MEDIA STATEMENT TONY WINDSOR MP BOB KATTER MP ROB OAKESHOTT MP

Today's Media Statement is a pleasure to read as both a triumph for democracy and a refusal to cave in to pressure. If having non-aligned democratically elected representation in the Australian parliament creates a state of panic over fears of unstable government it's time to change the rules of government. I love the idea of non-partisan government. It has the potential to create excellence within government. We, the Australian people, could have ministers and committees selected on merit not political allegiances. They, in turn, could vote on policies based on merit, not "always voting at our party's call" for fear of reprisals. Thus our representatives could use their paid time more efficiently doing the big enough job of running this country without all the stuff and nonsense of what we have got used to as politics. It's time political parties grew up and accepted that the old A Team/B Team system is dying - hooray! Further more that old rivals can work together, combining their skills and talents, to give Australian's everywhere a much better deal in government. Government should not be confrontational. Many excellent people will not "go into politics" as they dislike this mindless behaviour. Many of us didn't play competitive sports, weren't in the army and didn't study to play the game of law (some of the roots of what we see as typical politician behaviour.) We don't want that style of government now. It is the natural Australian way to play it straight, reward effort, have a laugh and relax at the end of the week. I wouldn't mind betting that most Australians would like to think their local pollie was human like that too :-) What a wonderful example for young people to see old rivals bury the hatchet and work together for the good of all Australians! How can we teach kids values and virtues when, partly thanks to the media, there is little real leadership being reported on a daily basis. How can we teach that bullying is bad in schools and the workplace when it's reported regularly as the norm in parliament? Surely leaders must be the change they want to see in their people. Australia is now in a wonderful position to break away from the worn out traditions that clearly are not working for us. We can forge a new approach to government, something uniquely Australia, something we can feel is ours, something that connects us from the grass roots to democracy in action. I like the idea of committees, and maybe advisory panels drawn from non-parliamentary experience. The Hastings had a 20 20 Vision program in 1994 to examine and propose solutions to 37 areas affecting our community and our future. Many of those ideas drove good change for young people and the arts, just to name two areas. Why not draw on the creative problem solving skills of the ordinary person as well as heads of industry and politicians. All votes are equally valid on a jury - why not a "parliamentary" committee or advisory panel? I hear there are efforts to induce independents to declare an allegiance to one side or another, to jamb them into a party straighjacket of compliance. My tip from my experience in politics: they'll trumpet their victory if you give in to them then try to disempower you completely. Your people elected you as an independent - stay that way and keep your credibility. Integrity seems to be rare in Australian public life. Lead by example and keep using your good sense and intelligence to drive much needed change in both the Australian parliamentary system and the media. Congratulations!