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| Bugger the Subcontinent , sing a song of sell offs . |
BRISBANE : There is no doubt that the calling of the early Queensland election will be seen as
a slight to India and
its leader. Premier "Can Do " Campbell Newman was scheduled to head a trade mission to India next
month to follow up on the expensive G20 meeting of leaders in Brisbane , attended by Prime Minister Narendra
Modi.
In preparation for the visit of Mr and Mrs Newman , the ceremonial elephants had been washed , their toenails varnished ; the red carpets were steam cleaned ; like four and twenty blackbirds baked in a pie, a flock of Myna birds had been trained to sing, Queensland ... Beautiful one day...Up for sale the next ; the Taj Mahal was briefed for a possible visit by the Premier and wife so that they could be photographed holding hands at the famous romantic monument. Now all this off.
It has to be recalled that soon after he swept into power in 2012 , jubilant Premier Newman led an 80 strong team to India . Now India is being run by a new regime , left in the lurch by the Queensland LNP government . While there is no doubt that the election has been called in a bid to try and save the neck of Premier Newman , there were other pressing considerations.
It has to be recalled that soon after he swept into power in 2012 , jubilant Premier Newman led an 80 strong team to India . Now India is being run by a new regime , left in the lurch by the Queensland LNP government . While there is no doubt that the election has been called in a bid to try and save the neck of Premier Newman , there were other pressing considerations.
One suspects the real reason why the India mission was cancelled is because it was realised that a visit by Newman to that country would throw immense media attention and possible doubt on the proposed giant Galilee Basin coal project in which the controversial Indian resources company, Adani , is a key player . While the project is being promoted by the Queensland Government as a future bonanza for the state , there is strong opposition , nationally and internationally , on many fronts . The Bank of India reportedly the only organisation prepared to put money in the venture, other major banks steering clear . Add to this the slump in the price of coal and the whole thing could become an outback mirage .
Another powerful factor in the decision to go early must have been concern about the UNESCO report on the Great Barrier Reef which is expected next month. If it came just before an election saying it is under threat , there would be hell to pay . Don't want these happening just before an election ... polls will undoubtedly continue on a slide. So go now, try and catch the ALP , unionists , firefighters, army of unemployed , angry cane farmers , stressed pastoralists , bikies, neglected North Queensland and pensioners , the latter group upset by Canberra , flatfooted , keep digits crossed and attend party sing-alongs .
