The following media statement by the Queensland Premier, Peter Beattie, is reproduced as an example of the parochialism of the States in Australia's federal system. Given one's mood, it may be read as an uplifting example of Australian leadership, or it may simply induce an embarrassing cringe...
As a serious study of one element of the routine of political life, note the number of businesses, other organisations, local governments, even protest groups, acknowledged by the Premier for their contribution to the organisation of CHOGM.
It was not for nothing that Beattie was able to decimate his opponents in last year's state election and capture 66 of the 89 seats in the state Parliament.
Queensland has taken a lead in showing that leaders can now gather in peace and safety in a post-September 11 world, Premier Peter Beattie told State Parliament this morning.
In a Ministerial Statement to Parliament the Premier thanked all involved in holding the just concluded CHOGM 2002 at the Sunshine Coast.
He heaped particular praise on the Queensland Police Service for its efforts in ensuring the event, the associated Royal Tour and visit by former United States President Bill Clinton's all took place in an orderly manner.
"Just over a decade ago the Police Service in this State had its head down. The purge of Fitzgerald meant that there was much pain and sadness.
"More than a decade later and with some quality government support and excellent leadership the Queensland Police Service can now rightly put its head high as a service the equal of any in the world."
"The fact that international leaders and ministers from more than 50 Commonwealth countries could meet at Coolum in a relaxed, friendly yet very secure environment was a tribute to the thousands of people involved with this event.
"I again state here - we cannot let terrorism win.
"In October a decision was made it was too dangerous to host a gathering of 50 world leaders.
"Less than six months later it has been held - it has been a success".
The Premier detailed the resources utilised by the Police Service as the agency principally responsible for the provision of security for CHOGM.
"It was the largest security operation ever undertaken by our Police Service:
- More than 4,000 Queensland Police Service personnel were employed specifically in the management of the CHOGM.
- Over the eight days of CHOGM operations there has been over 43,000 police passenger movements between venues and accommodation. There were over 2000 bus activities over the same period to facilitate the police movements.
- There were a total of 175 motorcades completed as at 7am on 5/3/2002.
- There were 370 trained Close Personal Protection officers trained to provide personal protection to the Heads of Delegations.
"Today I also want to take the opportunity to pay tribute to the thousands of people across three levels of government who all contributed to CHOGM's success.
"In particular I thank the Queensland Police Service, Queensland Transport, the Department of Main Roads, Queensland Health, the department of Emergency Services, the Department of State Development, Tourism Queensland and my own department for its coordinating role.
"I thank the various Federal agencies including the Australian Federal Police, ASIO, the Protective Security Coordination Centre, Air Services Australia, Customs, Immigration, the CHOGM Task Force, the Australian Defence Force and last but not least, the small army of CHOGM volunteers.
"I also pay tribute to Maroochy Shire Council for its willing and efficient co-operation embraced in a relatively tight timeframe.
"In this regard I also extend my sincere thanks to the people of the Sunshine Coast region, for their support, co-operation and tolerance with necessary CHOGM arrangements.
"To Queenslanders generally I express my gratitude for their understanding of the need for some local police from various regions across the State to be absent from their normal duties during CHOGM.
"It is also appropriate here (Parliament) to pay tribute to the various protest groups who rallied in the rain last Saturday to highlight their issues to world leaders.
The cooperation between protestors and authorities has set a new national and international benchmark for the handling of major events, the cornerstone of which was the involvement of four independent mediators to assist the consultative process when necessary.
"I thank Tony Fitzgerald, Lorenzo Boccabella, Robin Sullivan and John Wanna for volunteering their services in this regard.
"Then of course, there were the CHOGM volunteers, well over 300 of them recruited with the assistance of Volunteering Queensland Inc.
"It's safe to say the event would not have been the same without them."
"Whether working as drivers, guides, media centre assistants or providing clerical support, they were an integral ingredient for the success of CHOGM.
"I particularly thank our emergency service personnel for the deployment of extra assets and resources to cover CHOGM, and still maintain their normal service capabilities to the general community.
"What is important today is to note, once again, Queensland's ability to stage major international events at a standard second to none, and to recognise the talent and professionalism of all the people whose efforts contributed to CHOGM's success," he said.
Mr McGrady also told Parliament how all Queenslanders could be proud of the important role Queensland police played in this weekend's events.
During CHOGM the QPS provided security to a total of 21 venues including the six main venues such - Hyatt Regency Coolum, Novotel Twin Waters Resort, Brisbane Airport and Sunshine Coast Airport.
He also thanked the entire Queensland community for understanding the need for some of their local police to be absent during this time.
