Gleeso: I’m no fan of Jackie Trad’s brand of envy politics
For all those working themselves up into a muck lather that I’ll be Jackie Trad’s campaign manager for her South Brisbane re-election prospects on October 31, settle down and take a cold shower, writes Peter Gleeson.
Opinion
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FOR all those working themselves up into a muck lather that I’ll be Jackie Trad’s campaign manager for her South Brisbane re-election prospects on October 31, settle down and take a cold shower.
Nobody has been more critical of Trad’s policies than yours truly. Nobody. But when she offered up an exclusive TV interview for my Sky News show, the decision to say “yes’’ took me about half a second.
Every journalist in Queensland would have said yes. Then I wrote a comment piece bagging her Left-wing zealotry, saying her policies leave me cold, although acknowledging that she should never be underestimated because she’s a street fighter.
She wouldn’t be the leader of the Queensland Labor Left without cunning and guile and let’s not forget they still have the numbers in Cabinet and Caucus.
I guess if angering the Left and Right is one of my KPIs as a columnist, then I have done my job.
But let me be clear for all those who were critical.
I’ll write it slowly and you can read it S L O W L Y.
I’m not a fan of Jackie Trad’s brand of envy politics.
Her policies are dangerous and regressive and her influence – not to mention her integrity scandals – are the reason Labor will lose the next election.
She’s clearly attempting to rebuild her brand and overcome the perception that she’s dodgy.
The fact that she came to News Corp – which through our newspapers and TV reach has far and away the largest voter audience in Queensland – was smart. The timing seemed odd though and it certainly blindsided some within the ALP. But as I keep saying, underestimate Jackie Trad at your peril.
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Crisafulli on the rise amid drama
ALL the drama surrounding the LNP leadership and the future of party president Dave Hutchinson, Broadwater MP David Crisafulli has copped a raw deal.
Crisafulli is as ambitious as he is impressive. He’s a politician on the rise and there’s no doubt he would one day make a good premier.
But to my knowledge, he has never privately briefed against his leader Deb Frecklington, both to the media and his MP colleagues.
The reason he had to defend himself last week against leadership spill speculation was that some within the party see him as the future of the LNP. Right now, he doesn’t have the numbers – by a long way. He was held out to dry and Labor were salivating at the internal division. LNP leader Deb Frecklington seems energised after the leadership speculation was put to bed.
With Labor being outstanding campaigners, we’re in for an interesting few months. Border closures, youth crime and child safety will dominate this campaign.
Where’s Meaghan?
Where’s the Assistant Tourism Minister and Labor’s Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon been hibernating over winter? Nobody has seen her, despite the tourism industry facing its greatest challenge. With the Palaszczuk Government being criticised for not opening the borders to interstate visitors, Ms Scanlon has not said much at all. It’s times like these when our party system doesn’t work. Scanlon’s electorate takes in a couple of theme parks. She must be more visible on this issue.
On track
The racing industry has been a standout performer during COVID-19. Patrons are expected back on tracks in early-July. Grafton’s famous July carnival is also likely to be held with less than 10,000 patrons after a recent decision by NSW Thoroughbreds.
Council funds
Raised eyebrows about the State Government’s COVID program for councils. Townsville received $13.54 million and Brisbane got $5 million. Townsville could make or break the Palaszczuk Government on October 31.
Fight on
Expect an announcement this week on the Jeff Horn/ Tim Tszyu fight and it’s likely to be September in Townsville, with a crowd of less than 10,000 because of coronavirus protocols. The word is Horn looks in great shape.
No freeze
The public sector wage freeze is not a freeze. Public servants don’t get 2.5 per cent in 2021, but they get 5 per cent in 2022. Nice work if you can get it.
Building broom
There’s a broom being put through the Queensland Building and Construction Commission after questions were raised about union involvement in certain decisions. More to come.