Thank you, good Samaritan
A Warwick woman, who asked not to be named, would like to thank the “good Samaritan” who handed money of hers in to the Warwick Post Office last week. She said she attended the post office on Wednesday 1 September to pay some bills and accidentally left an envelope enclosing $100 on the counter. On Monday 6 September, after receiving a phone call from the post office, she picked up the envelope – money still enclosed. She said the kind stranger who left the envelope with the Warwick Post Office staff did not leave their name or address, but she would like to extend her heartfelt thanks to them.
Conscience Votes?
A conscience vote does not mean an MP can vote however they wish. It simply means they do not have to vote as directed by their party. However a conscience vote must still be exercised in line with one’s obligations as an MP. In this respect, the oath of office which James swore when admitted as the MP for Southern Downs requires him to “well and truly serve the people of Queensland and faithfully perform the duties and responsibilities of a member of the Legislative Assembly”. It is the duty of an MP to represent all of their constituents, not just the people who vote for them.
So as to avoid the “leftist” elements for Brendan Dunn from the Vote Compass statistics, 74% of LNP voters in the Southern Downs support voluntary assisted dying (VAD) laws, 77% of Catholic voters, 83% of Anglican voters and 62% of other Christian voters. So both a majority of LNP voters, and a majority of those identifying as religious, in the Southern Downs support the VAD laws. When combined with other voters it is clear that at least 80% of the people of Queensland support these legislative changes. No doubt James is aware of this support, either from the results of this poll or from discussions with his constituents.
James has made it clear he does not support the VAD laws but does this justify him ignoring his duty to his constituents and thwarting their wishes?
On every Parliamentary vote an MP may vote for or against a proposition or may abstain. If because of personal, religious or other reasons James cannot bring himself to fulfil his obligations to his electorate then the only honourable course would be for him to abstain on the vote.
It would certainly be dishonourable for James to use his vote in his own personal interests, or in the interests of a small minority of his constituents.
– Tom Cullinan, Granite Belt
Letter to Southern Downs MP James Lister
Dear Mr Lister,
Thank you for your clear presentation of the reasons you are not supporting the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill. As you say, the devil is in the details. Thank you for voting against this Bill.
Dear Editor,
Thank you for publishing Mr Lister’s statement, even though you disagree with his decision to vote against the Bill. We appreciate your team’s approach to presenting both sides of the “argument”, and giving us, your readers, an opportunity to consider all sides of a particular issue for ourselves.
– Deidre Lennard, Warwick
