Our Voice in Morayfield, Queensland, Australia | Community

Our Voice

Locality: Morayfield, Queensland, Australia

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24.01.2022 Thank you to the Moreton Bay Region Safe Communities group for giving Mayoral candidates an opportunity to speak at their meeting in North Lakes yesterday. And thank you, Eric Shields and Chris Thompson, for attending and putting forward your ideas for the Moreton Bay region. Brick bats to Dean Teasdale for promising to attend, but doing a vanishing act on the day. As the election draws closer, it is becoming clearer who is all hot air and who is genuine about representing the people of our area.

24.01.2022 This is what happens when people with no scruples or morals are elected to local Councils. High quality water is a basic human need which should not be corporatised or privatised by local authorities or Governments. Or by foreign interests like this Chinese company.

23.01.2022 Interesting television coverage...

23.01.2022 MEETING REMINDER: Our last Community Forum for 2019, this Sunday... usual time, usual place... Come and meet our candidates.MEETING REMINDER: Our last Community Forum for 2019, this Sunday... usual time, usual place... Come and meet our candidates.

23.01.2022 Wishing members, friends and supporters a prosperous and successful 2020!

23.01.2022 Councillors have been quick to make out they are "concerned" about the situation at MBRC, but everyone of them has been part of the rat pack of deception, insider trading, bullying, and mismanagement. Mayor Sutherland and his cronies have tried to pass the blame onto their CEO and others, but the buck always stops at the top. The dismal culture of this Council is almost entirely of their making. Make no mistake, newcomers like Savige, Hain, Sims and Grimwade have voted with the rest of the pack time and time again. They cannot wash their hands and pretend they were not aware of the toxic culture inside this Council. They must take their share of responsibility as well.

22.01.2022 Zanetti nails it again. Who selected these unrepresentative "Australians" to come up with something so unnecessary and so foolish? And why do our governments, Coalition and Labor, keep wasting taxpayers money like this?? The Two-Party political system is just bleeding us all dry and somehow we (the masses, at least) keep voting for the same indescribably stupid candidates over and over again. Come on, Aussies, its time for a fresh start!

22.01.2022 The deeper we go into this Chinese-originated COVID-19 pandemic, the more one needs to question the role of corrupt politicians and other vested interests. In the USA, a legitimately-elected President (whether we like him or not) has fought constantly against a deeply-entrenched coalition of corrupt political figures and greedy business interests with their own agenda for not only America but the world. News is being censored daily to suit "The Swamp". Freedom of speech is be...ing progressively removed by the Elite who consider themselves the rightful custodians of information. Just look any day at the unconscionable behaviour of Facebook, Twitter and YouTube as the Zuckerbergs of this world become richer and more obsessed with their own importance. Millions in Africa and India and other "third-world" communities are being used as guinea-pigs by evil individuals bent on achieving their own selfish purposes. Again, "the love of money is the root of all evil". Even in Australia, we are witnessing the utter incompetence (or wilful neglect) of government officials, both at a Federal and State level. For example, why are vulnerable senior citizens being left to die in aged care facilities in Victoria? Why are they not being cared for properly, or even fed their regular meals? Millions have been spent on "preparing us" for this pandemic, yet the most basic things are not happening. When will Australians everywhere start thinking? Have you noticed how few of our elected representatives are speaking out? No, most of them are just keeping a seat warm, including our own Member for Longman. Silent. All his pre-election promises seemingly forgotten already. If we keep electing idiots and Party-apparatchiks to our parliaments, nothing will change! But, are we allowed to think for ourselves anymore? Do our "leaders" even want us to think? Meanwhile, here is something to think about while Victorians are grappling with a seemingly out-of-control pandemic...

