Editorial: Bush Summit must bring hope, not more bulldust

It’s time for politicians in Canberra and Brisbane to pay more than just lip service to the regions, writes the editor.

Outback mayor Trevor Pickering has hit the nail on the head – it’s time for politicians in Canberra and Brisbane to pay more than just lip service to the regions.

The Courier-Mail’s National Bush Summit is an incredible opportunity for the issues affecting regional Australians to be front and centre, with the most powerful politicians in the country in attendance.

This story is part of News Corp Australia’s Bush Summit series celebrating rural and regional Australia and championing the issues that matter most to those living in the bush. You can read all our coverage here

But those same politicians need to be aware that, as we said yesterday, regional Queenslanders have a finely tuned bulldust radar and they will quickly sniff that out in any pledges that are reheated or include funds that have already been allocated.

The political leaders need to bring something new to the table.

Because as Mr Pickering, the Mayor of Croydon, points out, all people in the bush want are “real attempts to solve our problems”.

It’s not too much to ask.

“When we ask for something, when we make the case for something, it feels like it’s falling on deaf ears in the city, in Brisbane and in Canberra,” he said.

And Mr Pickering makes a good point about the term “resilient”, which is bandied around all too often when talking about regional Australians.

In his words, what it really means is: “We know it’s stuffed but you guys are tough and will cope anyway”.

That’s just not good enough.

Regional Australia is the lifeblood of this country.

Mining royalties pay for roads, bridges, schools, hospitals and jobs.

The food on our tables comes from hardworking farmers in our regions.

As businesswoman Gina Rinehart also writes today, Australia risks killing “the geese laying the golden egg” as farmers struggle under the burden of government red tape and tax.

And, in his regular Courier-Mail column, Senator Matt Canavan says that a “chasm of mistrust” has built up between regional and rural Australians and the nation’s leaders, who are more inclined to make decisions based on the needs of the populous capital cities.

To be clear, this isn’t an “us verses them” proposition.

The regions just need a fair go, as Mr Pickering says.

In his speech today, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will acknowledge the important role the regions play in this country, and admit those who live there deal with challenges “not known in the capitals”.

That Mr Albanese is attending the event alongside Coalition leader Peter Dutton, Premier Steven Miles and Opposition Leader David Crisafulli shows that politicians are aware of the importance of regional Queensland to this country.

And we hope they come to the table with genuine solutions to the problems the National Bush Summit series has identified so far – such as the need for a police recruitment action plan, a commitment to a long-term plan to “finish” the Bruce Highway, and boosting school attendance rates for Indigenous kids.

There’s also a myriad of infrastructure projects that desperately need to get off the ground – such as building a new bridge over the Gilbert River, in Mr Pickering’s patch of Queensland.

It floods almost every wet season, cutting people in The Gulf off for months on end.

Katter Australia Party leader Robbie Katter estimates it would cost upward of $50m.

It bears reminding that the government’s controversial Train Manufacturing Program had a blowout of $2.4bn.

Is it any wonder regional Queenslanders feel they’re being dudded?

Real solutions are desperately needed, not just talk of “resilience” in the bush.

STRUGGLING BRONCOS NEED HOME SUPPORT

With three weeks left in the regular season there are still 13 teams who can mathematically make the finals. Currently sitting in 10th spot, the Broncos need to win all three remaining games to make the top eight while hoping a couple of other key results fall their way.

It is a stark contrast to this time last year when the rock star Broncos were starting their run at a grand final assault.

Injuries to key players and a draining State of Origin representative period have no doubt taken a toll on this season but there are also questions being asked as to how the club has slipped so far off the pace in just a few short months.

A commanding win over arch rivals the Cowboys a couple of weeks ago proved the Broncos will keep fighting until the final whistle.

They take on the poor performing Parramatta Eels tonight in a must-win clash at Suncorp Stadium and Brisbane needs to get behind them.

Go the Broncos!

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Chris Jones, corner of Mayne Rd & Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Printed and published by NEWSQUEENSLAND (ACN 009 661 778). Contact details here