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Rob Messenger Joins UAP to Contest Hinkler

Sun, 05 May 2013 19:02:05 GMT

Former State Member for Burnett Rob Messenger has joined the newly-launched United Australia Party (UAP) and will stand as a candidate for the Queensland seat of Hinkler at the September 14 federal election.

Mr Messenger, the MP for Burnett from 2004 to 2012, said the UAP and its federal leader Professor Clive Palmer were what his community and Australia needed in a time of crisis.

"Professor Palmer is a world recognised community leader with integrity who knows how to count, balance a budget and create wealth and jobs,” he said.

"Right now that's what my community and the nation as a whole desperately needs - someone with integrity and expertise who can lead us out of this economic crisis and create community wealth and jobs - particularly in the country and regional centres.

"The UAP was first formed in the 1930's in response to an economic crisis. History is now repeating itself.”

Professor Palmer has relaunched the UAP with plans to field candidates in all House of Representative seats and a Senate team in each state and territory at the September poll. The leading businessman will stand as a candidate for the UAP in the Sunshine Coast seat of Fairfax.

Mr Messenger said Professor Palmer had insisted that if he’s elected as federal MP for Hinkler his top priority should be Hinkler constituents in the Fraser Coast, Hervey Bay and Bundaberg region.

"If I'm privileged enough to win the seat of Hinkler then my first loyalty will always be to the community who put me in parliament, not a political party,” he said.

"In practical terms it means that I will have, with Clive’s blessing, the freedom to cross the floor and vote against the party, if it’s clear this is what my community wants.

"This doesn't happen in the major political parties now.”

Mr Messenger said he was also impressed that Professor Palmer will not be dictated to by political lobbyists and faction bosses.

"He's not rigid in his decision making and he's prepared to genuinely listen to people and hear their views, arguments and policy ideas,” he said.

"If you've got a good enough argument and the facts support it, you can change Clive Palmer’s mind.

"This is his greatest asset, but when you think about it - you don't get to be a self-made person and achieve as highly as Clive without an ability to recognise a good idea and having flexibility in your decision making.”

Mr Messenger said the UAP’s policies on issues such as abolishing the carbon tax, banning political party officials from becoming professional government lobbyists and on processing asylum seekers were "brilliant”.

The former RAAF serviceman said it was also pleasing that Professor Palmer believed the nation needed to come up with a better deal for Australia’s military, and the returned services members and their families.

Mr Messenger announced his candidacy in Hervey Bay alongside Roger Dwyer, who runs a retreat for Vietnam Veterans and young diggers at Camp Gregory near Woodgate.

"Roger wants federal government assistance for these camping retreats and this is something I am passionate about supporting,” he said.

Battle for Camp Gregory http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiCYuxBYBwU

No Holy War and Jesus armed Himself?

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 21:07:00 GMT

Michael (Mikhail) Hunter of Sharon has written an interesting letter (27.3.13) criticizing, myself, Dutch MP Geert Wilders and famous British Historian / Author - Sir John Keegan OBE. Mr. Hunter’s letter was prompted after I wrote to you, and quoted John Keegan who said in his famous book "A History of Ware Fare”:

"Muhammad, unlike Christ, was a man of violence; he bore arms, was wounded in battle and preached holy war, jihad, against those who defied the will of God as revealed to him.

His successors perceived the world as divided in Dal al-Islam – the house of Submission, submission to the teachings of Muhammad, collected in the Koran – and Dar al-Harb, the house of War, which were those parts yet to be conquered.”

Mr. Hunter claims that there is "no holy war” in Islam. He also says that, "Jesus indeed armed himself”. I struggle to reconcile myself, with his assertions. As for "no holy war” I’m sure that the thousands of families of the innocent victims who were killed on 9/11 or during the Bali and London bombings would have a different opinion.

And I’m happy to be corrected, but all the historical texts I’ve read (as opposed to religious) have always indicated that Muhammad carried a sword and was a great warrior, while Christ carried a cross, (to which he was nailed and died) and was – similar to Buddha - a great pacifist.

Mr. Hunter finishes his letter by urging us to consider 4 books saying, "the last one will open your eyes to what is really going on today.” However I’d like to suggest another way to "open you eyes to what is really going on today.” which doesn’t involve so much reading.

To better understand the realities and dangers of this modern world, this ANZAC day, talk to a young digger who has returned from service in the Middle East - or speak to some one who’s lived in Sydney’s western suburbs. It’s almost the same experience.

Vindicated CMC Messenger and Critic to attend PCMC public inquiry

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 21:02:00 GMT

Greg Williams - Barrister and Rob outside QLD Parliament Red Chamber where PCMC hearings took place in March 2013

Former state parliamentarian Rob Messenger (along with health whistleblower Jo Barber), who last year said that the CMC was either corrupt or dysfunctional or both, will today attend the PCMC public hearing, which has described the systemic problems recently uncovered within QLD’s anti-corruption body as:

· Cataclysmic failure

· Corporate amnesia

· The note-taking, the record-keeping and the memory is appalling

· - if the ability to recall information and experience is as poor as has been replicated in these hearings, you are in so much trouble.

