Trust in government must be reaching an all-time low

One commendable legacy of Peter Wellington's time as the independent state Member for Nicklin will be the Palaszczuk Government's passing of a Human Rights Act.

The former Member for Nicklin Peter Wellington. Picture: Mike Knott

ONE commendable legacy of Peter Wellington's time as the independent state Member for Nicklin will be the Palaszczuk Government's recent passing of a Human Rights Act.

The Act was a condition of his support for the incoming Labor government when the people of Queensland voted for change.

Arguing for the Act, Labor MP Mark Bailey expressed it well, saying: "People's rights were trampled on and removed by both the Bjelke-Petersen and Newman governments [whose] excesses led to corruption in government, in the private sector and even in the police force of the time. I believe that we should legislate against discrimination and set the standard in our community to prevent powerful people and powerful governments from oppressing others unreasonably”.

Unfortunately, the LNP Member for Ninderry Dan Purdie is yet to learn the lessons of history, stating: "Parliaments are elected to make laws. ...If it is unacceptable the community can make its views known at elections. A bill of rights is an admission of the failure of parliaments, governments and the people to behave reasonably, responsibly and respectfully”.

Trust in government is at an all-time low due to the failure of some of our politicians to behave to the standard we have every right to expect. Therefore, we need enshrined in law the many rights and liberties we have traditionally taken for granted and protection from the corruptibility of power.

As they say, power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

ROBYN DEANE

Bli Bli

Originally published as Trust in government must be reaching an all-time low