Finding an independent Speaker

The notion that an "independent" Speaker can be appointed by either major party controlling Australia's two-party tyranny is simply ludicrous.

In the much-glorified but seriously-flawed Westminster system that person must be an elected MP representing the government party.

This could be done much better.

If Australians want an independent Speaker, that should be a person who is not a politician, has no party commitments, has demonstrated chairing skills and is acceptable to at least both major parties.

Once Australians discover how well that works they could then commence finding Ministers who are not elected politicians, a practice common to all non-Westminster systems, the overwhelming majority of parliamentary systems.

Klaas Woldring, Pearl Beach