Busting political cartels and limited visions

This politics is complemented by reform to the political system as well. When we hear stories from the last Iowa caucus in the US Presidential campaign, it is clear that Australia also has an untapped potential for political participation renewal.

Thousands of men and women of all ages, races and colours turned up to local town halls and schools and literally voted for their Democratic or Republican candidate by standing, in the case of Democrats, in the Obama corner or the Clinton corner of the room. Votes would be counted and those that turned up could rightfully claim a small piece of history.

This politics is a long way from the tightly closed factional deals of the New South Wales Labor Party or the events and lobbying rewards afflicting Queensland politics at present.

Local primaries for candidates, whether Liberal or Labor, would radically change the outlook of the political parties and give those people who are currently apathetic a say in the candidates in their seats without having to join the party they favour.

A recent broad-based primary by the Tories in Britain in the seat of Totnes had a turn out of nearly 25 per cent or more than 16,000 votes.

Importantly these primaries require aspiring politicians to connect with community issues. A system that rewards involvement in neighbourhoods, schools, businesses, churches, policy forums and even unions would provide for a popular candidate choice from a broad range of backgrounds for the public.

As an example of the change primaries could bring for the Liberals, climate change deniers would be more marginalised in the Coalition under broad-based primaries as general opinion dominated the pre-selection debate on the subject.

Candidates like Wilson Tuckey would struggle in broad-based primaries outside very remote locations and this would assist the Liberals to reform and present better to the electorate. This would be good for the Liberal party and for overall candidate quality.

Participation will bust the political cartel that is now limiting Australian policy options if only politicians can trust people more.

If this does not happen it’s likely a third force, supported by efficient businesses and a broad church of swinging voters, will emerge to challenge the current hegemony.

Let’s hope so!