· We have seen this procession of people who 'can't remember, I don't recall, that is not my recollection'

· We've been doing it for a week-and-a-half and if there's something in the water down there, you need to get it fixed

· The Sergeant Schulz defence - 'I see nothing, I hear nothing' – unbelievable.

"This PCMC enquiry has obviously uncovered a culture of corruption and/or dysfunction within the CMC. It has vindicated Jo Barber’s and my public warning issued last year about corruption and/or dysfunction in the CMC ” said Mr Messenger.

It’s now up to Premier Newman to release the findings of the final CMC reports (Mr Hunter SC) ordered by former Judge Richard Chesterman and prompted by Ms Barber’s public interest disclosures to the crime watchdog over a year ago. The Hunter report could expose serious crimes committed by QLD doctors and then covered up by our oversight authorites including the CMC, QLD Health and AHPRA.

The release of the Hunter report could further vindicate Ms Barber and my actions, better protect QLD patients and bring criminal doctors to justice. Premier Newman who launched an extraordinary personal attack on me on SKY TV a year ago - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OnjH5afz3U regarding this matter, must now give a guarantee, that the Hunter SC report’s release is not being delayed for political reasons linked to the upcoming federal election campaign in Hinkler.”

Hinkler’s record jobless rate can be lowered by a Federal refund of a State Payroll Tax .

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 20:57:34 GMT

The jobless rate of Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Burnett has always be a national shame, even before the last two devastating floods. The latest growth in our jobless rate to 9.5% in February should mean that our local LNP politicians get serious about putting forward new ideas and policies that will fix the problem, rather than recycle the same old failed policies which have put us in this desperate situation.

Unfortunately since the merger of the Nationals and Liberals, Paul Neville MP and the former Nationals have been silenced by the capital city Liberals. His latest predictable and half-hearted call for a stimulus package to address our Jobless rate (double the national average) is only half right.

http://www.news-mail.com.au/news/jobless-rates-grows-95-february/1805454/

On top of a dramatic increase in flood recovery grants, both state and federal governments, because Hinkler is a centre of extraordinary high unemployment, should be treated as a Special Economic Zone, where all local businesses receive exceptional long term tax breaks and incentives, when compared to more prosperous areas of QLD and Australia.

A "Federal Refund of Hinkler’s State Payroll Tax” policy as well as a boost in grants will go a long way to solving the problem of unemployment. It may come as a shock to most, but if a local business employs over about 22 employees and has a wages bill over the $1M mark, they qualify and then must pay an extra $100,000 in tax to the state government per year!

This tax raises about $3.5B to $4B each year for the state. (see attached). It was a tax that should have been dropped when the GST was introduced federally but the states, as addicts hold on to their drugs, held onto their payroll tax.

The tax is a stupid because it stops successful local businesses from expanding and employing extra staff. It’s a hand break on regional growth and a tax on employment. State payroll tax has significantly contributed to our record unemployment. Many local businesses deliberately chose not to employ more local workers because they can't afford to pay an extra $100,000 a year in tax after they put on the extra one worker.

The quick solution for this problem, because the State’s addicted to their payroll tax, is to make the Federal Government refund Hinkler employers for their payments of payroll tax to the state. This principle of the federal government refunds of state taxes already happens with mining royalties. QLD mining companies are refunded the tax or royalties they pay to the state by the federal government. The special need is obvious for Hinkler. I’d like all local candidates and sitting politicians to support a trial, for 5 years of my "Federal Refund of Hinkler State Payroll”. We would then watch the jobless rate drop.

Rob Messenger – Candidate for Hinkler – 0407904134 or 0741574038

Attachment

Dear Mr Messenger,

This is a response to this morning's request for the latest Queensland payroll figures.

Queensland's Mid-Year Fiscal and Economic Review, released 13 January 2012, provided the following payroll tax figures and estimates (Table 8, p. 17):

Taxation and Royalty Revenue – Mid Year Fiscal and Economic Review 2011-12

2010-11 Actual

$ million

2011-12 Budget

$ million

2011-12 Revised

$ million

Payroll Tax

3,023

3,263

3,492

For the financial year 2011-12, a revised estimate of $3.492 billion in payroll tax was provided (up from the $3.263 billion estimate provided in the 2011-12 State Budget). Last financial year, Queensland payroll tax revenue amounted to $3.023 billion.

I hope this information is sufficient - let me know if you require any further assistance in relation to this enquiry.

