withoutaface
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Qld Libs, Nats set to unite
A major shake-up of conservative politics in Queensland is looming, with the Liberal and National Parties set to merge.
The Liberals rejected the proposal outright when state Nationals leader Lawrence Springborg proposed it 18 months ago but the two parties agreed to start the process to unite in separate meetings today.
The idea was also resisted by the federal Nationals.
An election is due within 12 months and a combined conservative force is seen as the best way to defeat the Beattie Labor State Government.
Queensland Premier Peter Beattie says the Liberals and Nationals will struggle to present a united front.
"What's their policy on tree clearing?" he said.
"What's their policy on daylight saving and, three, what's their policy on issues like water?"
"Now, the Liberal Party and the National Party have never agreed on those, so if they're serious about one party - and good luck to them - let's spell out their position in relation to tree clearing."
Queensland political commentator Dr Paul Williams says it is a positive step for the conservative forces but he says unification will not be easily achieved.
"It brings a whole range of questions to the fore, as well," he said.
"For example, what will this party be called? Who will lead it?
"What sort of policies will they settle on?
"How will they sell it to their grassroots members?"
Talks will now also be held at a federal level.
Edit (link, Waf): http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200605/s1649336.htm
A major shake-up of conservative politics in Queensland is looming, with the Liberal and National Parties set to merge.
The Liberals rejected the proposal outright when state Nationals leader Lawrence Springborg proposed it 18 months ago but the two parties agreed to start the process to unite in separate meetings today.
The idea was also resisted by the federal Nationals.
An election is due within 12 months and a combined conservative force is seen as the best way to defeat the Beattie Labor State Government.
Queensland Premier Peter Beattie says the Liberals and Nationals will struggle to present a united front.
"What's their policy on tree clearing?" he said.
"What's their policy on daylight saving and, three, what's their policy on issues like water?"
"Now, the Liberal Party and the National Party have never agreed on those, so if they're serious about one party - and good luck to them - let's spell out their position in relation to tree clearing."
Queensland political commentator Dr Paul Williams says it is a positive step for the conservative forces but he says unification will not be easily achieved.
"It brings a whole range of questions to the fore, as well," he said.
"For example, what will this party be called? Who will lead it?
"What sort of policies will they settle on?
"How will they sell it to their grassroots members?"
Talks will now also be held at a federal level.
Edit (link, Waf): http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200605/s1649336.htm
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