Bob Katter (Kennedy, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

I can understand the legislation on that! You will notice none of us have spoken about that. I have to say that is not politically stupid. That is very politically wise—hiding your assistant ministers! But I want to continue talking about the political stupidity of the issue here. It may be a close election and there may be a balance of power. I think there is a very good chance of that happening. The three Independents, whether the government or the opposition like it or not, are all sitting on about 20 per cent and it is going to be pretty hard to knock us off—but it happens in politics; there is no doubt about that. But why would you antagonise these people needlessly and stupidly?

All I can say is: I give thanks for the contribution made last week. I do not think anyone listening to the honourable member for New England would not have said that it was not a very worthy contribution to the debate, and this House would have been poorer if he had been gagged on the issue. The deputised leader of the house in the state parliament said he would not gag debate. He told the then Premier, Bjelke-Petersen—and he was selected by Bjelke-Petersen to take his place—he would not gag. But unfortunately this minister has done it again and again.

See this speech in context