21.01.2022 Is it the end of an era? This afternoons police charges follow earlier charges against Division 12 Councillor Raedel, the sudden resignation of the MBRC CEO a few weeks ago, and the departure of several other high level employees of the Council, particularly from the embattled Human Resources department. For months, we have openly said this entire Council needs to go. It has degenerated into a quagmire of blame and passing the buck. It is unable to function in the interes...ts of the broader community. In a desperate attempt to divert attention away from themselves with their phony "organisational review" run by mates of the Mayor, it seems that the Council has been desperately trying to shift blame onto staff rather than admit that their own questionable behaviour has left the Council unable to function as it should. Hopefully, todays arrest will break the protective screen around some of the most notorious managers still clinging to their jobs with the Council. The bullying, intimidation and mismangement of Council staff must stop and the Council needs to be held accountable for years of maladministration.

21.01.2022 On line now: https://www.facebook.com/MoretonBayCouncil/videos/236507464060020/

20.01.2022 Seems the CCC have had second thoughts about what they think is "corruption". More on the unravelling MBRC story below. Of course, all local Councils in Queensland (apart from Brisbane City) operate under the Local Government Act and are the direct responsibility of the State Government. Considering how long the Pala-Trad government took to deal with the obvious corruption in Ipswich, and the mess they still have in Logan, the Gold Coast, the Fraser Coast, etc, all of these... issues need to be slated home to the inept, and arguably, corrupt Labor administration in Queensland. Ultimately, they are responsible. Apart from one short Parliamentary term (2012-15) when Campbell Newman, totally out of his depth and experience and hindered by his own swollen head, tried to lead Queensland, Labor has held the reins for more than twenty years. Limping from one issue to the next, Labor has effectively dithered and turned a blind eye on corruption in Queensland. Mind you, when your own Treasurer is herself looking for opportunities to make an extra buck out of the job, through insider trading, then how can you expect local Mayors and Councillors to keep their noses out of the trough? Lets hope the LNP can find some decent candidates to put forward at the October 2020 poll, so that we can finally sort these things out and get Queensland back on track. However, looking around the present Shadow Ministry and the LNPs lacklustre backbench, Im really not convinced they could do any better job. Perhaps its time to get back to representative democracy (not faction-torn Party politics) and make sure we have enough talented Independent and minor Party candidates to hold the balance of power, so that irrespective of which major Party wins the numbers, someone can keep them both honest and accountable to the people.

20.01.2022 The Moreton Bay sieve was leaking pretty badly yesterday, but here it is from the man himself. Greg Chemello will take over as CEO at MBRC from mid-January. Note his words, "The opportunity came up for the local government organisation to do some transformation work alongside similar lines -- not exactly the same as Ipswich but somewhat similar lines. They have had a review, the Triple C has gone through that organisation and some cultural change is needed." Reading between the lines, MBRC is rotten to the core and needs a major overhaul. It is time to replace every single councillor with someone prepared to work for the community not for themselves or for mates willing to put money in their pockets.

18.01.2022 Weve been watching various Facebook sites over the last few weeks. One, claiming to be the place for all candidates to share ideas, is clearly heavily biased towards one particular Mayoral candidate. Between arguments, bullying, harassment, intimidation, name-calling, slander, etc etc, it is not a very pleasant place to try and share an alternative view. There is also the problem of posts being removed or blocked by moderators unwilling to let everyone have a say. However,... thanks to the Ratepayers Action Group, there is now an election website where all voters can go without being threatened or being jumped on. The www.rag-candidates.info site has all the candidates in simple alphabetical order, with no bias except towards getting a better Council than the one weve had for the past twelve years. There is a link to almost every candidate, maps of the revised 2020 electoral boundaries, and a great blog which highlights interesting aspects of the campaign. Although prepared from the perspective of a concerned community group, additional contributions are welcomed from all candidates... without the hassle and nastiness associated with some of the above Facebook pages.

