Politically reluctant new hopeful
WITH the nation most likely going to a federal election sometime before the end of May, there’s been plenty of speculation about likely outcomes after two years of Covid-19 restrictions and many other political flashpoints that have divided the nation, with many minor parties setting themselves up as contenders in seats traditionally held by one of the major parties.
The newest party to express interest in the Electorate of Parkes is the Liberal Democrats with locals Pete Rothwell and Chris Roworth founding a local branch and staging its first public meeting in Dubbo last week.
Pete Rothwell talked to JOHN RYAN why he felt he had to take time out from the farm to get involved in the political sphere.
What’s your background?
I am a primary producer working the family farm north of Mendooran. My wife works for NSW Health in Dubbo and hence we also have a house in town.
Why did you feel the need to get involved politically?
I honestly wish I didn’t feel the need to get involved at all. I seriously wish the Liberal and National Parties were still representing the centre-right of politics but they have drifted further and further to the left and no longer represent their historic base. We have also seen the demise of politicians with any conviction. Most of them seem to just stick their finger in the wind and follow where they think public support is. It appears to be all a game to them and are only worried about getting another term in government. I have become so disillusioned with the current standard of leadership in this country and instead of just becoming angry about it, I decided to actually try to do something about it.
Have you had much involvement in politics at any level?
I have never had any involvement in politics before. I have only had interactions with some politicians and their staffers when phoning the offices of our local members to have discussions surrounding various current issues and the overall disappointment in the direction the Liberal/nats have been heading.
Why the Liberal Democrats?
I decided to join the Liberal Democrats for a few key reasons. At the core of their principles is the idea that individuals are sovereign and should be treated as such. This idea manifests itself in many ways, but importantly, points to an individual’s rights to be free and unhindered by government. This is balanced by the idea that those same individuals also have
a great responsibility in the way they carry out their day to day lives. In today’s political environment we only ever seem to hear about rights without any talk about responsibility. The Liberal Democrats are much more than just another protest party. A lot of anger is growing in the community at present over COVID mandates and government overreach. While I share the same outrage at many government decisions, that outrage comes from the failure of government to respect this initial idea about an individual’s rights and responsibilities. This idea should be entrenched in government
policy and should apply to all government policies, not just policies concerning COVID.
How much interest is there locally from people wanting to get involved with the party?
It’s hard to know for sure. This was our first meeting and was hardly advertised and we saw a bigger turnout than I would have imagined. I really do feel it’s up us to get our message out and raise more awareness about the Liberal Democrats offering a serious alternative.
Why do you believe there is so much interest in minor parties at the moment?
I actually think it boils down to one major point which then manifests itself in many ways. That is, there is currently no major party that has any respect for the individual.
A federal election is imminent, how do you think it will play out?
You would have to say that Labor is in the box seat at the moment. The coalition has simply been scoring too many own goals and has disenfranchised a large portion of its traditional base.
There have been plenty of predictions of the demise of the two major parties (ALP and Coalition) for decades yet they almost always are able to govern from at least the lower house in their own right. Do you think things really are changing in a systemic way and not just as an aberration?
I do think change is on the way. The Liberal Party has been so successful in the past because it was based on a certain set of principles. They no longer adhere to those same principles and are now bleeding numbers from their base. It’s up to parties like the Liberal Democrats to show that we are a true alternative and not just a protest party. The Liberal Democrats are building a great track record for being a true alternative and as more people become familiar with us the more we will grow.