Media Release

Independent Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has proposed that the House be required to vote on legislation that would protect communities from social and economic decimation inevitable under dark green policies.

While politicians around Australia continue to talk about the controversial Murray-Darling Basin water proposals, Bob has chosen to act.

“Everyone’s talked about it but the time for talking is over,” Mr Katter said in Canberra this morning.

“We have given notice that we are drafting legislation that prevents further Murray-Darling cutbacks the Parliament has made a determination on the social and economic impacts.

“Everyone’s been making good noises in this direction – but we’re forcing the issue. It’s time for ponying up and finding out whether they’re fair dinkum or not… or whether they are going to take into account just the environment and smash people.”

Mr Katter said it was now up to Parliament to decide on the timing of debate over his Private Member’s Bill, which has been seconded by Liberal Patrick Secker. There was ample time next month, during the final fortnight of sittings for 2010, for that to occur, he said.

“But if they’re not prepared to debate it, then I will divide the House to bring it forward – so they’re going to be forced to vote for it one way or another,” Mr Katter said.

“They’ve all run around making mealy-mouthed statements to try to ingratiate themselves with their electorates because they’re all damn terrified – and that goes for the city electorates as well.

“A lot of city folk would be beginning to wonder whether we put environment over human beings. And half a million displaced people will be forced to move into Sydney and South-East Qld, which won’t be very pleasant for those people and their already over-burdened infrastructure."