Surprise! Peter's in the House!

By Anthea Gleeson
news@longreachleader.com.au

QUEENSLAND’S premier Peter Beattie made a snap-decision last week, packing up the ministerial jet and heading for Barcaldine to evaluate the health of the historic Tree of Knowledge.

Despite being on the ground for only one hour, Mr Beattie, along with his wife Heather, managed to squeeze in a visit to the ailing Tree of Knowledge, chats with two locals and a cup of tea at the Worker’s Heritage Centre.

While the impromptu visit had the attention of an entourage of 11 news journalists flown out to Barcaldine on a specially chartered plane, the premier’s visit failed to capture the interest of local voters, with only Mayor Rob Chandler turning out to welcome Mr Beattie.

Citing the reason for the trip as his "regular election pilgrimage", Mr Beattie’s also used the visit as an opportunity to snip another cutting off the cloned Tree of Knowledge to ensure the historic tree’s continued survival.

"We have made the pilgrimage out to Barcaldine every election, it has been a good omen for the Labor party," Mr Beattie said to the onlooking media.

"The tree looks a bit sick this time round, maybe it is not such a good omen this year."

Queenslanders will face the polls in nine days time, something that Mr Beattie was keenly aware of during his visit.

Local Labor party candidate, Shane Guley, will be up against stiff competition in National Party member and current State Member Vaughan Johnson, who has held the Gregory electorate for the past 16 years.

"Shane is a good guy, but it will be a tough one," Mr Beattie said.

"The National party has really lost its base – while Vaughan Johnson is okay – they have no one to stand up and represent the bush.
"Barcaldine is our best shot, it’s a Labor town, and we will always keep coming back, even if the tree is dead."

Mr Beattie’s tour continued to Mount Isa, where the premier and his wife attended a black tie function.