Kind regards,

Research Officer

Commissioned Research Team

Research and Information Service

______________________________________

QUEENSLAND PARLIAMENTARY SERVICE

Employment numbers Fraser Coast & Bundaberg LGA = 60, 100 (32K & 28K)

Employment numbers QLD = 2,000,000

% Fraser Coast / Bundaberg v QLD = %3

Therefore Pay Roll Tax refund Cost = 3% of total $3.5B payroll state Tax.

= $109M aprox.

To News Mail

Hi Mike and Christina,

Just some additional information which you might find interesting.

I've said that the precedent for the Federal Government refund of state taxes has already been established by their refund of the State Mining Royalties (about $5 billion per year now- see attached) to mining companies.

This issue was discussed at length by Fran Kelly on radio National this morning with the new federal minister for energy Gary Gray-

http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/breakfast/new-resources-and-energy-minister-gary-gray/4594184

Cheers

Rob

Gold Coast Neo-Nazi rally: An opportunity for politicians to show what their values are, in the face of evil.

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 10:55:40 GMT

Country Conservative Candidate for Hinkler and former state parliamentarian, Rob Messenger has challenged every politician and wannabe politician who’s indicated they will stand for the September Federal election, to publicly state what they will do in Parliament to stop Neo-Nazi rallies from happening in Australia.

Mr Messenger’s challenge comes after it has been revealed in the media that despite his petition to QLD Parliament last year which attracted 1940 signatures – http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/petitions/closed-e-petition?PetNum=1844 - for another year Neo-Nazis will gather at a secret location on the Gold Coast for a white supremacy music festival. http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/neo-nazis-will-gather-at-a-secret-location-on-the-gold-coast-for-a-white-supremacy-music-festival/story-e6freoof-1226604569682

"Many newly elected politicians like to quote the Irish statesman and philosopher Edmund Burke in their maiden speech where he says – All that’s necessary for the forces of evil to win in the world is for enough good men to do nothing - I know I did – but when evil finally stares you in the face, its surprising how many people lack the courage to positively act to defeat it.

The way that all Australian politicians and political candidates react to another Neo-Nazi rally in QLD will be a real test of character. As I found in the QLD Health crisis a person can have all the educational qualifications in the world, but if they lack the courage to act to defeat an evil, in order to save future lives and generations, then all those BAs, MBAs, PHDs and Doctorates are useless.

The common cop-out that gutless politicians hide behind when they make an excuse for not acting to positively to ban Neo-Nazis in Australia is the - freedom of speech appeasement argument. Those who use the - freedom of speech appeasement argument – should be well enough educated to realise that Hitler used the same excuse - freedom of speech- to further his cause, right up until he won power and then destroyed freedom of speech and the democratic institutions of Germany.

People supporting the Nazi policy of hate, gave away the right to freedom of speech when they exterminated and slaughtered 6 million people of the Jewish faith and directly caused the death of tens of millions world wide, including hundreds of thousands of Australians.

I don’t think it is too much to ask for our contemporary political leaders to be vigilant, show some moral courage and continue the fight, which was started by the ANZAC’s and finished in 45, against this vile political ideology. In fact any ideology, which promotes the killing of people because of their religious beliefs, sexuality or race, must be shown the same tolerance and mercy that was shown to the ideology’s victims. Laws — especially criminal laws — are an expression of society’s values. What’s your values?” said Mr. Messenger.

Newman Hard Yakka Backflip on Farser Coast Boot Camp

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 21:38:34 GMT

Bob Davis and his Fraser Coast team’s passion over the years for saving our children by gifting them with some tough-love, will cause the establishment of not one, but five youth boot camps in QLD. (Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Hervey Bay and the Gold Coast)

People Power, a Petition and a Tony Abbott talking to, forces the Premier’s backflip on Hervey Bay Hard Yakka’s boot camp

CMC- Acted like Sgt Shultz but had the powers of the Gestapo.

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 13:04:53 GMT

22th March 2013 - http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-03-22/inquiry-grills-cmc-staff-over-appalling-memories/4587932?section=qld

Have you followed the questioning by the parliamentary oversight body (PCMC) of senior officers of the QLD’s Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) regarding the illegal shredding and public disclosure of thousands of Fitzgerald Royal Commission documents?

I’ve never heard such strong, scathing language used to describe the CMC’s actions. And if the matters they were talking about weren’t so serious, then you’d be forced to laugh, firstly at the CMC officers bumbling performance and secondly at some of the comparisons committee members have used to describe the CMC’s dysfunction.

Peter Dowling the LNP member for Redlands suggested to the acting chair of the CMC, Warren Strange that the memory lapses his officers had experienced during questioning over a week and a half could be likened to the TV comedy show Hogans’s Heroes and the "Sergeant Schultz defence –I see nothing, I hear nothing – unbelievable”

The PCMC Chair Liz Cunningham said, "The note-taking, the record-keeping and the memory is appalling. If what we've heard today is the way the CMC operates, and if the ability to recall information and experience is as poor as has been replicated in these hearings, you are in so much trouble.”

