Fed: No need for new state in NQ: Rudd

AAP General News (Australia)
12-09-2009
Fed: No need for new state in NQ: Rudd

CAIRNS, Dec 9 AAP - Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has dismissed calls for the establishment
of a new state in northern Queensland, saying Australia had enough governments.

Historian Geoffrey Blainey last month said population increases in north Queensland
meant it would be "absurd" for a new state not to be established there.

"The last big change to the (Australian) map was made in 1859 (Queensland) and no one
then knew about the resources available," Prof Blainey said.

"This country will look absurd if we have the same states in the future."

However, Mr Rudd said there was no need for a new state.

"I think we've got enough states around Australia," he told ABC Radio in Townsville.

"I think if you asked all Australians are they overgoverned or undergoverned, very
few of them would say they were undergoverned."

AAP ews/pjo/ash

KEYWORD: STATE RUDD

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