David French | 5/12/2012 1:49:36 PM

This article was originally published as 'Livermore' in http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/ on 1 December 2012.

Many will be elated at Kirsten Livermore’s decision to step down at the next election, but I’m not one of them. No raging red ragger (or fascist, for that matter), I do know that our local politicians are the conduit by which our community can access the people who make the rules.

Since returning to Rockhampton 12 years ago, I have experienced four or five instances, where approaching the local member was the appropriate measure. Twice my visits were to Robert Schwarten, and the rest to Kirsten – once regarding problems with the interface between the financial services business I run and Centrelink, once regarding the then embryonic financial services reforms that are now becoming law, and finally regarding the impending implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. What happened? Each time, Kirsten put me in touch with people that could actually make a difference. For years now, the relationship between CIPL and Centrelink has been seamless. Bernie Ripoll and I discussed the financial services reforms several times, and I think some of this discussion is finding its way into legislation. Jan McLucas, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers is now in contact with the Home Support Association, of which I am treasurer. Thank you, Kirsten.

Having lived in four states, amateur politics is the single biggest hurdle to the growth of our region - I’ve never been anywhere where people take such a firm view as to the rights and wrongs of a particular party (or even party faction), regardless of internal reform or change. Perhaps it comes down to the lack of a Senate. That combined with Queensland’s relatively low levels of education (sounds offensive, but it’s right there in the ABS data), creates an environment where decisions are based on hate, rather than debate. The hate builds and builds and then explodes, essentially wiping out entire parties – twice in my adult lifetime. Campbell’s got his sleeves rolled up, but if he really wants to make a difference, he’ll pursue a referendum on the reinstatement of Queensland’s upper house.

Clearly, the current Government has plenty to answer for, recent transcripts reading better than a Mills and Boon. Governments are called to account at election time. With an elected Government and an elected member, personal attacks on those best placed to help are simply dopey, regardless of creed.

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