Balance goes out window in PUP arrival

CLIVE Palmer is understandably enjoying his moment in the sun.

His newly minted PUP senators, with help from Australian Motoring Enthusiast Party Senator Ricky Muir, now hold the balance of power in the Senate.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Treasurer Joe Hockey are effectively reliant on the PUP and Co to deliver on their agenda, starting with the repeal of the Carbon Tax.

Clearly Mr Palmer and his senators are a new political force in Canberra.

It remains to be seen if they will be a force for good, or – more likely – destabilisation. The early signs are not good. On the first day of the new balance- ofpower Senate, Mr Palmer — in typically unpredictable fashion — announced the PUP would oppose $ 9 billion in proposed Budget savings.

Followers of Mr Palmer would not expect anything less from the fickle Member for Fairfax and owner of Townsville’s nickel refinery. That does not mean it is good for the nation. Mr Palmer and his theatrics threaten to undermine any prospect of good, stable government this term.

After the disaster of the Gillard Government, this is the worst possible result for Australia.

With great power comes great responsibility.

Mr Palmer should remember this when he wants to “shock” Parliament.

Stay safe, Alpha Company

AUSTRALIA’S involvement in combat operations in Afghanistan may be over, but that does not mean our troops are without danger.

About 400 soldiers, many from Townsville, still remain in the war- torn country operating as advisers and mentors to the Afghan National Army.

The expected last deployment from Townsville, about 120 soldiers from the 1st Battalion’s Alpha Company, left for the Afghan capital Kabul yesterday.

On behalf of the Townsville community, the Bulletin wishes them a safe and productive seven- month deployment.