17.01.2022 We have to question why one Mayoral candidate keeps blocking people when they ask him questions he doesnt like. This man has ranted continuously about how we need to put "the bad days" behind us, yet he and his cronies are working continuously to silence anyone who questions what he says or points out contradictions in his public statements. Clearly he has little to do but research and attack anyone who he feels does not support his campaign to become our next Mayor. When ...a Mayoral candidate and his mates spend countless hours harassing people who are members of community organisations, bagging their intentions, criticising their possible motives, nitpicking about connections from years ago that have nothing to do with Council elections, etc, etc, we feel no reservation in calling him out. Dean Teasdale, stop wasting the time of good people and start treating people with the respect they deserve. We are all free to comment, free to campaign, free to express opinions... even if you dont like it. Get a life! See more

16.01.2022 Though quite clear the Council will try to weasle their way out of responsibility, passing the blame onto staff members who have recently resigned, the report does appear to have been released without amendment... Weve posted it on our website as promised... https://www.ourvoice.website/grassroots-connections-austra/

16.01.2022 Karens Candidate Page is now up on our website. https://www.ourvoice.website//karen-haddock-candidate-div/

15.01.2022 So the Mayor now blames his cronies? He also blames leaks from within his administration. If we are not mistaken, he and his mates commissioned this report to paint the Council as the victims of incompetent staff, but Mr Mayor, you are the leader and the responsibility clearly lies with you. If you had focussed on building a credible and accountable Council instead of chasing your own personal ambitions and pandering to your inner circle of supporters, this report would never have been needed. As many of your own Council employees are saying, Watch the door doesnt hit you going out!

15.01.2022 Rodneys Candidate Page is now up on our website. https://www.ourvoice.website//rodney-hansen-candidate-div/

14.01.2022 We have a copy of the " "Grassroots" report already... interesting reading... Well post a link as soon as we can for you to read.We have a copy of the " "Grassroots" report already... interesting reading... Well post a link as soon as we can for you to read.

13.01.2022 Scotts Candidate Page is now up on our website. https://www.ourvoice.website//scott-donovan-candidate-div/

12.01.2022 FROM THE PRESIDENT: I have just had a strange online conversation with Mayoral candidate Dean Teasdale. Can anyone take this guy seriously? After I agreed with another writer on the supposedly public "Moreton Bay Candidates 2020" page, and questioned his manner, Teasdale accused me of "trolling". Moments later the "administrator" blocked me from making further comments. So much for transparency and accountability, Mr Teasdale.... Anyone who knows me will agree that I am quite happy to speak out when I think someone is being rude or inconsiderate. I do not need to "troll", or hide my identity. I speak my mind and I do not back away from my convictions. Mr Teasdale, we do not need someone like you trying to become our Mayor. We want someone who makes sense when he speaks, listens to constructive criticism when someone is offering it, and does not cut people off when they have views different to your own. We are looking for someone who will genuinely listen to the people and reflect that in the way he goes about his business. One of the big problems we have had over many years with the present MBRC is the inability to get answers to our questions. I am convinced that a Teasdale-led Council would be no better. Bevan Collingwood, President, Our Voice Inc

11.01.2022 Can we take this Palla-Trad Labor government seriously? Were going to severely impede our fire-fighting capacity by forcing thousands of skilled volunteers to get a piece of plastic of dubious value before we allow them to save lives and property?? You have to be joking! When will Queenslanders wake up and vote these morons out of office?

11.01.2022 Australians everywhere need to understand what our governments have largely been hiding from us. The "corona virus" presently sweeping the world has no comparison in living memory. It has not only spooked the worlds stock exchanges, but it will inevitably affect every Australian in some way or another. Please, please, watch and stay safe. https://www.skynews.com.au/details/_6143626639001

11.01.2022 Further to our Press Release two days ago, word has it that another key figure at MBRC has gone this morning, but the biggest offenders remain. More soon...