I don’t think after these comments and the damming evidence uncovered, that there is any whistle-blower or citizen in QLD who would trust the CMC to accurately uncover corruption and deliver justice.

Because I have personally, over a number of years taken so many genuine whistle-blowers and their claims to the CMC for investigation - only to have the CMC reject or cover up those good peoples’ testimony and evidence about: significant dangers to our public health or Child Safety officers’ abuses of civil rights, or Building Service Authority’s gross incompetence or Office of Public Trustee Rip-offs or Police corruption or CMC corruption - right now I don’t know whether to laugh or weep.

If I started to cry about the good people lives ruined or who had been needlessly lost because of the QLD CMC’s corruption and/or dysfunction, there’d be another flood in Bundaberg. For justice to be delivered to the people of QLD and my hometown, there must be a Royal Commission investigation.

I, and those I took to the CMC in good faith, will be the first to give evidence about an organisation that last week acted like Sgt Schultz, but for many years had the powers of the Gestapo. If you require further evidence of CMC cover up, dysfunction or corruption please visit my website and watch the videos. (www.robmessenger.com)

Patel – Live Autopsies and Forgotten voices.

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 14:43:00 GMT

This short film features Bundaberg Nurse whistleblower Christine Cameron - who made disclosures which caused the labor government to built a $6m upgrade to the Bundaberg Hospital's department of emergency- and describes a bizarre encounter with Jayent Patel where he wheels a patient away, with another doctor (!!) , to conduct a live autopsy.

Patel – Live Autopsies and Forgotten voices.

Patel's forgotten, former co-workers, patients and their relatives speak out about a "live autopsy'", their harrowing experiences and a QLD Government doing every thing it can to let their former employee off the hook.

Why has QLD's crown prosecutors in court treated Patel as a properly registered medical professional? Why do they continue to focus on Patel's clinical skills, rather than his clinical qualifications, after a Royal Commission found he wasn't a properly registered doctor?

Could it be for the same reason that Patel was protected by the system for 2 years, despite all the complaints - Money and to save political embarrassment and adverse scrutiny of political supporters in the powerful medical system?

Campbell Newman, the CMC, Corruption and a Royal Commission

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 16:21:05 GMT

If its proven that members of the CMC have acted in a criminal or corrupt manner in relation to the Fitzgerald files, then every case they have been involved with, must be re-investigated and assessed by a Royal Commission, including those matters I’ve raised previously with them.

The Premier must support a call for a powerful Fitzgerald type of Royal Commission into all political corruption. The CMC’s & PCM’s integrity problems which are now exposed, will not be remedied by a typical LNP independent Judicial / Legal review with narrow terms of reference and no power to protect whistle-blowers or demand official documents.

Tahitian Prince’s expected guilty plea prevents scrutiny of QLD CMC.

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 10:03:06 GMT

QLD’s CMC will breathe a sigh of relief if everything goes according to plan, and Mr Morehu-Barlow aka, the "Fake Tahitian Prince”, accused of the $16.5 M theft from QLD Health pleads guilty and is sentenced late this month.

Closer scrutiny of the CMC’s behaviour in past years is the last thing that our state’s crime watchdog would want right now, given the extraordinary facts of dysfunction and /or corruption uncovered in the past week. Closer scrutiny of the CMC’s behaviour may also not be in the Premier’s and LNP’s best interests either.

Debt to Police Heroes: How do we repay it?

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 16:36:51 GMT

How can we ever repay the special debt of gratitude we all owe to all our police heroes, including those who protected us from the "alleged” crazed gunman in the Queen St. Mall?

The photograph of the un-named Queensland Policeman, gun still holstered, devoid of bulletproof vest and staring down the "alleged” crazed gunman in Brisbane’s Queen St. Mall, rouses emotions that I mainly experience around ANZAC and Vietnam Veterans’ days. I was overcome with pride, awe and inspiration as I studied the front-page pic. It unmistakably captures the young policeman’s measured, steely determination and fearless, defiant purpose.

This young police officer’s pic and others from last Friday, reminded me again that despite what Fitzgerald uncovered in the 80’s, within the chest of the majority of our modern day men and women in blue, beats the resurrected hearts of young ANZACs.

A young QLD policeman (who I’ve advocated for along with Barrister Greg Williams) similar to the officers who protected us from the alleged Queen St gunman, will tell his story about the treatment he has received at the hands of QLD’s now infamous Crime and Misconduct Commission, this coming week on CH 9’s A Current Affair,

http://aca.ninemsn.com.au/article/8623255/dirty-cop

This young police officer (Darren Hall) was the recipient of an official bravery award, after he unarmed, crash-tackled and arrested a robber armed with a knife. Darren chose to risk his life, on his day off and while he was having lunch with his 5 year old daughter.

Darren has also lead and been part of undercover police teams in my hometown of Bundaberg, which ensured that the Mr. Bigs of the drug world and a dangerous serial rapist were put in jail.

