A considered vote vs a knee-jerk vote

In relation to our article It’s Teals, not Labor, who now bring hope

Margaret Callinan, Hawthorn VIC 3122, Feb 24, 2025

“The Teals’ pursuit of integrity in public service, and of major reform … have the courage of their convictions……. can help revive honest government …. now give us hope.”

I heartily endorse your correspondent’s assessment. Having experienced a (more properly described) community independent MP over the past almost three years, it has been a breath of fresh air. In Kooyong, Monique Ryan has enabled a new sense of building and being community. Her approach is to question: what is important to you, what issues concern you, how can I help you? And she listens to the answers, formulating her work both in Kooyong and Canberra based on those responses. Dr Ryan is one of a growing band of politicians doing politics differently to help the community, not climb a career ladder.

But while community independents will hopefully have increased powers of persuasion via holding the balance of power, they will not be forming government per se. Thus, the ranking of the major parties when we vote is critical for the future of the country. Jenna Price (The Age 18/02/2025) sums up my attitude to preferences: “Sure, I’m disappointed in Labor. But I’m terrified of the Coalition.” I’ll vote accordingly.