10.01.2022 With half the present Moreton Bay Regional Council still facing corruption charges or still being investigated by the Office of the Independent Assessor (OIA), it is clear voters need to take a broom to the present Council and elect more worthy representatives of the people. March 28 will give us the opportunity to "flick" any Councillor who has broken promises, failed to stand up for their local constituents, become arrogant, appears to be more interested in feathering his o...r her own nest, or simply, has failed to live up to the standards that we expect of those elected to public office. As a group, we believe each Division should be treated equitably, and diligently represented by someone who has an established reputation for being a community advocate over many years. We do not support wanna-be politicians using Council as a stepping stone to other political ambitions. We are delighted to be supporting Karen Haddock (Division 4), Rodney Hansen (Division 3), and Scott Donovan (Division 6). Each of these candidates, we believe, are deserving community support on March 28.

10.01.2022 PRESS RELEASE There is a saying that nothing changes without change. It certainly applies to our Council. After spending ratepayers money on what seemingly was to be a whitewash of Council and Councillors, it now appears that Council has endorsed Phase 2 of its supposedly independent "Organisational Review" through Grassroots Connections Australia.... The first phase highlighted the toxic work environment that has burgeoned under the leadership of the Mayor and the present Councillors. Although it focussed much of the blame on Senior Management, and singled the HR department out for a thorough audit, the ultimate responsibility lies with the Councillors themselves. Incompetence or ignorance are not excuses to justify the myriad shortcomings of the organisation they preside over. Nor does it explain their own poor behaviour. After promising that the review process would protect the confidentiality of feedback made in the "staff survey", Council completely broke faith with staff by appointing one of the review team itself to a senior management position within Council. This was a serious breach of trust on the part of Council and totally inappropriate by any yardstick. However, reports continue to come in of ongoing bullying, racial taunting, persistent micro-management, demeaning directives to staff implying dishonesty and a lack of trust, disregard for staff concerns, inappropriate staff appointments, failure to consult with staff before implementing important changes... the list goes on, but many of these relate to the same Senior Staff criticised in the "Outcomes Report" dated 16 September 2019. Weve heard of the foxes guarding the chicken house, but with such little trust in Senior Managers at Council, it beggars belief that some of these same individuals are reportedly now being put in charge of Phase 2 of the review process. How can that be sold as "independent"? And how can people who have largely been responsible for the bullying and maladministration highlighted in Phase 1 of the review, be trusted to "investigate" the toxic environment within the Council workforce? Unforgiveable. The Mayor has his own motivations for trying to blame his fellow Councillors, but the problem remains. This Council still has no idea how to deal with problems they have created themselves. They continue to wash their hands and pretend its someone elses responsibility, but the buck stops with the Council. It remains our view that the voters of Moreton Bay have no choice but to replace every single Councillor with someone who can be trusted to clean up our Council. Serving the community is not a junket. It is not a career for "wannabe politicians". It is not an opportunity to get ones nose in the trough. It is a responsibility to be taken on behalf of and in the interests of others; on behalf of the broader community. **Authorised by Bevan Collingwood, 29 Lomandra Drive, Morayfield, on behalf of Our Voice Inc.**

08.01.2022 What an absolute disgrace! Labor has been caught out, yet again, trying to cover up corruption within the Palaszczuk Labor government. Whatever happened to democracy in Queensland? Surely every one of us has the right to question the behaviour of this inept and corrupt administration? Whilst most people would commend the Premier for the way she has handled herself during the COVID-19 pandemic, voters cannot overlook the gross incompetence of Yvette DAth, Steven Miles, Jac...kie Trad, Grace Grace, and other ministers under her leadership. This government needs to be censured unreservedly at the coming State election in October. Unfortunately, the Opposition LNP still does not appear to have taken any responsibility for its past failings. Nor has it yet put in place effective pre-selection processes to weed out serial non-performers who have been selfishly warming seats for far too long, or to find fresh candidates with life experience and integrity to stand as candidates in seats presently held by Labor.

07.01.2022 Of course, the charging of two Councillors is just the beginning. The Mayor has not acted alone over the past "x" number of years. Flannery, Houghton, Greer, Charlton and others have nodded their heads over and over again. Even first-timers Savige and Hain have voted with the pack too many times instead of standing up for the people they are supposed to represent. Nothing other than a total clean-out will restore confidence in this Council. Not to forget the Councillors with real estate licences and direct interests in property development. Corruption takes many forms.

