.P.A.E.C. (All Plunder
Australia Equally Coalition) hit town this week.
"I feel like we're really part of the world stage,"
said a gentleman being frisked at a check point.
"Just like Palestine....or Guantanamo Bay."
A business owner, whose C.B.D. cafe is in the centre of
the "secure area" said, "I'm losing business, but hey, it's
not like A.P.A.E.C. is supposed to benefit all Australians."
Other Australians have looked on with pride in our country
and its great democracy, as leaders from many nations have descended on
our wide, brown land to purchase our natural resources at bargain barrel
prices.
"Tankyou for all that gas - you weally are a wery
wucky countwy," said the Leader of China.
"Wook at Opposition Weader, he wike a dancwing monkwey
wif his secon wangwidge," he said.
"And as for you weader, he just bend ower and wet
us do what we wike."
The Leader of Russia expressed his delight at securing
a shitload of uranium.
"I just done a deal wiz Jakarta to sell zem some weapons,
so zis is excellent timing," he said, ripping off his shirt and flexing
his muscles.
The US Leader made one of his infamous gaffes which lightened
up proceedings considerably.
He was overheard at a press conference chatting with Hyacinth
Bucket and saying, "Hey Grandmoar, sarry the missus couldn't come -
it's just that she hates yer."
Candelabra Nice told the GAYBC that she gets emotional
when she thinks about Iraq and all those Americans in the Walter Reed hospital.
The limited news have reported that a small group of freedom
haters and terrorists are conspiring to hold a violent protest, while all
satirists should be rounded up and shot.
Photos Of Yesterday's Student Protest
Against APEC In Brisbane
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lookingleft/
Why We Need Free Public
Transport
(Queensland Police Media Release: Armed robbery, West End
- 4/9/07)
A Brisbane City Council bus driver was held up at knife
point last evening. Around 9.55pm a man waiting near a bus stop in Hardgrave
Street, West End flagged down an approaching bus. The man entered the vehicle
and then allegedly produced a knife before demanding money from the 40-year-old
female driver. The man obtained a sum of cash before fleeing. He was last
seen running down Doorknock Tce, West End. The man is described as Caucasian,
mid 20’s, slim build, 180cms, dark hair wearing denim jeans, black
jumper and black cap. No one was injured during this incident.
Anyone with information which could assist police with
their investigations should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
It is not known whether Police intend to "Dornoch"!
Queensland Leader Stacks It On
Lack of sleep and a poor diet have made the Queensland
Leader a bit of a boombah, according to experts at the Y.A.W.N. conference,
currently taking place up north.
Sleep expert from the Ponds Institute, Dr Slumbarr told
the conference, "There's nothing I enjoy more than forty winks, followed
by two cheeseburgers and a chat to my friends at Bowen Hills to give them
a quote for a pissweak story.
The Queensland Leader admitted that the long, hard hours
he puts in while running the state have caused him to neglect his diet and
stack on the pounds.
"Even Rastarse the dog won't go for walkies with me
- he's too embarrassed," he said.
"Nevertheless, a story about my expanding derriere
is much better than a story that provides Queenslanders with some comprehensive
political analysis."
Brisbane's Figs Face Final Days
Brisbane Trees...unattractive and a real
menace
City Hall and the State Environmental Protection Bureau
(E.P.B.) have joined forces to eradicate Brisbane's Moreton Bay Figs in
a strategy called "Who Gives A Fig?".
"These so called natural assets are a nuisance and
and detract from the burgeoning architectural beauty of Brisbane's concrete
wonderland, so we are ordering property owners to cut them down," said
a spokesperson from the EPB.
"Besides, haven't City Hall and the limited news made
it clear that they all have fungus? (The trees I mean) Not to mention the
fact that these sprawling monsters (the trees, not the politicians and the
scribes) harbour annoying wildlife that squawks and poops everywhere - ewwwwww."
Property owners will be encouraged to use the vacant space
on their property to build swimming pools, tennis courts, media rooms or
poncy drought resistant gardens.
The "Who Gives A Fig?" strategy has remain unopposed
because like our elected representatives and government bureaucracy, the
limited news only give a fig about big business.
"We're well on the way to becoming the world's loveliest
sub-tropical city," said a City Hall spokesperson.
"But I'm paid to say that, so how will you ever know
the truth?"