Without even interviewing Darren Hall, the QLD CMC acted on the word of a convicted murderer and liar, and tabled a report under QLD parliamentary privilege, which indicated that Mr Hall was corrupt. Mr Hall vehemently denies the CMC allegations. The crime watchdog failed to ever ask for the decorated officer’s side of the story. For more details visit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdLTkDXhngs

The tabling of the CMC report ruined Mr Hall’s distinguished 19-year law enforcement career and almost caused Darren to end his own life. This CMC report has also been linked to two suicide deaths of other former QLD police officers adversely named. So how can we repay our special debt to our police heroes?

Make certain that the QLD CMC and Newman government ensure that our police heroes are guaranteed the same civil rights, natural justice and presumption of innocence, that’s guaranteed to the " alleged” crazed gunmen, murderers, drug dealers and rapists.

Parliament can be a Felon's yard or Arena of Principle - your choice!

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 16:18:14 GMT

De-amalgamation vote betrayal gives Isis community a choice at the next federal election; Felon’s yard or Arena of Principle

I read the paper this morning and felt torn.

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/councils-vote-to-go-it-alone/story-e6freoof-1226593959005

I gave a silent cheer for the people of Noosa, Douglas, Mareeba and Livingstone, while I felt like weeping for the people of Childers and Woodgate.

The cause of my mixed emotions was the news that:

1. ”Four Queensland communities - Noosa, Douglas, Mareeba and Livingstone - finally had their say and are expected to reclaim their shires following an historic de-amalgamation vote.” and

2. The fact that the people of Childers and Woodgate had been denied a say by Campbell Newman’s LNP government in the de-amalgamation plebiscite, despite a guarantee that they would be given a vote.

No community has worked harder than Isis, to qualify for the de-amalgamation vote. In 52 days the red dirt and white sand country mobilized, gathered 2500 signatures on a de-amalgamation petition and raised over $40,000 (so that a LNP government approved forensic accountant could crunch the numbers on the cost of de- amalgamation) and still Campbell Newman denied them a vote.

The local LNP MPs and party bosses, Bill Trevor, Paul Neville, Stephen Bennett and Jack Dempsey remained mute and showed that their loyalty was with a political party first, not to their people. As is their custom, they chose to stand in the background and nod as their communities were betrayed and denied a right that had been granted to other Queenslanders.

Any person who aspires to high political office must always put the love of their community and country before the love of a political party and power. They must have the courage to speak out when their community is threatened or betrayed.

Parliament would then be transformed from a gutless felon’s yard, back to an arena of courage and principle.

CMC: lack of Governance and accountability no surprise

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 13:47:00 GMT

So the parliamentary committee (PCMC) that has oversight of the Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) has slammed the CMC for a lack of governance and accountability, finally.

However, It took a confession that the PCMC has been kept in the dark about the release of information relating to unsolved murders, police corruption, drug smuggling, judicial corruption and illegally shredded Royal Commission documents for QLD politicians to finally raise "serious concerns” in parliament.

Open Letter to Prime Minister and QLD Premier re Flood assistance

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 00:33:22 GMT

More Financial assistance to QLD victims of Natural Disasters – 6.2.13

Dear Prime Minister and Premier,

On behalf of Bundaberg small business owner Ashley Abell, I bring to your attention a youTube short film in which he is featured.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wj7_tYRj91M

Mr. Abell hopes that you take the time to watch the youTube film and respond positively to the issues that it uncovers and raises. You no doubt will remember the natural disasters, which befell Bundaberg and the Fraser Coast earlier this year.

You both came and posed for many photo’s and media interviews using our shattered city as a dramatic backdrop, so the memory should be fresh. Accompanying those unprecedented destructive events, and as a direct result, there has also been a catastrophic collapse of our local economy.

The policies and procedures you both have in place to address this unprecedented economic collapse, have clearly failed and are a threat themselves, to the timely recovery of our financial and social networks.

Your governments’ rules for delivering grants and loans to small businesses in particular, do not take into account the catastrophic and unprecedented nature of the crisis, which faces our community.

They are too strict and rigid. Small Business owners like Mr Abell who employs a number of disabled workers should also qualify for QRAA grants and loans. The fact that he has been excluded shows that you are delivering out dated disaster recovery policies.

These policies were created by politicians and bureaucrats, who couldn’t begin to imagine the dire circumstances facing my community and are in themselves a recipe for further self-inflicted disaster.

In addressing the issues raise by Mr. Abell please do not use the excuse that our nation or state cannot afford to provide more disaster recovery funds to Bundaberg and the Fraser coast.

Under your direction our nation’s Foreign Aid budget is fat and healthy ($4.3B 10-11). Under your governance, Brisbane and other capital city’s lack for nothing when it comes to buildings, schools, roads, parks, statues, river-walk ways etc.

