Let’s have a look at the past, and possibly future, representation of Farrer in the Federal Parliament. And let’s ask the question: What sort of representation do we want? Are we happy with the ‘same old’, or do we want a fresh approach?
The most important issue that needs to be addressed for our economic prosperity is water, then we have other important social issues, in particular health and aged care.
Are you happy with what has occurred in these areas over the past 20 years under Coalition representation? If the answer is ‘no’, we have to find an alternative path forward.
Looking at alternatives, the only realistic possibilities for election as the next Member for Farrer are One Nation or an Independent.
What will One Nation do for us? I recently read an article that spoke about their SA leader Cory Bernardi standing alongside Penny Wong and Sarah Hanson-Young as they spoke about NSW farmers stealing “their” water.
So let’s be realistic. If we have a One Nation Member for Farrer arguing against the party’s strength in South Australia, led by Bernardi, who do you think Pauline will listen to? We risk being left out in the cold again.
That leaves us with deciding whether to have a crack at Independent representation. At state level, we have an Independent in Helen Dalton who has campaigned passionately for her constituents since the day she was elected.
An Independent does not have to toe the party line – whether its Liberal, The Nationals or One Nation. Their entire focus is on the electorate.
We need representation in Canberra that is committed to Farrer and our people, not a political party. At this by-election we must lay the foundations for our future, and the starting point will be undoing the damage that has been caused by party politics. Then we need to start on our vision for the next 20 years.
- Contributed by Vicki Meyer
• Authorised by Vicki Meyer, ‘Werrina’, 14 McCallum Road, Warragoon NSW 2710.
