I have not contributed anything for over 10 days and yes there have been issues that I wish to post comments. These have primarily been local issues that have made me angry and I have put off rushing to blog. One should not respond in a kneejerk manner but really think it through soberly.
One issue , which did blow up but has gone silent was the decision of Beaconsfield mine survivor, Brant Webb, to seek Labour pre-selction in Bass, despite his well-publicised anti pulp mill stance. The Tasmanian Labor Party is strongly supportive of the Gunns Mill proposal, which seemingly puts Webb at odds with offical Labor policy. However it isn't the position over the mill which has made me mad but the Labor party policy of endorsing so-called celebrity candidates
in order to prop up a their electoral line-up. This strategy has been used by both of the major political parties in past state elections. Remember St. Kilda football great, Darrell Baldock was once a candidate for Labour in the 70's who was elected not because of his political views, (non-existent) but because of the name factor. Yes he was eventually appointed to cabinet yet in truth was captive to his ministerial minders and never did much. I think he was in parliament for a short period and retired to take on as coach of St. Kilda until he had a stroke.
As I said, both parties That is made it a common practice to endorse candidates who really don't have any political nous yet are chosen because they are well-known because they own a pub, or a DJ, footballer or racehorse trainer. Once elected they are naturally required to toe the party line and rewarded with cabinet positions, where all the work administering their positions is done by their minders.
That is why I prefer the independent candidate who is free from political affiliation who judges the issues solely on merit and is prepared to take a stand on moral issues. We have some outstanding independent candidates who have contributed to both the state and federal parliaments e.g Spot Turnbull, Brian Harradine, Don Wing. I have had dealings with two of the latter and their integrity and willingnness to stand up to government of the day has been an inspiration to many.
I will write a further blog later on other issues that are simmering but will post this in the interim.
Robin L. Harwood
Norwood, Tasmania 7250
