Getting the Government we deserve.

There is an old saying that “we get the government we deserve”.

Do we really deserve the present Government?

How can we achieve what we really want?

There is currently widespread concern over:

1.     Trade Agreements which permit, for example, foreign apples into Australia with the threat of disease. 

2.     Inadequate or misleading labelling on foodstuff.

3.     Selling farmland to foreign interests.

Why the major parties are unlikely to address these concerns.

1. Trade Agreements have been established and or supported by both ALP and Coalition Governments.

2. Numerous consumer groups have been asking for accurate information to be included on food labels.  Major parties have not shown concern.

3. It is difficult or impossible to buy land in other countries, yet there is no real barrier to foreigners buying Australian farmland.  A parcel of land would have to exceed $200 million before it received Government scrutiny.  Is there any move by major parties to address this issue?

There are other examples but this exercise is concentrating on issues relating to Food Security.  Food security is defined as Australia being as self-sufficient as possible in its food supply and that the quality of that food is of a high standard.

Anyone with an objective view of politics will concede that electors have a low level of satisfaction with both ALP and Coalition governments. The policy difference between them is minimal.

 How can we change this situation?

Among ideas that have been promoted in the past are:

1.     Vote for Independents.

2.     Put the major party candidates last on the ballot paper.

3.     Put the sitting Member last on the ballot paper.

4.     Protest by returning a blank ballot paper.

The reality is that very few voters adopt any of the above.  Voters, even if they are very dis-satisfied usually revert to their old voting habit and support the major parties simply to prevent “the other mob getting elected”.  Hence the problem of un-representative government continues.

Pressure must be applied to MP’s to do what they are elected to do.  That is to represent the wishes of their voters.  This needs to happen prior to election.

How much better would it be if the candidates gave a firm commitment to adhere to basic policies desired by most people?

People in general prefer to have an Australia which is self-sufficient, to deliver jobs and provide security  in good times and bad times.

Get a commitment from MP’s

As an initial aim, would you like your MP to be committed to upholding a policy of national self-sufficiency in food?

If elected MP’s commit to voting ONLY FOR measures which support that policy and AGAINST ALL measures which could be detrimental to that policy, we may be nearer to getting the government we deserve.

If successful, the idea could be developed to include other issues.

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Notes:

There could be issues other than food to raise but this could cause division and be much harder to administer.  Let us crawl before we walk!

Candidates need to make a commitment by answering and signing a list of three questions.  A copy is available from addresses below.   If all candidates pledge support, it will not matter, regarding this issue, which one is elected because s/he will be committed.

Candidates need to be advised that their answers will be promoted as widely as possible in the electorate.  Candidates should co-operate for the sake of their image.

This exercise can be conducted by individual voters who can show their friends the responses but of course it will have a much greater impact if a small group commit to promoting the results through the media.  One or more groups in each electorate would be ideal.  Guidance is available.

Join the team and help save Australia

The Do It Yourself kit is available from the website  www.madeinaustraliacampaign.net

or from:

“Made in Australia Campaign”

Box 177

Naracoorte  SA  5271   (send two 60 cent stamps)        

or   madeinoz12@gmail.com 

Checklist of what is needed:

1. An individual actionist or a local group needs to be alert to candidates nominating (or considering nominating).  Contact them ASAP with the letter and questions, available from above addresses....or  CLICK HERE FOR THE DIY KIT.  Make a determined effort to reach EVERY candidate.          

 2. Request the signed commitment be returned by a suitable date to ensure maximum publicity before polling day.  At least 14 before polling day.

Your sitting MP or endorsed candidate should be able to respond now.

 3. Get a list of email addresses of newspapers, radio and TV stations in your electorate.  Generate interest in the issue and what you are doing by sending them copies.  Keep them informed of progress as you build up to the period near election day. 

 4. Keep signed responses to questions on file.

 5. Finalise results for publication highlighting good or poor responses.

6. Encourage other electorates to copy the plan.

7.  Send results to above address for inclusion on the webpage.

Decide now to help turn Australia around by being a player in the campaign to restore goods being “Made In Australia test”?

Links to supportive groups:
buyaustralianmade.com.au
fairdinkumradio.com
ausbuy.com.au