Should you say our nation and state can’t afford to save and repair Bundaberg and the Fraser Coast, It will mean that we will be forced to hold you and your administrations in more contempt, than we already do.

$40,000 refund must be paid to Isis de-amalgamation committee after LNP vote lie.

Sun, 03 Mar 2013 09:42:00 GMT

Candidate for Hinkler Rob Messenger has called on prominent local LNP members to ensure that Campbell Newman or Tony Abbott refund, $40,000 that was wasted by the Isis community on a LNP government accredited de-amalgamation report, which supported their case for council de-amalgamation.

"After speaking with members of the Isis de-amalgamation committee, Its clear that their report’s findings, which showed that the cost of the re-establishment of the Isis council were manageable, was ignored and covered up by Premier Newman.

It’s also clear that the report was an embarrassment and a surprise to the LNP who had no intentions of keeping their election promise, and allowing the Isis a vote on de-amalgamation, despite allowing the people of Noosa the same vote.

The Isis de-amalgamation committee played by the LNP rules and addressed and countered all of Mr. Newman’s concerns on de-amalgamation.

Within 52 days, they jumped though every bureaucratic hoop put before them. The committee even collected the required 2,500 signatures for a petition. At the very least, Isis residents should have been treated with exactly the same respect as Noosa and allowed a debate and the vote.

Its now the responsibility of those prominent local LNP members "inside the tent” i.e. Bill Trevor, Steven Bennett, Paul Neville and Jack Dempsey to make sure that Campbell Newman and Tony Abbot apologize for their political fraud and refund the $40,000.” Mr. Messenger said.

"This matter has also exposed the lie, that, "You’ll get more and have more influence if you have a political representative who’s inside the tent”” said Mr. Messenger.

A short 2min YouTube Video which supports the call for the refund of the Isis de-amalgamation’s committee money can be found at:

De-amalgamation vote in Noosa, but not Childers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3QkJkZDtuo

Council De-Amalgamation vote in Noosa, but not Childers and Woodgate.. why?

(280 Words 2.3.13)

http://www.noosanews.com.au/news/noosa-voters-may-maker-make-yes-vote/1768613/

The people of Noosa, just like the people of Isis, were promised a vote on council de-amalgamation by the LNP, before the last state election. In Noosa that promise was kept. But in Childers and Woodgate the LNP promise was broken and the vote denied.

Some Noosa residents interviewed this weekend after they visited their pre-polling booth, say they voted "No” because they are scared by the thought of higher rates. Some residents say they voted "Yes” because they want their old local council back and won’t be scared by a threat of higher rates.

However in Noosa it’s now up to the people to decide their council’s future, while in the Isis its a politician. Why did the LNP deny the people of Childers and Woodgate a say and voice in their council’s future?

The Isis de-amalgamation committee properly answered all the government’s questions and concerns. Within 52 days, they jumped though every bureaucratic hoop put before them.

The committee raised $40,000 for a de-amalgamation report authored by a forensic accountant approved by the LNP. And at the insistence of the LNP, they collected the required 2,500 signatures on a petition. But still they were denied a vote.

This matter has exposed the lie, that, "You’ll get more and have more influence if you have a political representative who’s inside the tent”.

At the very least, an apology and the refund of the $40,000 back to the Isis de-amalgamation committee should be immediately provided by those "inside the LNP tent” i.e. Bill Trevor, Steven Bennett, Paul Neville, Jack Dempsey, Campbell Newman and Tony Abbot.

If you like to see a 2 minute YouTube film on this matter visit : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3QkJkZDtuo

Rob Messenger

0407904134

Candidate for Hinkler

Operation ANZAC Cheer 2013 - Hervey Bay and Bundaberg

Sat, 02 Mar 2013 16:35:00 GMT

On the 25 of April 1915, on the western Gallipoli peninsula, Australian and New Zealand troops were landed by mistake, at a place that became know as ANZAC Cove. The battlefield was over 1 kilometer further north than officially planned.

At 4.30am Australia’s 3^rd Brigade landed first, on that fateful beach. Instead of the relatively open country at the officially planned combat site, our troops literally faced an accidental uphill battle against the enemy.

However what has not been accidental in the last 98 years is the growth and strength of our Nation’s indomitable character, generous spirit and love for a free Australia. This year my wife, Fern and I will again launch Operation ANZAC Cheer 2013, a special project to send care packages to our troops serving in dangerous locations overseas.

We hope you can help. I know that for many to donate to this cause will be another uphill battle. Many people have suffered catastrophic loss and fatigue after our recent fight with mother-nature, however I hope that you’re able to send us a couple items for our military care packages.

Our troops still continue the grand ANZAC tradition. We caught a glimpse of their courage and bravery up close when they helped with the recent flood rescues and recovery.

Our military continue to deliberately put themselves in harms way to protect our freedoms and country. Fern and I would like to make sure that on this ANZAC day as many overseas diggers as possible receive a Burnett /Fraser Coast care package full of local goodies and best wishes from us.

