The Wire

Queensland is the last state in Australia to propose local council reforms and amalgamations. Premier Peter Beattie is copping flack from all directions on the issue but still stands by the plan which he says will make local government more financially viable and better organised – reviving vital services which may have been cut from lack of funding. While most lobby groups have tussled with Mr Beattie over the loss of money and power – Heike Herrling reports on how the fight is a more personal one for Indigenous communities with the protest organised by Sam Watson.