Free Republic

ELECTRICITY workers sacked by Joh Bjelke-Petersen's National Party government during one of Queensland's most divisive industrial disputes will picket the former premier's state funeral next week. Many of the 1000 workers sacked in 1985 when they went on strike after refusing to sign individual contracts, as an unrepentant Sir Joh vowed to "keep the lights turned on" in Queensland, cannot forget the bitter episode, which saw them stripped of their livelihoods and superannuation entitlements. But community leaders in Kingaroy yesterday joined the Queensland Nationals in warning that picketers could expect a fiery reception from mourners. Veteran left-wing protest leader Brian...

Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen will be remembered as one of Queensland's most influential political figures, Prime Minister John Howard says. In a statement issued by his Canberra office, Mr Howard - who has left China en route for Anzac commemorations in Turkey - said Sir Joh was a powerful conservative with strong convictions. "While his views may often have differed from his political opponents, no one could deny his love of Queensland," Mr Howard said. Sir Joh died on Saturday aged 94 in hospital in his home town of Kingaroy in south-east Queensland. Referring to the Sir Joh's tough upbringing, Mr...