Why people are turning to minor parties
Half of the many politicians I meet on my job look extremely upset. Tired. He is frustrated with his inability to capture the attention of voters. It fizzled out after being subjected to brutal personal attacks. They are upset about not being able to make progress.
Politics is challenging and challenging work when done with the passion we have the right to expect from our elected representatives. Those who demonstrate the highest level of dedication also tend to make the most sacrifices in their personal and family lives for the good of our country or state, and they deserve our gratitude.
Their performances are constantly open to public criticism in a way that few can sympathize with. Job security is poor. There is regular travel. Long hours.
I’m not sure why anyone would subject themselves to this kind of life. Many can find more lucrative and less stressful jobs in the private sector.
But I am grateful that there are those who take on this challenge. Despite intense scrutiny from organizations like ours (for which we make no apologies), elected representatives continue to show up to work and do what they think is in the best interest of their constituents.
Of course, there are those who choose to serve the best interests of their party or themselves, but in my experience these people are fewer in number than those who desire to govern for the right reasons. But it seems many Australians disagree with me on this.
Latest survey conducted by AgeThe Resolve Political Monitor, supported by findings from other outlets, shows that many people are looking for something different from their leaders. They send them a message that the status quo is unacceptable. Many voters say they want to try something new, like Pauline Hanson’s One Nation.
But today there are hopeful signs from Victoria’s traditional government parties that they are listening to voters’ concerns and may be willing to engage in serious debate about issues of great concern to this state. That is, it is the kind of public debate on difficult issues that can convince the public that their ruling classes really care about good government.
Both Prime Minister Jacinta Allan and Opposition Leader Jess Wilson revealed their responses today Age’reports on systemic corruption affecting the state government’s Big Build transportation projects. Australia’s leading investigative reporter Nick McKenziewith the help of Chip Le Grand, Lachlan Abbott And Kieran RooneyThis week, further allegations of corruption in the taxpayer-funded program have come to light under the government’s nose. They showed how taxpayers’ money went into the pockets of underworld figure Mick Gatto and scrutinized the government’s response to these revelations.
In his piece, Allan apologizes for the corruption, violence, and crimes that have infected the Grand Establishment under his watch. Wilson outlines a plan to set up a royal commission and give corruption watchdog IBAC the power to more easily hold public hearings and widen the scope of investigation by changing the definition of corruption. Chip Le Grand and Kieran Rooney reported today that there is momentum within the Victorian Labor Party for a royal commission to investigate corruption at the Big Build.
Whether or not you agree with the leaders’ respective approaches, they deserve praise for asserting themselves and giving you the opportunity to come to an informed conclusion. If Victorians are to get the solutions they deserve to the crisis in Big Building, we should be grateful for actively engaging in the tough conversation we need to have. Anti-corruption lawyer Geoffrey Watson, SC, estimates corruption on Big Build projects has cost Victorian taxpayers $15 billion.
McKenzie’s latest story about an alarming security breach that endangered people in CFMEU management underscores the seriousness of the problem.
So while the job of a politician is difficult – and I think we need to think of ways to make it a more attractive option for our best and brightest – we make no apologies for being tough on our politicians and scrutinizing their decisions on your behalf. We do this without fear or flattery. This is the best way to hold our leaders accountable and ensure you, our subscribers, have the good government you deserve.
Beginning the The day with a summary of the most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights of the day. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
