Lack of confidence in politicians is real

Colin Williams writes that "my desperate yearning is for the installation of personnel who will deliver a safe, secure and flourishing Australia" (Peninsula News, April 29).

Actually, compared to many western countries Australia is "safe, secure and flourishing".

His comments about debt levels and "losing control over borders" are ill-informed.

Also, Colin clearly is still of the view that the issue is still capitalism versus socialism.

Not so.

Most of the privatisations and tariff reductions in Australia were actually undertaken by the Hawke and Keating Governments.

However, the issue of lack of confidence in the political system and many politicians is certainly real.

But this is an area where Gillard, together with the Greens and Independents, has at least the greater potential to make headway.

Briefly, what are the major causes of this lack of confidence?

Number one is the archaic federal constitution.

The federal construct had merit in 1900 but not any longer as it has been basically impossible to amend it.

The costly nightmare of federal-state relations is system problem number one.

Number two is the two-party system, largely the result of the 1918 and 1924 electoral laws resulting now in exceptionally nasty adversarial spectacles.

Abbott's great contribution here is that he has fully exploited his Opposition leadership role to the point that voters are heartily sick of it now.

So let's reflect on what party or parties and - or Independents - would most likely tackle system change necessary to achieve new respect and quality in our parliaments.

Abbott may have succeeded in endlessly rubbishing the Government but does that make him a suitable candidate to be Government leader?

In particular would he embrace system change?

There is no indication of that at all.

But system change is possible.

Why is Australia not talking about that?

Moreover, the Opposition leader's other policies remain unimpressive.

He has backtracked on several definite promises.

His position on climate change is just dangerous scaremongering.

The NBN alternative is completely unconvincing.

Abbott cannot stop the refugee boats, but he does not have a credible alternative refugee strategy.

The laudable Gonski deal could well be accepted by all states, issue resolved.

The ALP budget is likely to be realistic and responsible, tough but generally acceptable.

Additional revenue may be found by levying more progressive taxes on banks, mines and grossly over-rewarded executives, as the Greens rightly recommend.

The opposition's endlessly negative utterances about the Gillard Government may increasingly annoy voters.

Gillard could announce that Badgerys Creek will become Sydney's long overdue second airport.

A new formula for an amicable partnership with the Greens could emerge.

We should also realise that there is very solid support within the ALP caucus for Gillard (and not for Rudd).

Gillard is proving to be "tough as nails", as Swan claims, as well as a skilful negotiator.

The economic indicators show that trying circumstances lie ahead.

My view is that voters will soon begin to doubt that the Abbott team has the quality to deal with them.

Many voters would want a government that could initiate major institutional reforms, system changes.

Could these be expected to come from a deeply conservative Government?

Email, 30 Apr 2013

Klaas Woldring, Pearl Beach