Fishing Party misses official registration
Wednesday, 16 August 2006. 09:02 (AEDT)Wednesday, 16 August 2006. 08:02 (ACST)Wednesday, 16 August 2006. 08:02 (AEST)Wednesday, 16 August 2006. 09:02 (ACDT)Wednesday, 16 August 2006. 06:02 (AWST)The Fishing Party will stand at least six independent candidates in the Queensland election, after failing to secure registration as a political party.
Convenor Kevin Collins says the party was two weeks short of the six weeks required by the Electoral Commission for registration because of the snap announcement of the poll yesterday.
Mr Collins says the party has confirmed candidates in Cairns, Barron River and Cleveland and expects to endorse at least another three.
"In the seats where we run candidates, everyone will know who and what they are and what they stand for," he said.
"There will be very clear choices to send Mr [Peter] Beattie a message that 'I Fish and I Vote' isn't just a bumper sticker any more."
The party was formed to fight fishing restrictions on the Great Barrier Reef.
"We are sick to death of government decisions being based constantly on what's best for the Government instead of what's best for us, the ordinary citizens of Queensland," Mr Collins said.
"At the end of the day, we are not politicians, we are fishermen, although the truth be known all fisherman are liars, so maybe we'll make good politicians."