06.01.2022 There appears to be a concerted push from both the Labor Party and the LNP to take control of Moreton Bay Regional Council at the March 2020 elections, but we remain opposed to political Parties becoming involved in local Councils. We certainly do not want Moreton Bay to become like Ipswich or Brisbane Councils, where elected representatives sit on the sidelines because they are not part of the Party of power. Essentially, these Councillors, elected by the people, are disenfranchised by the meddling of Parties in what should always be a local community decision-making process.

06.01.2022 We will shine a bright light into all those dark places!

05.01.2022 PRESS RELEASE After almost twelve years of amalgamated councils in Queensland, sometimes with no rhyme or logic to justify the merge, it is clear that many communities are looking forward to a fresh team coming into office at the March polls. The smell of corruption hangs over many Councils and very few would seem to be delivering services fairly or evenly across their "footprint". Moreton Bay is no different. Our Mayor is now facing charges that many believe were long over...due. Fellow Councillors who have willingly (and in some cases, not so willingly) voted for his projects now face the prospect of being caught up in the ongoing corruption investigation. Another Councillor (who had earlier declared his ambition to unseat the current Mayor) has been sitting on the sidelines (on full pay, at our expense) for months facing similar charges of inappropriate behaviour as an elected representative of the people. Several other Councillors seemingly have also been unable to resist the allure of enhanced lifestyles and have been openly indulging in property development or real estate trading on the side. Clearly, such activities are not compatible with their roles as representatives and servants of the people, irrespective of whether some folk, or the present inept State Government, think it is "OK". In other circles, their activities would be described as insider trading and they would be facing serious jail terms for abusing their positions of trust within the community. In Moreton Bay, there has also been a history of retiring Councillors nominating and sponsoring their own successors. The practice is called "patronage". We have to ask, is it an insurance policy to protect their pet projects, or is it to make it harder for them to be prosecuted after their retirement? Whatever the motivation, it is just another form of corruption. The people deserve the opportunity of choosing someone to represent them, without the influence of vested interests. 2020 presents a rare opportunity to clean out the cupboards, so to speak. Can you honestly think of one Councillor who has been prepared to speak out without fear or favour? Can you name a single Councillor who has consistently put up his or her hand to oppose things that clearly have been dishonest, underhand, illegitimate, corrupt, misguided, or simply not in the interests of the people of this beautiful region? We cant. Over the next few days, we will present an alternative which we believe will give the voters of Moreton Bay an opportunity to restore integrity and accountability to our Council administration. Authorised by Bevan Collingwood, President, Our Voice Inc

04.01.2022 Our Governments are clearly following the advice of a vested clique unwilling to think outside the square, or locked in to a corrupt agenda which does not serve the interests of the Australian people. With the medical, social and economic disaster staring us in the face in Victoria, surely it is time for our elected representatives to listen to a broader cross-section of the medical community and start doing the job we are paying them to do.

02.01.2022 We are pleased to confirm that the Electoral Commission has approved our registration as a group to contest the 2020 Moreton Bay Regional Council elections. Rodney Hansen will contest Division 3, Karen Haddock Division 4 and Scott Donovan Division 6. All three are outstanding candidates with a long track record of involvement with the local community and with a wealth of experience and common-sense much needed on our local Council. Over the next few days each of them will be putting forward their key policies for the coming election. More soon...

01.01.2022 FROM THE PRESIDENT: Its strange how an election brings out the hecklers and the nasty communication. Just to clarify, and fully expecting our response to be deleted by the thought-police working for one particular Mayoral candidate, here is our response to the jibes on their site earlier today... "For your readers information, Our Voice Inc is an incorporated community association with broad interests. Contrary to Mr Hechts interpretation, we are not aligned with any part...Continue reading

01.01.2022 Our Candidates have amazing backgrounds of community work and service. They deserve your trust.