Statement by the Premier of Queensland, Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen, Brisbane,
3 June 1987
(Chapter 10, p. 138)
The Queensland Premier, Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen will not nominate as a candidate for the Federal election.
“I have made the decision reluctantly, in the knowledge that the necessary organisational arrangements for the campaign will not be achieved in the time available while some entrenched elements in the Federal National Party refuse to accept the need for change.”
Sir Joh said the electorate wanted the Nationals to present a united front and such unity would not be possible with the present attitude of the New South Wales organisation.
“Over the past weeks I have received hundreds of requests to stay in Queensland and ‘Keep Queensland Strong’. These requests have included representations yesterday from my entire Cabinet.
“Accordingly I have decided against contesting a Federal seat in the interests of presenting a common front in the National Party and will continue to work in my capacity as Premier to help remove the socialist Federal Labor Government from Canberra.”
The Premier said he would produce his 25% single rate tax policy and use it to vigorously campaign against the ALP and anyone else who supported higher taxes.
“I am prepared to help National Party candidates in Queensland and across the nation who want to support my low tax package,” Sir Joh said.
The Premier said his campaign to date had been successful in galvanising the conservative parties into action and changing the focus of political debate towards lower taxes, control of unions and reductions in Federal Government spending.
“I regret greatly not fulfilling my wish to join the many candidates who offered to stand with me. I wish them well.”
