VEC changes a step toward transparency in council elections
With the greatest respect to John Barnes, a true elder statesmen of the local political scene, in his article on Saturday, surely we must unreservedly support the demise of the shady system of preferencing candidates that saw political parties and monied sectional interests stand dummy candidates in local government elections to direct preferences to a "real" candidate. The subterfuge worked especially well in local government elections where the majority of folk are not as engaged as a state or federal election, and candidates unable to realistically get a distinct profile out to ratepayers in wards that have thousands of households. The voting form itself is often the only information on a candidate a voter may have, and other than by forensic examination of the ballot and preferences suggested, the dummy candidates seemed independent and above board.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
I not only support the change, but would encourage more reforms that enhance true democracy, such as smaller wards (though not more councillors) where a candidate can have a profile built around knowing and living in a neighbourhood rather than an advertising blitz. This reform is welcome, with or without notice.
Dr Mark Harris, Ballarat City Council candidate, Central Ward
Two meetings insufficient to reflect community wishes on railway precinct
The Minister for Regional Development Ms Jaala Pulford is not listening.The Minister states 'To be very clear, this Project reflects the wants and needs of the community.' The Minister states 'two rounds of consultation identified a hotel and convention centre as the most viable development option But the two 'consultations' consisted of Regional Development and the Minister telling Ballarat residents what it, the Government, intends to happen. That's not consultation, it is an an imposition. It is arrogant and not listening. Opposition to the proposal is significant and growing. It's also politically significant electorally. The proposal is a loser for the State Government.
The precinct is a transport hub. The redundant bluestone sheds ought be jointly managed by the State Government, Ballarat City Council and the community. The sheds are perfectly suited to a working steam museum, markets, boutique arcades, studios, exhibition space and start-ups, restaurants and green space. There is strong interest from the Victorian Steam Rail Preservation Society who are seeking a new home. Such a community and State-based tourism-centred approach is where the real, long-term jobs are. Listen to the community.
I request Minister Pulford, Sharon Knight, Geoff Howard, Joshua Morris and Council drop the hotel proposal. THey should do what the Ballarat community really wants: help create a vibrant, long-term, job-positive precinct. In the case of any previous understandings between RDV/State Government and developers, it is important to simply say “We've changed our mind and decided to work with the Ballarat community.”
Dr Brian Pola, Ballarat
The court of public opinion best on marriage
I am not prepared to leave the issue of "same sex" marriage in the hands of the 226 pollies who comprise the House of Representatives and the Senate. Too many have moral, philosophical and religious agendas/baggage of their own which do not necessarily reflect current community views/opinions. The proposed changes to the Marriage Act should be tested in the court of public opinion via the 16.9 million voters on the electoral roll, not determined by the Parliament.
Michael J Gamble, Belmont