UPDATE: In a surprising turn of events, Robbie Katter, leader of Katter’s Australian Party, has called for an urgent expansion of the Queensland Parliament to address growing representation issues. During a media conference on October 26, 2023, Katter emphasized the need for more seats, highlighting the challenges faced by rural electorates as population growth concentrates in the south-east.
Katter’s comments come amidst ongoing discussions about a looming redraw of the electoral map, which could significantly affect representation in Queensland. He argued that with the current 93 seats, many rural areas lack adequate political voice. “We need more representation in those rural north and western areas,” Katter stated, suggesting that either adjustments be made to seats in the more populated south-east or that the total number of parliamentary seats be increased.
The push for more representatives is particularly pressing given the number of voters in each electorate. As Katter pointed out, the growing population in urban regions is creating larger electorates that are increasingly difficult to manage. He remarked, “The size of these electorates require you to have a plane just to fly around.” This issue has been exacerbated by Queensland’s controversial “ghost voters” scheme, which complicates representation further.
While public sentiment has historically leaned against increasing the number of politicians, the need for effective representation is becoming undeniable. Voter dissatisfaction with being unheard is mounting, making this debate highly relevant for Queenslanders today.
Katter’s comments come at a pivotal moment as citizens are becoming more aware of the political dynamics affecting their lives. As Australia heads into an election cycle, the implications of Katter’s proposal could resonate with voters seeking accountability and representation.
Next Steps: The Queensland Parliament is set to address these concerns in upcoming sessions, and Katter’s party will likely push for discussions around the electoral map redraw. The public will need to stay informed on how these developments affect representation in their areas.
As this story unfolds, it’s clear that the demand for more voices in parliament is gaining traction. Residents of Queensland are encouraged to engage in this vital conversation as their representation hangs in the balance.
