Paradigm Shift on community radio 4zzz (fm 102.1 Fridays at noon) is covering Queensland local government elections. This is the first in a series in the lead-up to voting on 28 March 2020. Please contact the announcer Ian on iancurr@bigpond.com if you wish to contribute.
Michael Berkman (Member for Maiwar) proposes to stop corporations influencing councils and government from giving political donations.
Interviews
Ian discusses local government with Rob Pyne from North Queensland.
Topics covered are – Is it a Climate change Election? – where power lies – what are councillors paid – corruption in Ipswich and Logan City – Operation Belcarra into how elections are funded – calls for ICAC style inquiry – ad hoc changes – higher accountability than state government elections – amalgamation from 156 councils down to 77 councils – cairns amalgamation of Port Douglas with Cairns – should have combined Cairns with Kuranda and not Kuranda with Mareeba – distribution of funds – money raised by commonwealth – state and federal should do more – a lot of money spent on Douglas shire – bridges needed to be replaced – councils often the biggest employer – infrastructure – the public interest – transparency – councils should operate water infrastructure – local representation versus party representation – influence of News Corp on elections – bad media coverage – Queensland Government Reform Alliance
Andy talks with Jim Dodrill from Ipswich Ratepayers & Residents Association about how his campaign against corruption ended in both he and his father being bashed.
Playlist
David Rovics – Margot Black Campaign Song
Ruth Mundy – Love in the time of coral reefs
Jumping Fences – View from a Wooden Chair
Image - Brisbane City Hall 1958 Source - unknown
