Nation’s divisive ways

AT 88, I have experienced decades where hard work has helped build a great country.

However, for the last 20 years things have been slipping. One consistent problem has been Australia was originally six colonies; those divisions remain.

It appears before laws can be passed, the Federal Government must have a majority in the House of Reps and must also have it passed by the Senate.

But before this it must get opinions from the people and each state. However, each state still acts independently as each one has its own parliament with upper houses and governor ( except Queensland).

Little wonder nothing much happens in Australia.

I remember a New Zealand PM saying they can get a decision in one day and night – Australia cannot.

Under the Federal Constitution each of the original states had an allocation of 12 senators.

In Queensland we have two senators above the Tropic of Capricorn; one in Townsville, one in Rockhampton.

These two have a tremendous task to represent Queenslanders while the 10 living in south Queensland get it easy.

The principle in politics is the number of people in a state have their numbers divided by the number of politicians.

This is poor policy and the state should be divided into 12 areas and each politician live in that part of the state. Remember they are not elected to keep the House of Reps honest but to also represent the people.

What is the solution to properly managing and representing the people?

There have been two options going, one to split Queensland into two states. The argument against this, however, is we would need more politicians.

The other option is to wipe all states and divide Australia as it should be as one country with divisions doing the work and Canberra setting policy.

The argument North Queensland is underpopulated and disadvantaged is the finance from minerals in the North is spent in Brisbane.

The same also goes for West Australia – the mineral wealth is spent in Perth.

Evidently all regional areas of Australia complain the same as all goes to the capital cities where most people live.

Gee, how much would we save with only one governor and a minimum number of politicians instead of hundreds and different laws in each state?

An example is the proposed rail line from Cluden to the wharf will not be approved because it will not stack up financially.

It would if the rail line to Mount Isa was repaired or rebuilt and trains ran again instead of trucks. Whereas in Brisbane they build another rail line so people can get to work 10 minutes earlier. GARTH HARRIGAN,

Aitkenvale.