Snail’s pace in politics

THEY say justice delayed is justice denied.

It is a shame there’s not a similar common saying about the pace of democracy.

A government does not have to be malignant or malicious to be improperly serving its citizens.

Sometimes it just has to be so slow that it rarely delivers for the public it is meant to serve.

Certainly the pace of technology compared to the pace of our politics is what is causing a general malaise in the public’s view of our federal politicians.

And today we have two examples from local government that will make anyone hoping for quick, bold and efficient decision-making want to look away in fright.

First from the Surf Coast where polarised councillors have been arguing about whether a council rainbow flag should be flown in support of same sex marriage since ... well, since long before last November’s same sex marriage postal survey well and truly settled the issue.

On Tuesday night, in a marathon council meeting, the rainbow flag issue was debated for more than half an hour but ultimately with no real result.

A majority decision could not be arrived at so the council decided to seek a report on the ongoing issue. One councillor said she would also welcome a community survey on the issue.

Less ridiculous but still frustratingly slow is Geelong council’s “action” on the potential sale of the old post office building.

The new council is not being accused by anyone of having too strong an agenda or operating at a breakneck pace.

Talk of selling the Ryrie St landmark was deferred on Tuesday night after community members asked Geelong councillors how they could guarantee its heritage value once it was in private hands.

No one wants to see the exterior of this beautiful building tarnished.

But can we please just have a vision, make a decision, and follow it through to a prompt execution? That would be a refreshing change.