Musgrave Park Swimming Complex At Risk
Green Space tranquillity and eco-friendly outdoor Sports
and Leisure Centre or excavation, high fences, thousands of square metres
of concrete, increased reflected heat, excessive noise and disruption.
A major Development Application has been proposed:
Public Meeting on Tuesday 25th September 2007 at 6pm at
Jagera Arts Hall, 121 Cordelia Street, South Brisbane.
or
see: www.westendpool.blogspot.com
Brisbane Celebrates The International
Day of Peace
Every woman, every man
Join the caravan of love (Stand up, stand up, stand up)
Everybody take a stand
Join the caravan of love
I'm your brother
I'm your brother, don't you know
I'm your brother
I'm your brother, don't you know
We'll be living in a world of peace
In a day when everyone is free
We'll bring the young and the old
Won't you let your love flow from your heart
[From 'Caravan of Love', Isley M., Isley E., & Jasper
C. 1985 - also a hit for The Housemartins, and performed in Reddacliff Place
today!]
Delightful A Capella And Energetic Hip
Hop
The International Day of Peace is celebrated annually as
a day of global ceasefire and non-violence. First established by the United
Nations in 1981, it was set to a fixed date, September 21, in 2001.
The International Day of Peace Alliance presented musical
performances, art and other activities in Reddacliff Place. Takashi Murizumi's
photographic exhibition - 'The Children of the Gulf War' - was on display,
and drew a great deal of interest from city workers and passersby. The Australian
tour of this exhibition is an humanitarian project of the Women's International
League For Peace And Freedom WILPF.
Blue ribbons were handed out at today's celebrations. The
blue ribbon symbolises the wearer's undertaking to promote peace, non-violence
and goodwill - so I apologise to the driver of a blue station wagon who
I called a "f#$king idiot" at the "dicing with death"intersection
of Leichhardt Street and Wickham Terrace last evening.
Peace Man.
For further details and information about events taking
place see: www.idpa.org.au
Provocative Photographs
Peaceful Painting
Australia's Cultural Heritage Up For Grabs
Greens Media Release [20/9/07]
Australian Greens Heritage Spokesperson, Senator Christine
Milne, today called on the Duke of Edinburgh Award to withdraw Judith Wright's
property, Edge, from sale until a suitable heritage solution can be found.
Senator Milne said "The Prime Minister talks about
Australian values. Now his government has the opportunity to act to protect
a site of great cultural and literary significance, part of our nation's
'blood's country'.
"As soon as I heard about the proposed sale of this
property which inspired one of Australia's greatest poets, I wrote to Minister
Turnbull calling for an emergency heritage listing.
"Judith Wright bequeathed her property to the people
of Australia through the Australian National University, which in turn gifted
it to the Duke of Edinburgh Awards for $1. It is appalling that this property
has now been put on the open market without caveats in complete contempt
of the great poet's intent and generosity.
"Today I am writing to the Duke of Edinburgh and the
Duke of Edinburgh Awards, requesting that they withdraw the property from
sale until a suitable heritage solution can be negotiated.
"'Edge', the property near Braidwood where Judith
Wright lived in later life, inspired some of her greatest works.
"I have called for emergency heritage listing of the
property under the following criterion of the EPBC Act:
the place has outstanding heritage value to the nation
because of the place’s special association with the life or works of
a person, or group of persons, of importance in Australia’s natural
or cultural history."
Boutique Plan$ For Howie Wharve$
Brisbane residents are set to be excluded from yet another
publicly owned area - unless of course they bring their wallets!
Following a public consultation late last year, the City
Hall Leader has revealed plans to develop the historical Howie Wharves -
located under the Story Bridge - into a "boutique" hotel (whatever
the hell that means), and some snooty galleries, restaurants and cafes.
"This will transform the ugly old buildings into a
pretentious space for rich locals and tourists," he said.
"This is not what the people requested at the public
consultation, but does anyone seriously think those things do anything but
earn money for consultants? I know what the people of Brisbane want - they
want tunnels, unsustainable housing and the opportunity to spend,"
he said to the Limited News scribe, who nodded in furious agreement.
"Sometimes people need to be told that they don't
want public amenity like inner city community areas, parks and public transport.
I also hope this development will deter people from walking through the
area on their way to and from that ridiculous riverwalk we all hate with
a passion."
