Why We Cannot Afford Another LNP Rule

By Denis Hay

Description

Why we cannot afford another LNP rule in Australia. The LNP’s history of corruption and incompetence proves we can’t afford another day of their leadership. Discover what voters can do about it.

Introduction

Picture this: It’s 2019. Australians head to the polls, hopeful for leadership that prioritises their well-being. Instead, they get a government embroiled in scandal after scandal – from the unlawful Robodebt scheme that devastated vulnerable Australians to the sports rorts scandal that funnelled public money into marginal LNP seats. Peter Dutton leads the charge, warning that we “can’t afford another three years of Labor.”

But can we afford another day for the Liberal-National Party (LNP) to be in power?

With Dutton holding a slim margin in Dickson, voters must think carefully. His track record is riddled with incompetence and controversy. As Australia approaches the next federal election, it’s time to break free from the two-party duopoly and elect leaders who serve the people, not corporate donors.

The LNP’s Corruption and Incompetence – A Reminder

When the LNP was last in power, their tenure was defined by corruption, mismanagement, and policies prioritising corporate interests over the people. Let’s revisit their most damning failures.

The Scandals That Defined the LNP Government

1. Robodebt: A Government-Orchestrated Financial Assault on the Vulnerable

• The Morrison government illegally pursued thousands of Australians over alleged welfare debts.

• The scheme led to financial ruin, mental health crises, and even suicides.

• In 2023, the government was forced to pay $1.8 billion in compensation, proving the extent of their wrongdoing.

2. Sports Rorts & Pork-Barrelling: A Manipulation of Public Money

• The LNP funnelled millions into grants to marginal seats before the 2019 election.

• Clubs with no women’s teams received funding for female facilities, while clubs in safe Labor seats missed out.

• A disgraceful misuse of public funds aimed at vote-buying rather than community benefit.

3. The Secret Ministries Scandal

• Scott Morrison secretly appointed himself to five ministries without informing the public.

• Even former LNP leaders described it as an attack on democracy.

4. Climate Change Neglect

• Australia ranked last among developed nations in climate action under the LNP.

• Bushfires and floods devastated communities, yet the government doubled down on coal and gas projects.

Peter Dutton’s Record – A Leader Unfit for Office

1. A History of Racist and Divisive Policies

• He boycotted the Apology to the Stolen Generations in 2008.

• Referred to Lebanese immigrants as mistakes.

• Opposed same-sex marriage and attacked LGBTQ+ rights.

2. Neglecting His Electorate – The Case of Dickson

• Despite a slim margin, Dutton has done little to improve public services in Dickson.

• Residents have struggled with rising costs and infrastructure neglect.

• Peter Dutton, the long-standing representative of the Dickson electorate since 2001, has faced criticism for insufficiently addressing local public service needs and infrastructure development. Despite holding his seat with a narrow margin, concerns persist about his commitment to enhancing the quality of life for his constituents.

Lack of Investment in Public Services

Residents of Dickson have expressed dissatisfaction with the perceived neglect of essential public services. The electorate has seen limited improvements in healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and community services.

This stagnation has led to challenges such as increased waiting times for medical services and overcrowded educational environments, impacting the well-being and future prospects of the community.

Infrastructure Deficiencies

Infrastructure within Dickson has also been a point of contention. The area has grappled with inadequate public transportation options, leading to congestion and extended commute times. Additionally, essential roadways and community facilities have not received the necessary upgrades to accommodate the growing population, further straining daily life for residents.

Community Sentiment and Political Implications

The combination of these issues has fostered a sense of frustration among constituents. The emergence of independent candidates, such as Ellie Smith, underscores the community’s desire for change and more attentive representation.

Smith’s campaign emphasises local concerns, including the cost of living, economic stability, and improved public transport – areas where many feel current leadership has fallen short.

In summary, the perceived neglect of public services and infrastructure in Dickson has become a significant issue under Peter Dutton’s tenure. As the federal election approaches, these concerns are likely to influence voter decisions, potentially reshaping the political landscape of the electorate.

The Dickson Electorate – A Crucial Battleground

Dickson is one of the most marginal seats in Australia. In the last election, Dutton only narrowly kept his seat.

• A swing of 1-2% could remove him from Parliament.

In the 2022 Australian federal election, Peter Dutton retained his seat in the Dickson electorate with a narrow margin. He secured 51,196 votes (51.70%), while the Australian Labor Party candidate, Ali France, received 47,833 votes (48.30%). The difference between them was 3,363 votes. Ref: Tally Room, Dickson, AEC.

A swing of approximately 1.7% against Dutton would have been sufficient to change the outcome. Given the total formal votes of 99,029, a 1.7% swing equates to about 1,684 votes. Therefore, if 1,684 voters had shifted their support from Dutton to France, it would have resulted in a different representative for Dickson.

This slim margin underscores the significance of each vote in the electorate. In closely contested seats like Dickson, even a small change in voter preferences can determine the election’s outcome.

• Local concerns include housing affordability, healthcare, and public infrastructure.

• Independent and minor party candidates offer genuine alternatives to the two-party status quo.

Why Voters in Dickson Must Think Carefully

• Why we cannot afford another LNP rule. Another term of Dutton as Opposition Leader means more divisive, fear-based politics.

• His economic policies prioritise corporate donors over everyday Australians.

• The best way to break the cycle of corruption is to vote for candidates who prioritise people.

Breaking the Two-Party Stranglehold

The Case for Independents and Minor Parties

• Independent MPs like Zali Steggall and Helen Haines have proven that Parliament functions better without party dominance.

• More cross bench representation ensures that corporate-backed party lines do not dictate legislation.

• Australians deserve representatives who work for them, not for political donors.

How to Make Your Vote Count

• Use preferential voting wisely – don’t waste your vote on the major parties.

• Research independent candidates and minor parties who align with your values.

• Encourage others in Dickson and beyond to break free from two-party politics.

Conclusion

Can we afford another day of the LNP in power?

The answer is clear, Australia cannot afford another LNP rule. Their track record is corruption, economic mismanagement, and attacks on democracy.

With Peter Dutton leading the opposition, the same destructive policies of the Morrison era will return.

It’s time to elect leaders who serve the people, not just the powerful.

Q&A Section

Q1: Why should voters in Dickson focus on independent candidates?

Independent candidates prioritise community needs, not party agendas. A vote for an independent weakens two-party dominance.

Q2: How does preferential voting work in Australia?

Preferential voting allows voters to rank candidates, ensuring that even if their first choice doesn’t win, their vote still counts towards the next preference.

Q3: What can voters do to stay informed?

Follow independent news sources, engage with community forums, and read about policies beyond mainstream media narratives.

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Additional References:

Peter Dutton says public service cuts will fund his election promises.

Voters are sceptical about Dutton’s war on the public service. And America’s disembowelment is a cautionary tale.

 

This article was originally published on Social Justice Australia

 

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