The COALition’s and Green’s success in passing legislation to nobble the micro parties in the Federal senate sets the stage for a double dissolution though it doesn’t necessarily guarantee one. That possibility is yet to play out. The motivation of the COALition and Greens is completely self serving. The COALition seeks to hold a majority in both houses to push its agenda through. That is the ambition of all political parties and they cannot be condemned for that aspiration.
Australians should think hard on their senate vote come the election. The Australia public has actually been well served by the micro party and independent senators. They have showed themselves to be diligent in considering all legislation and have undertaken the privileges of their roles with an earnestness that should be applauded. They have refused to be bullied and have shown great resilience under enormous pressure. The Senate and our democracy will be weaker for their loss should the new voting arrangement succeed in its intent.
Australians need to pause and think whether they want to hand absolute power to the Turnbull/Abbott neo-conservative doctrine. Without the cross bench resistance Abbott’s draconian 2014 budget would be law. That remains a bone chilling possibility if the COALition attain unfettered control of the upper house. The Greens hope to be seen as the natural ally of disaffected voters from both the major parties and seek to position themselves as the sole arbiter should they be granted the chance to seize the balance of power. They are not deserving of that privilege.
Hopefully the 2016 election will see an army of independents stand for Senate election. They are the nation’s best hope for ensuring the passage of fair and balanced legislation rather than the mean spirited neo conservative doctrine that informs the stone cold Corporate hearts of the COALition led by Mr Moneybags and his cronies.