QLD:Court refuses to order QR referendum

AAP General News (Australia)
02-10-2011
QLD:Court refuses to order QR referendum

By Christine Flatley

BRISBANE, Feb 10 AAP - A man has failed in his bid to force the Queensland government
to hold a referendum on an inquiry into its sell-off of QR National.

Bevan Alan Mowen sought an injunction in the Supreme Court in Rockhampton last month
to have the government hold a referendum on whether there should be an inquiry into the
controversial sale.

Mr Mowen told the court his concerns related to public safety and what he perceived
as the failure of the government to consult the people before selling such a significant
public asset.

In a written judgment made available this week, Justice Duncan McMeekin rejected the
application after discovering it contained a number of fundamental flaws.

He found Mr Mowen had incorrectly named the government and as such had not brought
action against any existing entity.

Further, Justice McMeekin ruled he did not have any jurisdiction to order the government
to hold a referendum about such a matter.

He also ruled Mr Mowen was not legally entitled to apply for such an order.

"Mr Mowen is a concerned citizen who seeks to right what he sees as a wrong," Justice
McMeekin said.

"Whilst that might show a commendable interest in the good governance of the state
that, of itself, is insufficient to give him standing to seek an injunction."

QR National was listed on the ASX in November last year.

The public share offer raised $4.6 billion, with the state government retaining a 34
per cent shareholding in the network.

AAP cf/tnf/was

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