Cheryl Kernot
The election we had to have is now over. The defeat of the narrow and reactionary Hewson package was imperative to those who reject economic rationalism's philosophy and policies. Now Tweedledum (Coalition) and Tweedledee (ALP) are both signalling renewed interest in socially progressive policies, even though they are led by the same two who did not make even a passing reference to the environment in their "Great Debate" prior to the election. In Queensland we get constant reminders of how conservative and lacking in vision an ALP government can be.
The question is sharpened as to how people can most effectively engage in the Australian electoral processes, which are becoming more and more like the US political spectrum.
At first glance it appears as if the "Third Force" (Democrats, Greens and others) had a pretty poor election. However, a solid core of approximately 10% remains to build upon in non-GST times. Polls confirm the profound disenchantment.
There will be virtually the same number of Democrats in the next parliament, with the Rev. John Woodley expected to take up the second Queensland seat, a very positive improvement especially as John is well known for his numerous social justice campaigns over the years. It is very encouraging that about 140,000 Queenslanders voted for John and Drew Hutton in the Senate.
Now more than ever, Australian politics needs a coherent, critical presence not weighed down by the baggage of the old parties.
The recent election demonstrated that there is no future in the Green vote competing with the Democrats. The result is that the public election funding reimbursement for both parties is greatly reduced and the impact of both groups may be diminished. The Democrats are the electoral bridgehead in the "Third Force", having the numbers in the Senate and in state upper houses. Most importantly, the Democrats have the right policies. This is widely recognised by environmental groups and by social justice groups who have studied them. Democrat policies have consistently challenged the inroads of economic rationalism in Canberra by identifying its irrationality.
Before the next election it is imperative that the Greens, sensible independents and other quasi-progressive groups get together with the Democrats. Negotiations will of course recognise and maximise the talents within all parties concerned. However, unity of organisation will be imperative to articulate and sell policies that are ecologically sustainable and that declare the limitations of the growth economy.
It is arguable that Queensland has the opportunity to take initiatives which will give momentum to this national process. After 15 years we are still a "grassroots" party and we are the original "Green" party, so we certainly are open to discussion. We have all spheres of the environment and the economy. We strongly believe these relevant issues are the major problems which have to be faced by the government, and we will continue to promote our policies so that Australia's future development will be ecologically sustainable.
We have no intention of fading away. We intend to fulfil the wishes of the thousands of people who voted for us to maintain our excellent record of addressing the injustices in the community and country while keeping parliament honest.
[Cheryl Kernot is an Australian Democrat senator from Queensland.]