Whether or not we should build a prison in the ACT is a fine subject of debate for the people of this fine Territory. The views of people in Queanbeyan about it, however, are of no matter whatsoever.
So the only reason I can think of for the Canberra Times to publish Eden-Monaro MP (Queanbeyan in particular) Gary Nairn’s plaintive bleatings on the issue is so they can cruelly print that picture of him.
He wants to Federales to decide to build something, anything, on the land so that the prison can be blocked by their appropriation. One assumes whatever they build won’t be too large or obtrusive, or we’re all back to square one.
It also looks to me like the very marginal member for Eden Monaro is using his new role as a parliamentary secretary Special Minister for State to get the Commonwealth Public Service to do his personal electoral dirty work.
The Comrade has put out a media release giving a well deserved, and very thorough, booting to the story and the man.
(Note to local Liberals: supporting Nairn on this will not be a good look.)