Beattie threatens High Court battle on mergers

Premier Peter Beattie has threatened a High Court challenge against Prime Minister John Howard's intervention on council mergers - and Bob Abbot is far from impressed.

Premier Peter Beattie says a High Court challenge could be mounted against Prime Minister John Howard's intervention against council mergers.

The threat has been condemned by Noosa mayor Bob Abbot, who said he was 'befuddled' as to why the Premier was so hell-bent on refusing to give local communities a say.

Mr Abbot told thedaily.com.au that local State Emergency Service groups had been theatened with dismissal if they provided any support at anti-amalgamation demonstrations.

The Noosa mayor said the Premier was going against Labor's own party policy platform by refusing to allow communities to have their say on the issue.

And he said the legislation even went as far as preventing any judicial review.

"He seems unusually determined to stop people having their say. It has got me befuddled as to why he is so determined on this.''

Mr Abbot said Noosa Council wanted a referendum but would not ask for one and risk being sacked, because it would leave the Noosa community unrepresented.

Mr Beattie said today he had received crown law advice which indicated his government would be able to mount a strong challenge against Mr Howard's move to override legislation passed in state parliament last week.

Mr Howard today announced the federal government would override Queensland legislation, which includes a provision to sack any councils who held local referendums on the controversial issue.

The prime minister said councils should not be sacked for holding democratic polls and accused Mr Beattie of arrogance.

However, Mr Beattie said referendums were not held when the boundaries of federal and state electorates were changed and local government boundaries should be no different.

He also threatened to respond in kind to Mr Howard's intervention by holding referendums on controversial federal issues.

"What the prime minister has done is potentially open the flood gates on a myriad of issues," Mr Beattie said.

"We could consider running plebiscites on vital issues, including Work Choices and the placement of nuclear dumps in our state."

Originally published as Beattie threatens High Court battle on mergers