The Green surge

THANKS to all who supported the Greens.
I wanted to write and thank everyone who voted for me in La Trobe in the recent federal election.
At the time of writing this letter, it looks like the Greens secured 12.5 per cent of the local vote. (We got seven per cent last election).
And it looks like Jason Wood has been replaced by Laura Smyth.
We wish Laura all the best in her role as La Trobe’s representative.
And we wish Jason all the best for his future too.
Thanks to those who trusted me with your vote.
Of course I would have loved to have won the seat and represented La Trobe in Parliament. But that was always going to be a long shot, although the Greens did win the Lower House seat of Melbourne. It can happen. Maybe next time here!
In the meantime, with over 14 per cent of all Victorians voting Green, a loud message has been sent to the major parties. That message is made up of a few key things:
– Give us better quality politicians.
– Give us better quality election campaigns that discuss issues in depth, instead of campaigns full of slogans and spin that just throw mud at opponents.
– Give us the best policies of the Greens before we come back to support you.
– In particular, do something about climate change.
– Put dental care under Medicare.
– Make sure there is a nation-wide, publically owned, broad-band network.
– Show compassion to refugee families and stop treating them like a political football for personal gain,
As more and more Australians vote Green, the major parties will have to sit up and listen. La Trobe contributed to a loud protest. Let’s hope your voice will be heard and some of the lessons applied!
Jim Reiher,
Greens candidate for La Trobe,
Harkaway.