I recently got a communication from my local representative in the Queensland Parliament telling me of his plans to direct more money to the local hospital, TAFE and highway.

That was disturbing as I did not think that was his business in parliament. Having parliamentarians make recommendations for capital expenditures can lead to political maneuvering and corruption as money can be directed where it would result in votes.

It seems to me that public funds in Queensland would be better disbursed if a nonpartisan commission examined the needs of the state and directed funds where they are most needed.

I have never received a communication from a parliamentarian telling me of his or her view on public policy or legislation, participation in debates or committees or any other information to do with her or his parliamentary duties. They may communicate irrelevant matters such as interest in sporting groups or participation in religious activities. They are great at remembering the fallen in past wars and ignoring the wise individuals whose advice would have kept us out of those wars.

In general parliamentarians do not support or oppose legislation on the basis of their feelings, knowledge or the wishes of their community. In the words of William Gilbert, “I always voted at my party’s call and I never thought of thinking for myself at all.”

I think Australia is a great place to live in spite of the questionable nature of Australian parliaments.

Hi David,

I think its legitimate for the a local member to put representations for projects in their constituency. Then its up to public servants to impartially evaluate all the varies submissions to determine the priority for spending's. Then its up to the Minister to sign off on that determination after due consideration of the PS evacuation. It don't always work that way, and you have the corruption by politicians as we had with the 'Sports Rorts Affair' which was a blatant example of ministerial pork barrelling before an election.

I think Australia is a great place to live in spite of the questionable nature of Australian parliaments.
david f,
I agree & I acknowledge that this is due more to Conservative Govt. ironing out Progressive Govt. idealist policies !

pseudo-individual,

Australia is an Asian success story.

"... nonpartisan commission (examining) the needs of the state and directed funds where they are most needed".

Only a virtual Communist Green could come up with the idea of an unelected, unknown, shadowy gang spending public money.

Never before have the Greens felt emboldened to reveal what they truly are: virtual Communists.

Indy, when did Australia have a "conservative" government? Not in my lifetime. To say; "I agree & I acknowledge that this is due more to Conservative Govt. ironing out Progressive Govt. idealist policies !" What have they actually ironed out?

So ttbn, you can call on your virtual fascists such as One Nation, Palmer mob and your mob The Australian Conservatives, to iron it all out. Sorry I forgot the AC mob ripped you off then folded up. Oh well, sh!t happens.