Practise democracy

It is amazing to hear that the Federal ALP is denying local party democracy by dropping in Head Office annointed candidates in 10 seats.

Belinda Neal appears to be the one in Robertson.

As a former president of the Lismore branch and twice candidate for Richmond in the late 1980s, I remember that party democracy was strictly adhered to in those days.

How can a party pretend to pursue democracy in society if it cannot practice democracy in its own ranks?

By 1989, the ALP was moving away from its moorings and I resigned in October 1989.

I have not seen much in the way of serious reform and convincing new policies since then which has allowed the appalling Howard Government to create havoc in Australia for 11 years.

Dropping in celebrities is not going to change that either.

Adopting courageous reformist policies will.

The need for change is great but, again, very little emerged from the recent National Conference.

What will the Robertson ALP membership do about it?

Vote with your feet!

Join or form a party that does practice democracy, advocates real change and stops the rot, or stand as an independent.

Klaas Woldring Pearl Beach