Troubling threat to our voice

IT’S concerning to learn that North Queensland’s only resident senator could face the chop in an LNP shake- up.

Ayr- based Ian Macdonald is a 72- yearold party veteran who was elected to the Upper House in 1990.

His political nous and ability to read the numbers can’t be challenged.

But there are indications from some in the party that there is an appetite for new blood to rise through the ranks.

Senator Macdonald hasn’t always been popular.

Indeed, one of his more controversial moments in the spotlight was in February last year when he argued in favour of politicians keeping their Life Gold Pass.

Earlier this year he made some equally bizarre comments equating the popularity of Cowboys great Johnathon Thurston with an assertion racism was rare in Australia. He has, however, had finer moments. Senator Macdonald was front and centre in the creation of the Northern Australia White Paper — a game- changing document for North Queensland.

The simple fact is, without him, or another North Queensland- based senator, our voice is once again diluted in Canberra.

The LNP in Queensland should not make the mistake of the Australian Labor Party, which doesn’t have a senator further north than Moreton Bay.

Both parties would do well to ensure an adequate geographical spread when fielding candidates.

And Katter Australia Party’s newest senator Fraser Anning would do well to move himself to his party’s heartland as soon as possible.

North Queensland and, indeed, North Australia is a unique part of the country that those who fly in and fly out of here for press conferences or events will never truly understand.

Our issues are complex and we need to fight hard in the corridors of power to ensure our needs are met.

For the good of North Queensland, we hope all parties see sense on this issue.