Your views: on the election’s lessons and more
Today, readers comment on voters turning away from major parties, scrapping renewable energy subsidies, Port Pirie lead pollution and adult learning.
Independent MP Helen Haines and Liberal MP Bridget Archer leave the chamber after crossing the floor during a division on allowing debate on an integrity commission at Parliament House in Canberra last November. Photo: AAP/Lukas Coch
Commenting on the opinion piece: Australia’s political class risks missing the election’s key lesson
This article highlights the importance of having true participatory democracy in these times of decreasing and splintered voting for party representatives.
This recent election shows the power of people talking with those seeking to represent them and not some faction of their party. A tsunami of Independents is coming, and the old party system is in for a big shake-up as voters use their voices to elect true representatives. – Paul Manuel
Excellent article by Emma Fletcher. The innovation of citizens assemblies (CAs) offers an objective way of developing public policy that is far superior to anything political parties can offer. We need to bring CAs into the mainstream of governance, as is now starting to happen in Europe. – Peter Martin
Commenting on the story: ‘I’m glad we’re killing it’: Labor scraps renewable energy subsidy schemes
How very disappointing. But I suppose I should have been suspicious of any party that would support an environmentally unfriendly, gas-guzzling car race. Can I please redirect my recent vote? – Garth Owen
Commenting on the story: Lead pollution concerns for Port Pirie Housing Trust children
The continuing issue of lead pollution in Port Pirie is disgraceful. Nothing seems to change whichever party is in power.
Perhaps the only solution is to impose such hefty financial penalties that Nyrstar finally fixes the problem. I understand that the jobs are important but there has to be a solution, and soon. – Sheila Jarmain
Commenting on the story: Budget bonus for adult learners as questions hover around preschool promise
The decision to more strongly support the Adult and Community Education sector is a wise investment and wise decision.
This sector was assessed by the SA Centre for Economic Studies (SACES: University of Adelaide) a decade ago, finding that the cost effective of the ACE sector was extremely high in the conduct of basic literacy and numeracy skills, in entry level and employment skills and more able to closely link up with migrant communities, refugees and local businesses.
The ratio of benefits was in the order of $1 spent for $5 gain. It has a very significant voluntary base as well as trained and professional teachers. The Rann Government committed additional resources at that time, but these were gradually wound back. The South Australian labour force will benefit from further investment in this sector. – Michael O’Neil
