All things being equal

There is no doubt Janelle Saffin has been a great local member over the past four years. No matter what side of politics you usually vote for, there is absolutely no question that Janelle has delivered on the promises she made before the last election – and more – but more importantly, she actually gets out in the community and talks to people. She’s smart, hard-working, and she gets in and lobbies for our community.

The same cannot be said for Justine Elliot. Richmond voters south or west of Bangalow probably would find it difficult to pick their MP (a former policewoman) out of a line-up but at least have been spared blanket posters on telegraph poles.

I am concerned about the presidential style election campaigns the two major parties run – there’s a real danger that instead of voting on issues and policies that campaigns become about a cult of personality. Our Westminster system isn’t perfect – but it’s a damn sight better than a lot of countries.

One of the Australian political system’s strengths is the Senate. While the two major parties continue to respond inadequately to issues that many of us see as important it’s actually the Senate where it should be possible to make this felt.

Our front page story about same-sex marriage attracted two local candidates: Greens Jeff Johnston and Democrat Julia Melland.

I was recently married and it was, without doubt, the most powerful and beautiful day of my life.

Everyone should have this opportunity, not just those of us who fall in love with someone of the opposite sex. People are created equal. That means equal opportunity for everyone – not just when it suits those who make the rules.

It is fundamental to the principle of equality that the Racial Discrimination Act is completely reinstated, not just partially. You can’t be partially equal. It is black and white. People either have the same rights or they don’t – and while there is even a tiny part of the Racial Discrimination Act that’s suspended then it’s bad policy and bad legislation.

The Greens have promised to abolish the NT intervention – for me, that’s enough – they get my vote in the Senate.

No matter who you vote for, the most important aspect is to number every box on your Lower House ballot sheet. In the Senate either 1 above the line or every box below.

Australians didn’t listen to Mark Latham when he was Opposition leader so don’t listen to him as a ‘journalist’ and willingly give away something many people are still fighting for: a say in what happens in their country.