Heritage architects will strip the Howie warehouse buildings
until they are barely recognisable, purloin the valuable timber beams, then
add pokey out awnings and strange metal sculptures depicting the Brisbane
River and the slave trade. An anointed recreational business will charge
exorbitant fees for clowns to climb up and down the cliffs, the air-raid
shelters will be retained for the forthcoming war, and the "boutique"
hotel will topple into the river when the sea levels rise.
Harp Society Of Queensland To Perform
'Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam'
A 'Harp Society Of Queensland' concert is being held in
association with the Brisbane Ethnic Music Centre in their beautiful rambling
colonial mansion under the Story Bridge - Yungaba. Sadly this publicly owned
heritage building is to be subdivided into private luxury apartments next
year, so this will be one of the last opportunities to visit this beautiful
building overlooking the Brisbane River. No reservations are necessary for
the performance. The society says: "If you are able to, please come
and experience the richness, beauty and wisdom of the great Persian cultural
tradition. In a world where politics and profit have alienated us from this
whole section of mankind, we need art to remind us of our debts to and fellowship
with the Middle-East."
The concert is at 2pm, Sunday, 7th October 2007, Brisbane
Multicultural Arts Centre (BEMAC), 120 Main Street, Kangaroo Point. Tickets
can be purchased at the door. Adults: $15, Concessions & HSQ Members:
$10, Children under the age of 12: Free. For more information phone: 0427
631 723
Brisbane By-Election Blues
the brisbane central by-election
will be very odd
for there is just one candidate
who's been given the nod
one candidate
has been lobbed in
no-one else can stand the pace
or dares rise up to the challenge
it's a bloody disgrace
democracy oh democracy
where have you vanished to?
this state is run by dirty hacks
and is going to the poo
Bowen Hills Staff Cancer Fear As National
Broadcaster Moves In
Staff at the Limited News have expressed fear and anger
as plans to allow the National Broadcaster to move into the Bowen Hills
headquarters reach their final stages.
"I don't want them here, infecting us with their lefty
cancer," said one of the more outspoken Limited News scribes.
"It's better that the National Broadcaster operations
are spread all around Brisbane so they have to continue to rely on the Limited
News' excellent news agenda."
The Editor of Brisbane's Limited News, Mr Madonna, tried
to calm any fears.
"It's a good move, we get all our building refurbishments
paid for by the taxpayer, and we can groom those idealistic young ABC reporters
appropriately. The fears of my scribes are irrational, and I expect
there's a little bit of jealousy about my relationship with Mrs Madonna
who hosts the breakfast shift on the national broadcaster," he said,
blushing slightly.
"They'll get over it, everyone in this town knows
that all roads lead to Bowen Hills. Anyway, it will be nice to have my wife
in the same building, because we already have the national broadcaster in
the same bed."
Regions Highlighted in Annual Awards For
Bad Developers:
Greens Media Release [18/9/07]
The 2007 Bad Developer Awards will be awarded this week
and nominations from regional areas have dominated this year.
“These awards give communities an opportunity to highlight
the worst new or prospective developments in NSW over the past year,”
said the Awards founder and host, NSW Greens MP Sylvia Hale. "Last
year’s award for worst residential development was won by JohnSymonds
for his over-the-top mega-mansion at Point Piper in Sydney. The award for
worst industrial development went to proposed cement works at White Bay.
I'm glad to say that development was withdrawn soon after it won the award,"
said Ms Hale.
This year’s nominations feature many regional nominees
including: Killaea State Park (near Kiama) - proposed 200 bed tourist resort
within a state park. Vincentia (Jervis Bay) - Massive Stocklands commercial
and retaildevelopment next to the Booderee National Park. Catherine Hill
Bay - Rosecorps’s massive residential development surrounding this
small heritage-listed mining village. Hunter Valley - the massive Anvil
Hill coal mine which threatens water sources and air quality throughout
the valley and surrounding areas. Mudgee - Moolarben coal mine - threatens
the Goulburn River and large areas of farm land and Stocklands commercial
retail development that will dominate the town centre and threaten the livelihood
of many localshops and businesses. Gerroa - Sand Quarry extension into protected
tropical vegetation area. Shellharbour and Queenbeyan Councils have been
nominated in the worst council category.
