Here's a story idea that I'm intending to run with in Queensland and could be a good one to run with nationally. I'm intending to interview the contenders for the number 6 spot in the Senate as a series of "Balance of power" interviews.

One criticism I constantly hear from readers is that everyone concentrates on the House of Representatives and no-one covers the Senate. This seems like an opportunity to me.

The sort of questions I will be asking will be personal - what's the person like - strategic - why should they be trusted with this spot, what are they doing to win it, what do they think of their opponents - policy - what policies will they enact. One sentence summary of their pitch.

If anyone is interested in doing the same I think they should post their interest in the forum so we don't all interview the same people.

I can't help out with the asking of the questions, being an avowed candidate myself, but could I add my voice in support?

The Senate is as important as the House Of Reps and should have the same level of scrutiny applied to it as the Reps.

Unfortunately, the Senate only becomes important when the government doesnt have a majority ....

I would beg to differ, the Senate is important at any time.

Even if the Government has a majority, it doesn't mean that one or two of its own members won't cross the floor from time to time.

Either way, people need to know who it is they are voting for in the Senate, not just which party.

The Senate is the people's best chance of determining the honesty of the elected members of both houses.
That is why candidates for the senate usually represent deeply held views which are seen as minority issues

I will interview a candidate here in Qld.

Great - who would you like to interview? Need some help setting it up?

Jason (editor)