If you’d like to help and live in Hervey Bay, please drop off your donations for our Aussie diggers to Mary Nield’s Creation Café in 19 Main St Pialba, Hervey Bay by the 1^st of April.

If you’d like to help, and live in Bundaberg please drop off your donations for our Aussie diggers to Gin Gin Country Reality, 26 Mulgrave St Gin Gin or contact Fern to arrange collection 0411 450 705 by the 1^st of April.

Indigenous Artist wins BBG Council Australia Day award and launches Short Film on the Internet.

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 19:33:45 GMT

As part of the Australia Day celebrations, Chern’ee Sutton, a 16 year old indigenous artist was awarded, the 2013 Bundaberg Regional Council "Junior Creative Spirit Award” by Mayor Mal Forman. (see attached pic)

Chern’ee’s latest community award tops a breathtaking couple of years, which has seen the young Bundaberg Artist emerge after winning first prize in a local contest, to displaying her work in QLD Parliament house and being commissioned by the international aid agency "Caritas” to create two reconciliation works.

Chern’ee’s artistic and personal motivation is to produce works and explore ideas that will unite all Australians. She hopes that by telling dreamtime stories about her beloved Kalkadoon people, she will close the gap and promote better understanding between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians.

Today, Chern’ee also publicly releases a short film, which briefly documents her artistic career to-date. The YouTube film (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1F5rAYbnrYU ) contains interviews, pictures and vision not seen before and features moments from her QLD Parliament House and Gin Gin Art gallery exhibitions.

In the film, Chern’ee also shares her thoughts about the Caritas reconciliation paintings, which were officially unveiled in their Sydney Headquarters early this month.

Chern’ee has in 2012 represented Bundaberg at the University of Qld Young Achievers Program, QLD Youth Parliament and the University of QLD Young Scholars Program, while donating more than $30,000 of her works to charity and community groups in the last 2years.

Contact Craig Sutton (Father) 0458415979 or visit www.cherneesutton.com.au http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1F5rAYbnrYU

Resign from LNP to force Newman to keep Childers de-amalgamation vote promise.

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 19:31:22 GMT

Federal Candidate for Hinkler Rob Messenger has called on all LNP members of Childers, including former Isis Mayor Bill Trevor to resign from their political party and put their community first, in regard to a vote on council de-amalgamation.

"I can understand the frustration and hurt that must be felt after hearing that Isis citizens have been denied the right by the LNP Government, to an informed public debate and a de-amalgamation vote, while four other regional communities have been granted the right to a vote.(see attached) The question is correctly being asked now is, "If Noosa residents are allowed the vote, why not Childers?”” said Mr. Messenger.

"Respected community members have told me that serious plans have been put forward by some to "block the Isis highway " such is the level of anger in some parts of the community regarding Newman’s denial of a vote. I urge caution. There is a better strategy than illegal civil disruptions, to encourage the state LNP’s leader to honor his election promise.

Its time for high ranking LNP member Bill Trevor, the former Mayor of Childers and other community members leading the push for a vote, to show some courage and answer the same question I faced, just before I resigned from the LNP i.e. Which do they love and value more, their community or a political party?”, Mr. Messenger said.

"It’s clear that being "inside the LNP tent” has no value for Mr. Trevor’s community. In fact, because Burnett and Hinkler are considered safe LNP seats everyone, including local LNP members have been taken for granted. If I was still a member of Mr. Newman and Mr. Abbots’ party, today I would be ashamed to show my face on Childers’ main street, unless it was to destroy my LNP membership card.

Before any protest plan to "block the Highway” or other illegal acts, are seriously considered by the Childers’ de-amalgamation committee, I suggest that Mr. Trevor and others publically resign from the LNP.

With a looming federal election you can be assured that Tony Abbot, as he has done on a range of matters since Christmas (Rural Hospital Closures, MP resignations, funding for Hervey Bay’s Hard Yakka Youth boot camp, SES Cadet Program) would place pressure on Mr. Newman to honor his promises. However, after the federal election Newman and Abbot will revert to type and care nothing for promises.” Said Mr. Messenger.

Pre-polls open for de-amalgamation

Pre-polling booths open today in the four areas seeking to de-amalgamate from their regional councils.

Voters in Noosa, Livingstone, Mareeba and Port Douglas go to the polls on March 9 but can cast an earlier vote if they are unavailable on polling day.

"I’ve said time and time again that this is an important vote for these communities and I’d urge them to read the Boundaries Commissioner’s report to get the information they need,” Local Government Minister David Crisafulli said.

Pre-poll addresses are:

· Noosa Area Returning Officer's Office, ECOM Noosa, 95 Eumundi Road, Noosaville; Peregian Beach Community House, 255 David Low Way, Peregian Beach; Cooroy Pre-Poll Office, Cooroy RSL & Citizens Memorial Bowls Club, 5 Opal Street, Cooroy.

