Past Programs
Government - State - 2008
Hidden Queensland
23/12/2008
Right now, Queensland is at the epicentre of national power. The Prime Minister, the federal Treasurer, the Governor General are all from Queensland. And the state is growing like there's no tomorrow - vast numbers of overseas and interstate migrants mean it's practically bursting at the seams. And it's got a burgeoning cultural sector - of which the Writer's festival is evidence. These days Queensland's the smart state.
But it wasn't always this way. How many of you remember when it was the Moonlight State? A mere twenty years ago Queensland was better known for its vice, cronyism, corruption and misconduct. The Fitzgerald Inquiry led to former government ministers and the police chief being thrown in jail. The state, back then, was a national embarrassment.
So how did it all turn around? Where is Queensland at now? And how did that era affect today's Queensland? No talkback today ... but Australia Talks ponders these question's ... some of them addressed in Hidden Queensland - the title of the Spring edition of the Griffith Review.
A new conservative coalition?
23/04/2008
With Labor in power throughout the country, how can Australia's conservative parties find their way out of the political wilderness? In the wake of the last Federal Election, a review of the National party by former leader John Anderson and political strategist Michael Priebe produced three possible outcomes for the future of the beleaguered party:
1. An improved coalition with the Liberals.
2. A stand-alone party.
3. As part of a new conservative force with or without the Liberals.
What would be the implications for the Liberal party? There are rumours that some Queensland Liberals would jump ship to a new conservative political party, if federal coalition partners fail to achieve a merger.
What's your view?
