Reply With QuoteSounds interesting Kev. Waiting for next Thursday !!
Shane's a good bloke and hopefully, in time, he'll make his way back into the fold and represent us again.
C.
As a tree grows some leaves will fall & so it is, after the great efforts and personal sacrifices Shane Boese has made in raising the TFPQ profile in Brisbane he has resigned his position as chair of the South Brisbane branch and from the executive of TFPQ
To ensure the air is clear on what we believe are reasons behind Shane’s departure it came down to a few major issues, on which we did not all agree in regards the direction and internal constraints of the party structure.
The organization has only one authorised spokesperson and this is the elected chairman.
This is no different from any political party (where only the leader speaks or the Ministers speak within their portfolio: they call it "Party discipline") or large company where a single spokesperson is usually appointed.
While no doubt this rule at times limits our ability to react to opportunities it also protects the party and party executive from potential legal and litigation issues. Many things are “whispered in our ears” in the hope TFPQ will make them public but nothing can be done without checking our facts and undertaking risk/benefit analysis. While I know this has been a sticking point with Shane, particularly given his eagerness to drive local issues, until the party has the where-with-all to provide insurance protection to its executive this will remain a constraint which limits the autonomy of individuals and branch executives.
That preselections are undertaken by a selection committee made up of a minimum of 3 members of the elected executive.
It is to be expected that political parties attract people with political ambition. This is healthy. The higher our profile, the more people with these types of aspirations will come on board. We do however have a due process to follow in regards pre-selection for all and any candidates and ultimately any person selected should be the best person possible to represent the organization in the very public forum of an election campaign. This would include a very high level of written and verbal communication skills, public relations and people management skills, media ability and broadest possible knowledge of both recreational fishing and the political system. In the next senate election when we will have a far higher profile than the last time around TFPQ will be under close scrutiny and will need the best possible senate candidates. We will be calling to nominations early in the New Year. Our next newsletter will be a hard copy mailout to all members (a $1000 exercise) rather than an email version so every party member has opportunity for involvement.
Perhaps more is expected of the party and its unpaid executive than we are able to deliver. Communication or the lack of is the bugbear of many organisations and we are not alone in this regard. As we have grown we have become better at getting our message out with magazine articles, newsletters and more radio time. I need to personally accept responsibility for delays on some occassions but priorities in regards both business life and TFPQ issues are always a balancing act and issues to which we devote resources are ultimately determined and action taken in what we believe to be the best interests of recreational fishing. This does not mean we get it right all the time but we have had, and will continue to have, a major impact on the political will of Government as a result of what we have done & will continue to do.
We have a membership of some 1200 but a workforce of very few. In time, as we contest further elections and can further demonstrate to both rec fishers and the industries we support, the benefits of political representation, we can grow to employ an executive officer and support staff but at this stage we are just 3 years into a process which will take at least another election next year to really make our mark.
The AGM of the party endorsed both the direction and personnel involved in driving the organization forward till the next AGM in 2007 and if changes are needed, then this will be the time they are made.
In the interim Adam Young has agreed to take on board the chairman’s role at Brisbane South and could use some help.
Branches feed information, local issues and political opportunities back to the party and their ultimate responsibility is the organization of booth workers and vote maximisation come Election Day. The party, in turn provides logistical and more importantly financial support to branches if they actually run candidates, as we did in Cleveland, Towsville, Cairns & Barron River. The next Federal Senate election will provide a chance for TFPQ to have a major impact on the political decision making of the major parties. If we post a number of real significance the Government will no longer ignore the “Fishing Vote” and we can stop the erosion of our rights.
I am happy to field comment, answer questions and take on board advice as to how we can do things better. What should preface this however is the clear understanding that this is a voluntary organization made up of people who all work for a living as well as devote time and energy to the cause.
Next Thursday a major announcement will be made regarding some changes to fisheries laws and these are a direct result of TFPQ efforts and behind the scenes involvement with Government. This will be a very clear demonstration of what can be achieved through political means as opposed to lobbying.
Regards
Kevin Collins
Chairman
Sounds interesting Kev. Waiting for next Thursday !!
Shane's a good bloke and hopefully, in time, he'll make his way back into the fold and represent us again.
C.
As much as I dont believe in airing ones laundry in public, I feel that I must respond to KC's lengthy comment above.
I find it interesting that since airing my concerns to KC, that he can issue a public response, yet to date has failed to contact me directly. #If he believes that the issues in his statement are the basis for my resignation, then he has indeed missed the point.
In a letter outlining my concerns after a meeting with the Executive, I did state my intention to resign at the next Branch meeting as I felt the issues were significant enough to warrant such emphasis. #Unfortunately, rather than address the issues, the Executive saw fit to accept my intended resignation immediately even before i had resigned officially in writing.
