The Express Newspaper 28th October 2015

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EXPRESS The

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Locally owned and proudly independent

Mareeba business awards showcase excellence

THE Mareeba Chamber of Commerce held their ‘2015 Business Awards’ last Saturday evening at the Mareeba RSL. Pictured are Joe Moro (Mareeba Chamber of Commerce President) and Carl Portella (Managing Editor of The Express) with Joey Trotta of ‘That’s My Physio’, who was awarded ‘Business of the Year’. For a full wrap of the evening, turn to Page 13. PHOTO PETER ROY

Petition circulates By Justin Fris

A

petition supporting a change to parliamentary law has begun to circulate within the state electorate of Cook. Member for Cook Billy Gordon has been unable to shake off drama from a variety of both past and recent incidents since being elected in January – with his attendance at official electorate functions becoming virtually obsolete. Mr Gordon was officially invited to attend the most recent Cook Shire Council meeting (held on Tuesday, October 20) by Mayor Peter Scott; however he did not turn up.

Prior to this, Mr Gordon was advertised to officially open the Mareeba Speedway on September 29. He again failed to attend, with Mareeba Shire Council Mayor Tom Gilmore required to fill in and conduct the opening on Minister Bill Byrne’s behalf. Cooktown resident Sofiea Gibson – who is a passionate community volunteer on several local committees and causes – decided to create a petition, after speaking with fellow colleagues on the situation. “I was talking to my colleagues and friends about the current situation within the Cook electorate,” she said. “We are disappointed with how

Billy Gordon is currently performing within the region - and a few people suggested that a petition would be fairest and most logical way to make changes to parliamentary law. “He has been too busy cleaning up his own dramas, rather than being able to work for his constituents. He also has an added responsibility of representing the indigenous community.” The parliamentary law change posed in the petition is designed to keep politicians honest. Effectively, if they fail to meet a minimum standard of performance or attendance, they can be removed from their seat prior to the following election – with a by-election held to determine

the new sitting member. In many ways, the suggested change is similar to an individual beginning full-time employment. After their initial three month probationary period, their performance is assessed and reviewed – and determined as to whether they can remain in the role. Mr Gordon has come under fire from politicians, indigenous elders and Cook electorate residents over the last few months, with many calling for him to resign. Currently, he can only be removed from the seat of Cook if he chooses to resign. CONTINUED PAGE 3

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