· Livingstone Area Returning Officer’s Office, Yeppoon Court House, 21-23 Normanby Street, Yeppoon

· Mareeba Area Returning Officer’s Office, Post Office Centre, Shop 7, 94 Byrnes ST, Mareeba; Kuranda Pre-Poll Office, CWA Hall, 20 Thongon Street, Kuranda

· Douglas Area Returning Officer’s Office, 3-7 Mill St, Mossman; Port Douglas Community Hall, 13-29 Mowbray Street, Port Douglas.

Voting is compulsory and $110 fines will apply to non-voters.

De-amalgamation information is available at http://www.dlg.qld.gov.au/bc//

Referendum information is available at http://www.ecq.qld.gov.au/

YouTube film features Bundaberg Business owner who was told to sack all his staff and go on the dole.

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 19:25:37 GMT

YouTube film features Bundaberg Business owner who was told to sack all his staff and go on the dole.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cVXp4bIapc

Federal Candidate Hinkler Rob Messenger has produced a YouTube film clip, which features an interview with a Bundaberg small business owner Mr. Ashley Abell, who has been denied access to the Newman government’s (QRAA) natural disaster financial assistance package.

" As you’ll hear during our short conversation, Mr. Abell, is close to loosing his business and sacking his 11 employees, because of the collapse in our local economy brought about by the recent Natural disasters. I can’t understand why Mr. Newman’s government has refused to allow Mr. Abell and other business in similar circumstances, access to the QRAA grants and loans.” said Mr. Messenger.

" I’m also stunned to hear that QRAA staff suggested to Mr. Abell that he should close his business and sack his 11 workers, some of whom are disabled. Does the Premier and Prime minister agree with the advice that government employees are giving to our flood affected small business owners?” Mr. Messenger said.

"Mr. Abell now faces bankruptcy because both the LNP QLD and Labor Federal governments have failed to design a natural disaster financial assistance program, which is flexible and compassionate enough to help all struggling regional and rural business owners, whose trade collapsed as a direct result of the recent floods and tornados.”

"Unfortunately the dire circumstances that Mr. Abell has found himself in are not uncommon on the Burnett and Fraser Coasts. It’s clear that many small businesses have been disqualified from QRAA financial assistance because they didn’t suffer direct physical damage from flood water. This is unfair and must be changed.” said Mr. Messenger.

"Surely a compassionate government would also allow local businesses, who were technically indirectly affected, to also share in the QRAA grants and concessional loans?” said Mr. Messenger.

A turn at the trough, under a single chamber parliament.

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 19:23:41 GMT

(371 words 24.2.13)

For ordinary, honest Queenslanders I know this story is hard to believe. However the facts are public and have already been proven beyond a reasonable doubt in a QLD court of criminal law. A former Minister of the Crown, Mr. Nutall still languishes in prison partly over his involvement in this affair.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-10-27/cmc-welcomes-nuttall-corruption-conviction/2313916

http://www.cmc.qld.gov.au/topics/misconduct/investigating-misconduct/public-hearings/gordon-nuttall

http://archive.sclqld.org.au/qjudgment/2011/QCA11-120.pdf

http://archive.sclqld.org.au/qjudgment/2010/QCA10-064.pdf

During one government project (a $2.6M Hospital Waste Water report) middlemen chosen by the QLD Government to manage it, pocketed $2.4M in fees and charges, while the scientists who did the majority of the work, received $106,000.

This is a clear example in recent times, where up to 92% of a government project’s total budget was soaked up in management fees and charges, while approximately 8% went to the workers. What will stop that appalling situation from happening again today?

I ask that question because I’m of a firm opinion that official corruption and misuse of public funds in QLD has never been properly addressed, at least not since the 1980’s Fitzgerald Inquiry. And today with government flood repair and rebuilding contracts worth billions, the risk of the sly theft of public money concealed as management or consultancy fees or worse is still significant.

Yes we’ve had a change of government, but the LNP down graded the operational capabilities of the official corruption watchdog, and removed an honest chairman (Dr. Alex Douglas) from the CMC’s parliamentary oversight committee. Does that raise any concerns for you? What about recent events and allegations of corruption surrounding the LNP government’s contracts and political appointments?

Because of our never-ending, lop-sided single chamber parliament, QLD more than any other state, is susceptible to corruption. I’m not the first to highlight this danger. In A.C. Grayling’s book "Toward the Light” (pg. 147) he quotes the famous French revolutionary and statesman, Mirabeau who warned that, "the unlimited power of a single chamber would be worse than the tyranny of a caliph.”

More recently our home grown judicial statesman and famous corruption fighter Fitzgerald expressed the same sentiments, only a little more bluntly when he said in March 2010 that the QLD government, "is now taking the opportunity to give its supporters their turn at the trough".