I have often written complaining about the “invisibility” of the Australian Labor Party in Toowoomba. As a party organisation, it rarely announces it even exists – that is, until only a couple of months before an Election. That is no way to win an election – you need permanent political presence for that.
Mind you, I feel sorry sometimes for Kerry Shine, MP for North Toowoomba for his misfortune in being appointed State Attorney General. Becoming a Minister can be the kiss of death for a Member of Parliament in a demanding electorate.
It is easy for Kerry after 8 years – and for Liberal National Party stalwart Mike Horan after 18 years – to remember those things that cause voters to become restless.
There are so many things in Toowoomba that just haven’t been kept up to standard, for instance:
>>The scandalous delays in renewing the Range Crossing
>> The equally scandalous state of the roads, especially James Street with its endless procession of transport juggernauts.
>> The irritating neglect by the Railways Department to fill in the gaps beween rail crossings and bitumen on all the city’s crossings. That’s simple enough to fix.
>> The criminal waiting times for new patients to get listed at the hospital Dental Clinic. At the very least, specal measures should be taken to help those aged persons in need.
>> The lack of turning lanes on our main roads, particularly West Street leading out to the University which has some of the most perilous intersections in the city.
You’d think that Horan and Shine would notice these defects, minor though they may be, as they drive around their city – WE the public notice. Why don’t they?
Things are looking up for Labor! Contesting Towooomba South against Mike Horan is the brilliant and likeable young Labor lawyer Daniel Toombs who has won many community awards and who heads up the Toowooomba Advisory Service Centre, the public advocacy organisation.
It should be a fascinating electon year, with a Labor Party duo contesting both electorates – the steady but sometimes pallid
Shine and the mercurial Toombs who overflows with ideas the public wants to hear.
To know more about Dan Toombs, click on to his website http://www.dantoombs.com.au/ and then go to the Heading “14 things you should know about Dan Toombs.” Those 14 Things are an eye-opener to the lively campaigner and politician he promises to become.
Toowoomba and Darling Downs political and social commentary. Print copies of this newsletter may be ordered from Toowoomba's Office Works, phone 4699-5300
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Hugh Bingham
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About Hugh Bingham
Bingham is a career journalist with experience in State and Federal politics. He has been Editor of the Sunday Truth, the Sydney Sunday Mirror, Associate Editor of the Sydney Daily Mirror, and has reported overseas for The Australian.
In retirement he turned farmer in the Felton Valley, near Toowoomba, breeding Appaloosas and winning best foal and filly at the 1992 State championships.
Now 80, Bingham takes a keen interest in current affairs, especially politics and social issues. Bingham has tutored U3A groups as diverse as poetry, memoir writing, and classical music.
In retirement he turned farmer in the Felton Valley, near Toowoomba, breeding Appaloosas and winning best foal and filly at the 1992 State championships.
Now 80, Bingham takes a keen interest in current affairs, especially politics and social issues. Bingham has tutored U3A groups as diverse as poetry, memoir writing, and classical music.
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