Our representatives must work for their people and not parties

TO say that politics in Queensland is unique is an understatement.

The reality is that Queensland politics is failing us all, especially those of us who live in central and North Queensland.

I read with some amusement the ongoing media stoush between Jason Costigan and Robbie Katter; notably ignited by Mr Costigan upon the launch of his new political party – a party that appears to have only one person driving it at the moment.

What I find amusing is that Mr Costigan believes he will gain ground, perhaps even win seats, by attacking the KAP. How ridiculous a strategy.

It is the major parties that he needs to challenge if any tangible progress for central and North Queensland is to be had. Ultimately both the KAP and NQ First need to focus on winning seats in the regions; and in the current political climate it is possible that they can do this.

Madura Mccormack’s article, ‘Whitsunday MP Jason Costigan accused of “ultimate hypocrisy” for vote against NQ state split’ (TB 18/9/19) highlights one of the most significant failings of both the major parties. Too many of our central and northern Queensland elected MPS toe the party line and fear repercussions if they do not. Mr Costigan said so much himself. The KAP has been saying it all along.

If we want change, we cannot keep doing what we have been doing – we must do something different.

Our elected representatives must represent their electorates first. They must have the gumption to stand up for their people, even if that sometimes means standing alone. This is true representation and leadership – and these are the men and women we want and need representing us in North and central Queensland.

On the issue of creating a new state of North Queensland, I have a sneaking suspicion that there are other central and northern Queensland MPS who believe in separation beyond the five state and two federal MPS who have already taken a stance but like Mr Costigan in 2016, they are too afraid to go against their southern-based, Brisbane-centric counterparts. After all, they are outnumbered and therein lies the problem. NANETTE RADECK,

Mount Low.