Meeting in Cairns from 1–4 September, the 107th Annual Conference of the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) attracted a record number of delegates. Titled ‘First Things First’, security issues covered by a number of speakers reflect changes both globally and locally.
In opening the Conference, Premier Peter Beattie said that with Australia recently assessed as 38th most likely – in a list of 186 nations – to experience a terrorist attack, it is vital for the State Government to have partnerships in place with both Local Government and the Federal Government to protect Queensland from such an event.
“We need to have plans in place to prevent, respond to and recover from any potential threat,” Premier Beattie said. He warned delegates against complacency.
“Don’t think it won’t affect you,” he said. “It is soft targets that are usually selected. If we believe we won’t be affected, this makes us an even softer target. We need to be prepared, but even then, there are no guarantees.”
In delivering the keynote address, Dr Richard Butler, former Ambassador to the United Nations and Executive Chairman of the United Nations Special Commission to disarm Iraq, spoke on the topic ‘Governance in Uncertain Times’. He said the key is to understand the difference between government (being the structure of things, the constitution, legislature, courts and judges) and ‘governance’ which is the practical side of things – how our system delivers for ordinary people.
“As such, you in Local Government are at the pointy or business end of governance,” Dr Butler said. “That is, how things work in communities, including justice and actual services. The other spheres are much more about ‘government’.” Turning to international issues, he said that since the end of World War II and the establishing of the United Nations, the key players have been nation states that make up the United Nations.
“The 190 nation states have rights – the right of self defence – and obligations – to settle disputes by peaceful means and abide by international laws,” Richard Butler said. “However, the emergence of non-state actors, who resort to military force to advance their aims and ideologies, has undermined all this. They use indiscriminate homicide to advance their cause, killing anyone who happens to be in the vicinity, irrespective of politics, religion or race.”
He told delegates that they must build into their jobs the fact that terrorism has arrived, and has to be dealt with. Maintaining a vigilance regarding the presence of particular chemicals, biological substances, firearms and the human intelligence, that is those with the ability to make use of these products, is required within all communities.
But Dr Butler warned against undue suspicion and the eating away of democratic principles. “The key is to ensure the mood, tone and spirit of your community is tolerant,” he said. “Educate that differences are not the source for hostilities. We are a multicultural society which is something that strengthens us and should be celebrated.
“However, the products of poverty, disadvantage and injustices need to be dealt with. By strengthening community, all people can experience good governance and a fair share.
“The days of lip service to cultural diversity are now over. Truly secure communities are those that are just, fair and inclusive. If you want a good society that works well, people must feel that they belong.
“Greed and criminality will always exist, but race and religious differences should not be an issue. Fair societies are tolerant societies.
“Intolerance leads to death and war and this needs to be tackled on a global basis. Although this is not such an issue in Australia, we still need to run fair societies.”
