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The Archbishop of Brisbane has called for wariness amongst his congregants, as the Queensland State election campaigns begin.
In just over three months time, Queenslanders will return to the ballot and take part in democratic process of choosing who will lead their government.
With youth crime high on the agenda for the Queensland media and state opposition – polls have also indicated that voters list the catastrophic housing crisis, cost-of-living pressures, and local infrastructure as their key political concerns.
It is not often that such a high profile member of the clergy would discuss the issues of electoral politics in one’s role as a spiritual leader – However, Father Coleridge has found it pertinent to mention that while governments may change, certain aspects of Queensland life never do.
Namely, the fact that if provoked, the CFMEU will strike.
While remaining as impartial as possible, Archbishop Mark Coleridge issued a grave warning to his congregation, and the wider Queensland community.
The Most Reverend asserted that while God forgives all of his children – there are some members of our community who do not bear the same responsibilities of our father.
“Some of us can be blinded in the pursuit of ambition, greed and riches” said Archbishop, during Sunday’s sermon at the Cathedral of St Stephen in inner-city Brisbane.
“Some may decide to overlook basic health and safety precautions in this pursuit”
The Archbishop was then joined on stage by delegates from the Queensland and Northern Territory branch of the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union.
“Some may choose to underpay illegal immigrants and unqualified subcontractors in this pursuit”
“Some may wish to exploit tax loopholes and disregard our cemented EBAs”
The heavily tattooed trade unionists began to cheer after every sentence the Most Reverend delivered.
“These sins are never looked upon favourably by our lord. The promise held out by these opiates turns to something much darker; and making the world smaller, all they deliver is death.”
The CFMEU heavies cheer.
“Now our lord may be willing to listen to those who repent for such evils”
“But there are others, like the men behind me, who will not”
The cheers continue.
“Whether it’s the cross-city rail, or the Queens Wharf Casino”
“Whether it’s high-rise luxury apartments that very few of us will ever afford. Whether it’s the factories, the mines, the wharves or whatever Olympic stadium we end up with”
“I warn everyone here today”
“God forgives”
“The CFMEU doesn’t”