KC failed to mention that Mitch resigned also, as did some other members of the Brisbane South Branch. The Brisbane South Branch have worked hard and we had created a strong support base here in Brisbane with support groups forming in Bundaberg and the Gold Coast. #Unfortunately our progress was significantly impeded and often blocked by the "One Spokesman" ruling as weeks and even months would pass as we waited for authorisation to pursue even minor issues. #I was even forbidden from posting on Ausfish by KC's most trusted advisor.
Now that I no longer hold an executive position with The Fishing Party Queensland, I no longer have my hands tied behind my back when I go in to bat for our rights to reasonable access to our fishing resources. #Fishermen fighting for fishermen!
Mitch and I attended 7 of the Fin Fish Review meetings at our own expense, and forwarded our report to the TFPQ executive to assist their efforts on our behalf.
KC makes mention of the TFPQ Executive being unpaid and voluntary. #Mitch and I also fall into that category, but we invested time, our own money and 150% dedication into the fight because Moreton Bay is Worth It. #
The fight for Moreton Bay continues, and we will continue to be a part of it, just as we are still members of The Fishing Party, but sometimes you can make a greater impact from the outside rather than the inside.
Regards
Shane Boese
Politics is a funny game.
As long as we are all fighting for the same cause and ' with ' each other, a good result can be achieved.
In any political party there is going to be a difference of opinions etc, as we are all human and driven by past experience, goals and ambition. This is a good thing, it brings to the fold a diversity of thoughts and ideas.
TFPQ is not your average party, it is made up of the salt of the earth people and whos' drive is fueled by a passion for a recreational activity and a belief of protecting that activity for further generations. TFPQ is unique in this respect.
Therefore, it attracts a unique brand of people who desire to stand up and be counted. To anyone who physically does something to assist the preservation of our recreational activity, I applaud you.
Shane, if you feel strongly enough to take the stand you have in regard TFPQ, so be it, I also note your commitment to Moreton Bay and the Marine Environment as a whole. You are still a member of the party which shows your dedication and willingness to participate on a State ( and National level ) in the fight. You are focused on a goal and that can only be a good thing. Keep up the good work.
CHeers Phill
Kingfisher Painting Solutions:- Domestic and Commercial.
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Kevin/Shane ,I support you both......
Yestertime and the future ,never in doubt.
Robust and positive critique accepted from you both.
jmo, as per usual
Merry Xmas to ALL RecFishos
Gazza
" GOOD BOWLING SHANE "
Too right Phill!! Politics is a funny game and TFPQ is different to not most, but all others, it has some similarities to other single issue parties, such as the shooters party and the wierdo ones like the free marijuana party - because the members are united under a single interest. However it is different in the aspect that although it was spawned from a single issue, it cuts across sectors and has wide appeal. This is both a benefit to TFPQ and a problem - the problem arises because the party has grown too big, too fast and it doesnt have the resources to match that growth.Originally Posted by Lucky_Phill
This is not just a problem for political parties, its a problem for big and small business, even religions have this problem. One of my hobbies is studying religions and the early Christian church had the same problem, It was growing so fast that it had problems trying to contain the ideals and religious dogma that new converts bought into it. This is one of the reasons the church adopted the pagan tradition of celebrating the winter solstice and Mithrases birthday - Hence we have Christmas - which has nothing is historical fact to do with the birth of Christ. (although it is a nice celebration)
So whats that got to do with TFPQ??
Almost everything!! It goes back to what KC was saying about the one spokesperson thing. TFPQ doesnt have the financial wherewithal to support the financial liabilities that having multiple spokespeople imposes. For instance if a spokesperson says something that another individual or group considered libelous then TFPQ may end up having to defend or settle a substantial defamation suit. For this reason alone I support Kevin's stance and will reiterate right now that during my time as Chairman of the local branch - however long or short that may be - I will never say anything on behalf of TFPQ - everything I say is my own opinion. I do this because I have been known to talk some sh!t on this forum and want to have the freedom to continue doing so.
I think the major point is that the Party has to be very careful in its activities, particularly in its growth phase. This course of action may not suit some individuals, who may become disaffected, but we are all in it for the same reasons, which are as you mention Phil, to protect our chosen lifestyle for future generations.
I have had discussions with most or all of the TFPQ executive and the one underlying thing I can say about them is they are in it for the right reasons - to protect Australian fishing - Australian Fish for Australian families. None of them really wants to be running a political party - none of them want to be career politicians - they would all rather forget everything and just go fishing - but the extreme green push wont let them sit back. I dont want to be Branch Chairman - I just want to go fishing, but if I dont do what I can now - then there may be no fishing to go to - and that goes the same for the rest of the executive (although I'm not speaking on their behalf
Sorry to ramble on, I just wanted to make those simple points, its not about individuals, its about a collective lifestyle, I didn't join the party to follow an individual - however well intentioned, I joined the party to provide my support in the fight to preserve a lifestyle and freedom to enjoy that lifestyle that I love.
