The politician's dilemma: Digital image By Alison Vincent
THANK you to the Post for the questions for candidates and how you reported them. It will be interesting to read how they respond. While I have no intention of diminishing anyone's concerns, there are some basics that might also be attended to when considering candidates.
These thoughts have come about because I am unimpressed with the cut and paste politics that pass for election campaigns. Of course climate and education, health and aged care, transport and infrastructure, environment and trade, finance and wellbeing are important. However, my thoughts are more inclined toward the character and capacity and interests of the people who put themselves forward to govern around these issues.
THANK you to the Post for the questions for candidates and how you reported them. It will be interesting to read how they respond. While I have no intention of diminishing anyone's concerns, there are some basics that might also be attended to when considering candidates.
These thoughts have come about because I am unimpressed with the cut and paste politics that pass for election campaigns. Of course climate and education, health and aged care, transport and infrastructure, environment and trade, finance and wellbeing are important. However, my thoughts are more inclined toward the character and capacity and interests of the people who put themselves forward to govern around these issues.
Teasing apart ideas to get to askable questions, what do I want from my Federal Government? What do I want from the Senators who are elected from Victoria (noting no senatorial candidate information has yet reached me)? And what do I want from my Member of the House of Representatives?
Following is a wish list of what I want in my local MHR (good luck candidates, one and all):
As for policies, here are a few that matter to me:
I'm getting tired just thinking all this stuff. What must it be like for MPs? No wonder they all seem to go with the flow.
Following is a wish list of what I want in my local MHR (good luck candidates, one and all):
- They can distinguish real information from spin, propaganda and lies.
- They have a method for working out how to address issues and work towards better outcomes
- They are respectful to constituents and parliamentary colleagues, including to those on the other side of politics.
- They have a collegiate approach to finding out what is going on, what might be done about it and getting things done.
- They have a private life that enables them to devote the time, attention and effort that is required for the member to do their job well.
- They have regular meetings with constituents and make an effort to engage them.
- They have a basic knowledge of and willingness to probe, and challenge where warranted: 1. The Constitution; 2. The way parliament operates; 3. The way finance (fiscal policy) works internationally and domestically, and how it affects ordinary people.
- They can manage an office and work with staff who are capable, knowledgeable and able to engage with people of the electorate.
- They can sift and prioritise a wide range of issues, information and requests. They understand why some things (sometimes small things) matter a lot and other (sometimes big things) can be put aside.
- They are able and willing to express the deep roots of their beliefs and values, as well as policies and issues, in a way that constituents can understand.
- They are judicious in the use of electronic information and don’t assume everyone can, or wants to, participate digitally.
As for policies, here are a few that matter to me:
- Don't mess with the aged pension.
- Do something about the power of "providers" in the aged care and disability sectors.
- Legislate to make election advertising truthful.
- Encourage active participation in political thinking and processes for all Australians.
I'm getting tired just thinking all this stuff. What must it be like for MPs? No wonder they all seem to go with the flow.