Qld: Upper house the answer to Qld integrity problems: Macdonald

AAP General News (Australia)
08-09-2009
Qld: Upper house the answer to Qld integrity problems: Macdonald

BRISBANE, Aug 9 AAP - Queensland Liberal senator Ian Macdonald has added to the growing
number of calls for an upper house to be reinstated to the state's parliament, in the
wake of cronyism and corruption claims.

Premier Anna Bligh last week released a green paper for discussion on accountability
issues such as political donations, the funding of election campaigns, and the work of
lobbyists.

It came amidst a flood of accusations about links between former politicians turned
lobbyists and government decisions, and criticism from corruption reformer Tony Fitzgerald.

Senator Macdonald said he had written to Ms Bligh, to add to the public debate the
issue of restoring an upper house or second chamber in Queensland.

"Upper houses have demonstrated abilities to increase scrutiny of government decisions
and effectively voice popular disagreement," he said in a statement.

In the letter, Senator Macdonald says he envisages an upper house with limited powers,
so it cannot hold up legislation indefinitely or have the power to bring down a government,
but can delay or amend legislation.

"By placing the aforementioned restrictions on an upper house, its focus could remain
on thoroughly scrutinising the decisions of government and voicing popular disagreement
when it arises," he wrote.

Queensland's upper house was abolished in 1922.

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