Queensland - The Smart State
Posted on December 19th, 2006, under Politics
When I got my first set of Queensland number plates I was given a choice for the little slogan that goes along the bottom: either ‘Queensland - The Sunshine State’ or the more recent ‘The Smart State’. Given that I’m an academic, I went for the latter, figuring that if I didn’t, who else would? Of course since then I’ve realised that no-one gets the Smart State number plates, particularly not true blue Queenslanders, who tend to be a little sceptical of the State Government’s attempts to brand itself to outsiders - whether as the home of the ‘creative industries’ or simply as the sensible choice for those who want to escape the real estate prices of the southern states and enjoy the so-called ‘lifestyle’ of riverside freeways, poorly designed public transport, a big backyard for the kids and a canal-side cafe within 10 minutes’ drive. I’m so glad I have a new set of plates now, because it’s becoming pretty clear that there are a few things that are far from smart about what goes on here.
If you are in Brisbane tomorrow, consider attending the protest against the handling of the case involving Palm Island man Mulrunji, who died in police custody two years ago. While it seems as though the DPP was constrained by the burden of proof in her findings, this only shows the limits of a ‘justice’ system that forces an entirely different culture to constantly explain itself within the terms and the logics of an oppressor. Premier Beattie’s response to the announcement that we should ‘respect the umpire’s decision’ is unbelievable. Given the history of treatment towards indigenous people who are so massively overrepresented in our prison system, a vernacular sporting analogy is about as offensive as can be imagined. We are talking about someone’s life. And the person responsible for his welfare at the time of his death can rely on a framework of institutional support to defend him that is notorious for corruption. Even if it was a game it wouldn’t be fair because only one side writes the rules.
In the week leading up to Christmas, I’ve also been pretty upset by this story. (I was going to say that I felt shocked that this could happen in Australia, but I don’t say that any more). A couple of thousand years after Mary and Joseph were told there was no room at the inn, it seems as though we still have trouble offering a place for those most in need of it.
On December 19th, 2006 at 3:52 pm, Seonaid said:
Well said (as usual). Not a smart (intelligent) place really at all. I would add that the current issues you raise are emblematic of a certain force of deep incompetence in relation to complexity that characterises ‘our’ collective personality. More minds and voices must be tuned to the articulation of this complexity with clarity and meaning (in addition to yours, that is)!
On December 19th, 2006 at 5:07 pm, Adam said:
Maybe it means smart, as in well dressed - like in the phrase ’smart casual’.
On December 19th, 2006 at 7:20 pm, seonaid said:
(^ that’s funny, but sad, because we’re not very good dressers either.)
On December 19th, 2006 at 9:44 pm, Kimberella the Pirate Queen said:
I disagree vigorously that we’re not good dressers. Well, some of us anyway.
But on the more important questions, here’s a trackback:
http://larvatusprodeo.net/2006/12/19/we-need-a-new-fitzgerald-inquiry/
On December 20th, 2006 at 4:00 am, Jason W said:
Shameful, sad. I am not only from Queensland but from Townsville, the nearest city to Palm, and I have some idea of what that community has been up against for so long, not least from the racist elements of white Townsville (definitely not smart dressers), and I know this kind of decision will confirm a lot of dumb, local readings of the whole, terribly sad and sickening story. On that local level, it will help to perpetuate the mutual hostility and suspicion that creates such a gulf between two communities which are only separated by a pretty narrow stretch of water, and which share State and Federal representation. As Melissa says, it will confirm the idea, already expressed out loud by some people on Palm, that justice is made by and for white Australia, which is neatly symbolised there by the journey Palm Islanders have to make to the court houses in Townsville for hearings, or the one they have to make to visit the disproportionate number of of their fellow Palm Islanders who are in Stuart prison.
More broadly, its difficult to see how the people of Palm Island - among the most loyal labor voters in Queensland (see here http://www.ecq.qld.gov.au/elections/state/state2006/results/booth84.html have benefited from Queensland’s boom years, or, indeed, the glorious expansion of biotech, creative industries etc. To cooperate with this community in bringing a share of the ‘lifestyle’ benefits enjoyed by residents of the Capital, or even Townsville to them (and don’t forget that per capita incomes are actually higher in T’ville than Bris) would require act of political courage and imagination that the ALP, and PB in particular, decided long ago were too electorally risky. I know Palm Islanders who have worked with (and for) the ALP as organisers in the hope that this might deliver something to the island. For them, the government’s role in bringing this particular conclusion to these events must be acutely painful.
On December 21st, 2006 at 9:04 am, alternate existence at creativity/machine said:
[…] reading the paper (although sometimes I wish I hadn’t) […]