When so many Teals won in the last federal election they replaced some of the best Liberals. They were politicians who had done some good things within government, but when required by their Party they voted for bad policies in the spirit of party solidarity. Their electorates comprised voters who looked at key issues on an individual basis and chose to vote for politicians who were prioritising issues of most importance for the future of our world.
In the next federal election it is probable that people standing as independents will target the best of both liberal and labor politicians. In the Labor electorates this could include: Tanya Plibersek who has voted with her party for more coal mines and gas projects. Penny Wong who has voted for AUKUS, submarines and, with the US, against China and for Israel. Katy Galagher and Andrew Leigh have, like Penny and Tanya done some excellent things but have still voted for terrible policies because of Party solidarity. It is not ethical to compromise to the point of agreeing to a dreadful policy. Yet many politicians vote against their better judgement and beliefs. These are not the politicians we should vote for. Despite the votes at the Labor Conference for Palestine, the Government still prioritises Israel – so Labor is ignoring its own.
Public votes against AUKUS and for a whole of government vote on wars, have been ignored by both Parties. Environmental policies are totally inadequate. The public in many key electorates sees that both the Coalition (Liberal and Nationals) and Labor put Party before people, and this is unacceptable.
Minority governments with a number of independents and minor parties are the norm in Europe. We had it with Julia Gillard and it worked well. It is the only way to get good governance. Unless of course the two major parties change their way of operation and allow free votes on all issues by their MPs and senators, which is unlikely. We need to change the way government operates in this country for the future of not only Australia, but the whole world.
Caroline Fitzwarryne
Caroline Fitzwarryne has a background in public health and community development. She has worked at all three levels of government (from fieldworker to senior executive), as CEO of a national NGO, as Adjunct Associate Professor, and as development aid worker in 13 countries.
Contributions to Pearls and Irritations
Your contribution will fund quality independent comment and analysis in Pearls and Irritations
Contribute
