Qld: Chamber of Commerce labels ban a knee-jerk reaction

AAP General News (Australia)
08-02-2009
Qld: Chamber of Commerce labels ban a knee-jerk reaction

BRISBANE, Aug 2 AAP - Premier Anna Bligh's ban on ALP members of parliament from attending
fundraising functions with businesses is a knee-jerk reaction, Queensland's peak commerce
body says.

Ms Bligh announced on Sunday all Labor members of parliament were now banned from attending
fundraising functions with businesses.

She said this followed a wake-up call by crime fighter Tony Fitzgerald who delivered
a scathing review of her government at a conference in Brisbane last week, saying the
government could be bought, Labor mates were appointed to high-paying positions and retired
politicians were exploiting their political connections for "success fees" as lobbyists.

It also follows a Galaxy poll published in The Sunday Mail which revealed 65 per cent
of people believed corruption and cronyism were widespread in the Bligh government.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland president Beatrice Booth said she feared
the ban would severely effect businesses and members of parliament from networking.

"I think this may be a knee-jerk reaction that needs more thought and discussion with
businesses," Ms Booth said.

"How will they distinguish between what is fundraising functions and those that are not?

"This could lead to a dangerous outcome and limit the important process of businesses
networking with politicians."

The chamber of commerce represents about 25,000 businesses across Queensland.

AAP peb/jm/de

KEYWORD: FUNDRAISER BOOTH

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