STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Mr KATTER (Kennedy) (16:06): It's a historic day in Queensland. North Queensland, which is, arguably, 3,000 kilometres from Brisbane, has lost a seat in parliament. It's been taken off North Queensland and given to Brisbane, as has every other damn thing.

Brisbane has 32 kilometres of tunnels with 1.2 million people. We have a million people in North Queensland and no tunnels—none at all. I could quote you a hundred examples, but, if there is anything that is the heart of democracy, it is your representation in parliament.

Where a seat is going to be represented, two towns in North Queensland will have their member of parliament three days car ride from Mount Isa—three days car ride away and over a thousand kilometres. I'm a little bit hostile because my son's had to fly an aeroplane, and, because of work pressures I believe, he's crashed those aeroplanes twice in the last four years.

So, when he dies, I will get you, Mr Premier. I will get you, and that is a promise. You've abolished the seat of one of the greatest members of parliament I've ever served with in 50 years in parliament—the seat of Shane Knuth.

You do not understand the rule of law. You do not understand— (Time expired)