The Wire

The Queensland government seemed determined to push ahead with reducing the number of councils , from 157 back to 72. In western Queensland it’s become a huge issue – those against it are claiming that in spite of it being a state issue they’ll be registering a protest vote against Labor. Even that threat has left the State premier unmoved so now opponents of the downsizing have decided to appeal again to Kevin Rudd – in a language that may catch his attention – mandarin. The ad appeared in today’s papers throughout Queensland. Organiser Gary Peoples said there’d been no response yet from Rudd but Queensland premier Anna Bligh has requested a meeting with them.