Adam
Adam
As chairman TFPQ Brisbane South Branch, reluctant or otherwise, it may hinder your ability to gain the respect of not only the community, but those who are able to affect outcomes for Moreton Bay if you continue to, as you put it, “talk s**t".
Whilst we as fishermen appreciate you taking up the position to fight on our behalf, there is also a certain amount of responsibility that comes with holding such a position.
Not only fishermen watch the posts on Ausfish.
Mitch
ditto to redspeckle..now that you are known to be the big kahuna of that branch then everything u say relating to fishing will be seen as coming from the big kahuna..alas that is part of the political game.
Agreed - however holding a position - of any sort does not preclude one from having a sense of humor and then having the right use that sense of humour - as long as there is nothing defamatory or inflammatory said.
If I step out of line with any of my comments, I would appreciate it if you let me know - and I'm sure you will. What I will say though is that we have to look at the positive causes that TFPQ has chosen to take on, they cant take on everything, they simply dont have the resources, however the issues they have chosen, have been chosen carefully and we shall be seeing some of these results very soon.
Adam
Adam,
Firstly, I think that politics and religion dont mix, so trying to relate the two could send you off too a bad start.
Secondly, I think that sometimes the party does need to grow as the population in the southeast QLD is growing quite rapidly, and these people all need to be aware of the "goings on" so to speek. So if you think that sitting on your arse and waiting is going to fix things, than i hope everyone enjoy's the local area now because it may very well be overrun or ruled by other people whom don't agree with the fisherman. >>
For what my opinion is worth, I agree with having an authorised spokesperson despite the fact that it sometimes limits the speed of reaction to topical issues. Politics is indeed a funny game and the public are not forgiving. Any gaff will be reported ad infinitum and good points will be lucky to get air time. The results in the recent election suggest a growing public profile and a single interest party needs to be extra careful given such a narrow appeal.
Adam - Good Luck. I do think you need to be careful when ever you make comment. The public will have difficulty knowing when you are representing the Fishing Party and when you are just offering on opinion. If you step out of line it will be too late for us to let you know. I suspect the last couple of posts contain useful advice in this area.
Brenden
Thanks Brenden, Advice well taken!
Just a note to clarify, My comments in regard to this forum were not intended to be taken as comments I make within the news section and other fishing party related matters. This is a wide forum and I regularly post in the fishing reports section as well as the saltwater, tackle and boating sections.
Therefore I can hardly see that any comments I make which relate to fishing techniques, fishing reports or the like could possibly be misconstrued as being Fishing Party Policy, or my acting on behalf of the fishing party. This is what I meant by "talking sh!t". Just because I have taken the role of Chairman of the local branch - I do not want to limit my comments on this forum and all the particular threads to fishing party related matters.
Before I am the local Branch Chairman, I am a fisher type person, I am also a father, a son, a husband a gardener and an employee (etc). I like you (everyone on here) wear many hats, when I am talking to my Children or my wife, I am not talking as the Chairman of the local branch, or an employee or even a fisho. Therefore I am glad to reserve my right to talk as a casual fisher person in matters unrelated to Fishing Party issues or fishing party policy.
I accord all people the same right. When I talk to KC about local fishing conditions, I can accept that he is talking to me as a fisho and not the Party Chairman, when he delivered my food (He runs a restaurant) I took it and paid for it as an individual and not as a party member and he delivered it to me as a restaurateur. I can accord to him that right - to be able to speak on different issues without always having to wear the party Chairman hat. All I am asking is that the members on Ausfish accord me that same right. We are all people of many dimensions - it would be pretty boring otherwise.
I really hope that clears up the intention behind my unintentionally misleading statement. If anyone still has any doubts as to my intentions, please feel free to ask.
Thank you,
Adam
Never had any doubts - just participating in the discussion. All power to you in the new position. You have my support.
Brenden
Adam put it into good context and I hope we all never lose sight of the fact that we are fishos first and politicians second and all of us guilty of a bit of "foot in mouth" from time to time (me 3).
He has a very big pair of shoes to fill in Brisbane and a few guys watching over his shoulder and offering helpful advice is always welcome......just make sure he still goes fishing a bit
The announcement today about the changes to green zone rules is just 1 of a number of major initiatives TFPQ is working on.
Some "big ones" in the new year and hopefully some more demonstration of the power of an organised fishing "vote".
While we currently have more opportunity at a federal level what is being achieved federally will eventually filter down to the variuos states.
If all the pennies drop into place over the next 6 to 8 weeks we will announce the biggest change to MPA policy ever considered and a new way to "skin a cat" which will bring a smile to many a face. Bear in mind the GBR "model" is the model being adopted as "best practice" Australia wide so changes within the federal structure will impact the states.
Now that will make for a very happy new year.
KC
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