Greens balance of power in the Senate

By: willy*bach (Registered ) on 15-10-2007 05:07

It is essential that the Greens, possibly with Democrats and independents, get balance of power in the Senate. The Greens are principled and will help keep governments honest. There needs to be a range of viewpoints in our parliament in order to represent the spectrum of community opinion. 
 
There has been a dangerous tendency for the major parties to narrow down the pre- selection of candidates to those who agree with the leader. In the Liberal Party this has eliminated all moderate Liberals and brought in only ideologically driven Howard stooges. 
 
The Howard government has proven to be poor guardians of democratic institutions. They have abused their power, especially since July 2005, when they won control of the Senate. They prevented proper consideration of their extremist legislation that was rushed through parliament. 
 
A Labor government, if elected, would do the same if there were no review function in the Senate. Party loyalty is valued more than critical thinking. Conscience comes a long way behind that. 
 
Kevin Rudd cannot be trusted to maintain a strong position on the death penalty or human rights. He even intends to keep the Christmas Island concentration camp for asylum seekers (and ???). 
 
Willy Bach 
Greens candidate for Griffith

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