This year the awards also include categories for commentators
and journalists who write about development issues. Nominees in these categories
so far include journalists from the Newcastle Herald, the Illawarra Mercury
and the ABC. The awards will be announced at a ceremony in Sydney on Thursday
20 September, 2007. Information about how to nominate or attending the awards
event can befound at www.sylviahale.org.au.
Nominations close Tuesday 18 September 2007.
From "Plane Fire Drama" To Parliament
His plane may have made an emergency landing on the Darling
Downs over the weekend, but it didn't stop Senator Barnaby Joyce.
Here's an excerpt from his Adjournment Speech to the Senate
regarding the Heiner Affair and the Lindeberg Grievance presented last night
[17/9/07].
The excerpt is part of a letter addressed to the Hon. Peter
Beattie MLA from the Hon. Jack Lee AO QC, Retired Chief Judge at Common
Law Supreme Court of New South Wales; co-signed by Dr Frank McGrath, Retired
Chief Judge, Compensation Court of New South Wales; co-signed by Alastair
MacAdam, Senior Lecturer in Arts Law, Law Faculty, QUT Brisbane, and Barrister-at-Law;
co-signed by the Hon. Justice RP Meagher QC, former Justice of the Appeal
Court of New South Wales; co-signed by Alex Shand QC, leading QC in Australia;
and also co-signed by Barry O’Keefe, former Chief Judge, Commercial
Division, Supreme Court of New South Wales and former Commissioner of the
Independent Commission against Corruption in New South Wales.
"Senator JOYCE:
This affair encompasses all the essential democratic
ideals. The right to a fair trial without interference by government and
the right to impartial law-enforcement, to say nothing of respecting the
rule of law itself rest at its core. Respecting the doctrine of the separation
of powers and our constitutional monarchy system of democratic government
are involved.
We believe that the issues at stake are too compelling
to ignore.
We suggest that if the Heiner affair remains in its current
unresolved state, it would give reasonable cause for ordinary citizens,
especially Queenslanders, to believe that there is one law for them, and
another for Executive Government and civil servants.
We find such a prospect unacceptable.
We urge the Queensland Government to appoint an independent
Special Prosecutor as recommended by the House of Representatives Standing
Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs in its August 2004 Report
(Volume Two—Recommendation 3) following its investigation into the
affair as part of its national inquiry into “Crime in the community:
victims, offenders and fear of crime”.
Such an independent transparent process we believe will
restore public confidence in the administration of justice throughout
the Commonwealth of Australia, more especially in Queensland."
Senator Joyce also read from a letter addressed to the
Hon. Peter Beattie MLA from Ryan & Bosscher lawyers, who act on behalf
of Mr Kevin Lindeberg. The letter refers to Mr David Rofe QC's recently
compiled chronology of matters and events relating to abuses that took place
at the John Oxley Youth Detention Centre.
"Mr Rofe believes that there is prima facie evidence
that members of the Goss Cabinet, certain of their staff and certain public
officials in March 1990 illegally authorised, and/or were complicit in,
causing the destruction of the Heiner documents knowing that they were
evidence realistically required for a judicial proceeding (inter alia
litigation involving Mr Coyne and the physical and sexual abuse of children
held in care and custody of the State of Queensland at the JOYC.
It is Mr Lindeberg’s view, and that view is shared
by this office and Mr Rofe, that neither the former CJC, the Queensland
Police Service or the Crime and Misconduct Commission (or any other body
for that matter) has ever conducted a full and proper investigation/enquiry
investigating this matter to completion."
* UPDATE *
ABC Online reports tonight [19/9/07]:
"'Senate refuses tabling of shredded report'
The Senate has refused to let Nationals Senator Barnaby
Joyce table a report relating to documents shredded by the Queensland
Cabinet when Kevin Rudd was then-premier Wayne Goss's chief of staff.
The shredded documents related to allegations of child sex abuse in a
Queensland detention centre.
There have been five previous Senate inquiries into the
matter. Senator Joyce was refused leave to table a new nine-volume report,
that he says reveals 67 breaches of the criminal code by members of the
cabinet, ministerial staff and public servants."
* UPDATE UPDATE *
It appears Senator Joyce has failed in his second attempt
to table the Rofe Report:
http://www.barnabyjoyce.com.au/news/default.asp?action=article&ID=461
