What a disaster!

I don’t know the history of the National Party in Queensland, but in Victoria it was formed as an independent country party. I belonged to the party for a few years in the 80s because it provided a voice for country people.

At that time the Nationals never formed a coalition in opposition and in Victoria were on the cross benches. It seemed to work well because it made voters aware the Nationals were independent.

Since that time the Nationals have been in almost perpetual coalition, except for a few years of rebuilding in Victoria and currently in WA.

That begs the question: what difference is there between the two parties? Not much really, so they may as well merge.

But I still believe there’s a place for an independent country party; one that isn’t afraid to negotiate with the government of the day to achieve the best outcome for country people.

That’s the path Brendon Grylls is travelling in Western Australia. Nobody in their right mind would suggest he abandon that strategy to form a new party in which the leader is a confessed chair sniffer.

And whatever the intentions in Queensland there are serious implications for other states and the federal party.

As a Queensland MP I can assure you that what is being proposed is what the public is asking for at a State level. I am constantly told that once we (being the Nats and Libs) get our act together and form one party people will again vote for us.
Labor has been in power for almost the past 20 years and we need so much more than a strong coalition agreement to take government.
The model is not so radical as it is already in place in the NT with the Country Liberal Party at a Territory level and still provides a framework Federally for Canberra.
As for the arguement about a “rump party” I think One Nation has shown that that occurs when the people are not being listened to. We face a greater risk of a new party filling the void if we don’t do what the people the Queensland want than from anywhere else.
Let us not fear change.