IT sounds like the judges might have been open to expertly presented arguments on the question of inconsistency but didn’t hear any. On the other matters, the court’s acceptance that the disgraceful bill in question wasn’t one of attainder because it could conceivably apply to others (even though it was rushed through specifically to get Mr Palmer), is trite. Moreover, the argument that the rule of law has no relevance when interpreting the Constitution and that “other sources” cannot influence the way it is applied, is not convincing. The Mabo case, the external affairs power and the “implied freedom” of political communication suggest that broader rights do exist in a superstructure whose purpose is to constitute a democratic nation.
There is more to it – not all complimentary to the Queensland tycoon – as Henry Ergas explained in August – but this is a very dangerous precedent. We desperately need constitutional protections from the state in this country but, unfortunately for us, the sacred document itself belongs not to the people but to the Uniparty that controls the referendum process.
Has there ever been a more ineffective, acting against his own interests clown than Palmer?
*Formed UAP and campaigned against Campbell Newman because he wouldn’t shout “yes sir Mr Palmer Sir!” Contrary to mythology about public servants, Newman lost government in the regions like Sunshine Coast voting Clive and then exhausting optional preferences, plus KAP sided with ALP (as it always does in such situations). We have had Palaszczuk Govt ever since which isn’t mining friendly.
*shenanigans with the Townsville nickel refinery that put dozens of families in the poor box and cratered the Townsville economy more than might have been otherwise.
* spent a King’s random bringing Al Gore in and then dealt himself in with a stupid amendment to the let’s kill carbon tax bill that has caused immense harm to business ever since.
* wA shenanigans with badly thought out strategy that will impact on all future businesses and even more importantly, the reach and behaviour of governments ever after.
Thanks Clive! Just how much harm have you done to the productive side of the economy?