Poll test of character
It feels like Australians are angry and for a whole lot of different reasons. Climate change. We’re doing enough; we’re not doing enough. Adani. It’s the saviour to communities; it’s going to devastate the environment. Cost of living. We pay too much for everything; we don’t get paid enough. Insurance. Health premiums are too high with little value; why should we get stung even if a cyclone doesn’t hit? While some of the anger is playing out in protests and on social media keyboards, there is a different, quieter and possibly more widespread anger around dinner tables and barbecues. Who is going to quell the anger? Don’t look at a politician for answers — people are even angrier at them because they don’t think they’re doing enough to fix their grievances. This year’s Federal Election campaign has been a close
tussle; far closer than pundits believed it would be.
They were predicting a Labor landslide but the exclusive poll revealed yesterday seasoned LNP campaigner and incumbent Warren Entsch would win the bellwether seat of Leichhardt. It’s not a done deal though with his 3.9 per cent margin from 2016 taking a hammering from Labor candidate Elida Faith. She’ll need a voting surge today for both herself and Bill Shorten to win.
Many have criticised over the past couple of years that Mr Entsch had become lazy, ineffectual and ready to retire.
He declared five weeks ago though that he was passionate, hardworking and committed to staying on for a full term should he win, regardless of the national outcome.
Over the past five weeks he has proven to be up to the task, campaigning hard and well.
But will it be enough to change his detractors’ views? He pulled out the biggest of guns yesterday with PM Scott Morrison visiting for the first time this campaign, although he was here just before the election was officially called.
What this tight election campaign has done for the Far North though is positive. It forced the LNP to commit funding for important projects into the budget and several other pledges from both sides have received bipartisan support.
That’s a big deal. However, remember that people are angry and disillusioned.
Australians cannot see a Bob Hawkelike statesman or woman in our midsts so they’re confused or cynical about who to vote for which could lead to a dysfunctional next term.
If it lands that there is an LNP victory in Leichhardt, but a national Labor win and Bob Katter takes Kennedy, Far North leaders must prepare to unite and work together like never before.
With so much underlying anger within the community that will be a true test of character for all involved.
AUSTRALIANS CANNOT SEE A BOB HAWKE-LIKE STATESMAN OR WOMAN IN OUR MIDSTS SO THEY’RE CONFUSED OR CYNICAL ABOUT WHO TO VOTE FOR WHICH COULD LEAD TO A DYSFUNCTIONAL NEXT TERM.