Qld: Oppn backs Howard move to allow council votes

AAP General News (Australia)
08-07-2007
Qld: Oppn backs Howard move to allow council votes

The Queensland opposition's called on the Beattie government to withdraw threats to
fine councillors who push ahead with local ballots on shire mergers.

The Prime Minister announced today the Australian Electoral Commission will be allowed
to run local referendums on amalgamations .. and the federal government will pay for them.

The Queensland government today introduced laws which will cut the number of councils
by half .. and impose fines of more than a thousand dollars on councillors who hold local
ballots on mergers.

State Opposition Leader JEFF SEENEY's welcomed JOHN HOWARD's move .. and says PETER
BEATTIE's government has shut down democracy in Queensland.

AAP RTV pjo/imc/bart

KEYWORD: COUNCILS HOWARD (BRISBANE)

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