Democracy at work
In our Australian Westminster system of government anyone can be elected by forming their own party and complying with the electoral commission regulations. They can also be elected as a pre-selected member of an existing political party. Of course their eventual election depends on the voters ticking the right box. Voting in Australia is compulsory.
In theory this means that a person from a humble blue collar background can make it into parliament. In reality there are few, almost none, who get into parliament today unless they have some prior politically active background experience and/or are educated to a reasonably high level mainly at tertiary level. I am old enough to recall Ben Chifley, a past Prime Minister of Australia who was a locomotive driver but I think it is reasonable to say that these days are gone.
Having said that we currently have out there in the community a groundswell of feeling against Muslim migration to Australia and one party in particular has pushed this line. This is the One Nation party. The leader of that party has a lot to say that woos voters but the substance of her stance is an anathema to mainstream politicians. It is like the feelings that Donald Trump played upon in his election campaign. The One Nation party has power in the Senate, the Upper House of the Australian government structure, and they can cause the government of the day considerable trouble in having legislation passed. I have no confidence in the One Nation leader having a grasp on some of the serious matters that come before parliament. She and her party are currently under investigation about donations to the party and it may be found they have not complied with the electoral commission requirements. The internal administration of One Nation seems to be in a state of turmoil. Her party is currently leaking information to the public domain that is damming to the party. It is a major worry that such a person and groups of like persons can become influential voices in the government of the country.
The world is very volatile at the moment, the Australian economy is under extreme pressure and we need the best minds in government. I am not adopting a position of intellectual snobbery rather I am expressing a concern about my country and where it is heading.
I sense that power has gone to the head of the leader of One Nation and is clouding her judgement. Deep down I feel she is one of we ordinary Aussies, but for the moment she has lost that connection with the great unwashed who she purports to be and to represent.
Democracy is wonderful but can it afford to allow people into positions of elected power who might be battling to understand and do the job successfully.
May the Force be with us!
GD
In theory this means that a person from a humble blue collar background can make it into parliament. In reality there are few, almost none, who get into parliament today unless they have some prior politically active background experience and/or are educated to a reasonably high level mainly at tertiary level. I am old enough to recall Ben Chifley, a past Prime Minister of Australia who was a locomotive driver but I think it is reasonable to say that these days are gone.
Having said that we currently have out there in the community a groundswell of feeling against Muslim migration to Australia and one party in particular has pushed this line. This is the One Nation party. The leader of that party has a lot to say that woos voters but the substance of her stance is an anathema to mainstream politicians. It is like the feelings that Donald Trump played upon in his election campaign. The One Nation party has power in the Senate, the Upper House of the Australian government structure, and they can cause the government of the day considerable trouble in having legislation passed. I have no confidence in the One Nation leader having a grasp on some of the serious matters that come before parliament. She and her party are currently under investigation about donations to the party and it may be found they have not complied with the electoral commission requirements. The internal administration of One Nation seems to be in a state of turmoil. Her party is currently leaking information to the public domain that is damming to the party. It is a major worry that such a person and groups of like persons can become influential voices in the government of the country.
The world is very volatile at the moment, the Australian economy is under extreme pressure and we need the best minds in government. I am not adopting a position of intellectual snobbery rather I am expressing a concern about my country and where it is heading.
I sense that power has gone to the head of the leader of One Nation and is clouding her judgement. Deep down I feel she is one of we ordinary Aussies, but for the moment she has lost that connection with the great unwashed who she purports to be and to represent.
Democracy is wonderful but can it afford to allow people into positions of elected power who might be battling to understand and do the job successfully.
May the Force be with us!
GD
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