Less than 100 days out from the state election, the Parliament spent Thursday debating whether Mr Shaw’s apology in regard to misuse of entitlements was sincere and appropriate.

The saga has clearly descended into politic farce with both the government – which had an opportunity to expel Mr Shaw earlier this year; and the state Opposition – which is now effectively supporting Mr Shaw’s position in Parliament, undergoing so many about-turns it is hard to know where the moral high ground is. Murmurings from the levels below the leadership of both major parties lead us to think that rank and file members are extremely concerned about the ongoing separation between the important issues and political positioning.

Remarkably, the fire was stoked on the day the government released its inquiry into crystal methamphetamine, or “ice”. 

Here’s an issue which is having a significant detrimental impact on communities such as Ballarat, which deserves full respect, scrunity and focus which was effectively pushed to the side of the conversation. That’s a singular example. We’d also much prefer to be hearing about policies for jobs growth and infrastructure investment.

We agree that Mr Shaw’s actions were in defiance of community expectations. As Premier Denis Napthine on Thursday told Parliament, it is a privilege and honour to serve in Parliament.

However, the saga has gone on long enough. In less than 100 days, the people will judge who should serve. The two major parties should be concentrating on selling their vision for the future for that date, instead of furthering their politic motives.

Party resignation shows Madigan is his own man

IN federal parliament, Ballarat-based Senator John Madigan’s decision to leave the Democratic Labour Party came as a shock but will mean little change to the make-up of the upper house, or his views on several major issues.

What it does reinforce, however, is that Mr Madigan is indeed his own man.

Given his significant profile as a balance of power senator, Mr Madigan’s resignation from the party will cause significant damage to its brand which has long been subject to internal wrangling.