LETTER: If nothing changes, nothing changes

DEAR News Of The Area,

IT is a little way off, but we have a state government election in March, which prompted a conversation over a coffee with a friend the other day.

“But I would only vote for a TRUE independent.”

What does that statement actually mean?

If you research the definitions section of the Australian Electoral Commission website you will find that the term is quite simply: ‘A candidate or Member of Parliament who is not endorsed by a registered political party.’

But I knew he probably meant more, so I asked, “What constitutes a ‘true’ independent in your mind?”

His response …. “A candidate who is totally self-funded – and definitely not funded through any company or organisation because then they are owned.”

I get it.

But the unfortunate reality in today’s world is that it is virtually impossible for any self-funded candidate to run even a mediocre campaign, let alone a successful one, for any office above local government (Council) unless they are independently wealthy.

Is that what we want?

I think not.

Sure, it can be argued that it is unlikely that any donor is going to provide significant funding without expecting something in return. But even that statement requires some examination to properly understand what that ‘something in return’ actually means.

Does it mean that there is an expectation that if the candidate is successful then they will be required to vote in a particular way that directly benefits the donor?

If so, then they may rightly be seen as similar to the major and minor parties.

How many organisations have their hands on the puppet strings of the ALP and LNP? How’s that working out?

And what about the mining magnates that have their hands on the puppet strings of minor parties like One Nation and United Australia?

By contrast, a community independent running on a grassroots budget raised through donations from community members is beholden to neither party politics nor any individual donor.

This means that they can speak on behalf of the community without running it past any vested interest.

This is grass roots politics. This is true representative democracy.

So, while there is no doubt that many of us may be fed up with politics as usual, if you keep voting the same, you are going to get the same.

Is that enough?

It may be for some, but could we do better? That’s a matter for you and your vote.

I would advocate that next time a genuine, dynamic candidate with integrity is brave enough to put their hand up, then we should seriously consider giving them a go.

Because if nothing changes, then nothing changes.

Regards,

David Hargreaves,

Bonville.