QLD: Nationals members to be vote on merger question

AAP General News (Australia)
04-05-2008
QLD: Nationals members to be vote on merger question

GOLD COAST, April 5 AAP - The Queensland Nationals have agreed to hand the decision
of pursuing a merger with the Liberals to its 10,000 state members.

The party's central council today met on the Gold Coast, voting in favour of holding
a statewide member vote on the proposed conservative union.

Queensland president Bruce McIver said the motion was passed with overwhelming support,
with only one vote against it.

"Our members need to have a say in this question," he told AAP.

"It's exciting to see the strength of the vote and the strength of the support."

Just under 10,000 state members will be asked to vote yes or no to the question: "Do
you support the consolidation of like-minded, non-Labor forces into a single political
entity in Queensland?"

Mr McIver said he was pleased the party could proceed with its merger negotiations.

"We now have clear direction, we have a clear focus and I have the support of my party
to finalise these negotiations as we go forward," he said.

The vote will be conducted by mail, with a reply date of May 2.

AAP cj/apm/de

KEYWORD: NATIONALS PLEBISCITE

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