Two recent Articles (The Real Culprits, HERE; and Democracy Tas Style, HERE) attempted to make the case that:

• We no longer have a democratic system of government in this state.
• The pulp mill “nasty” is symptomatic of a failed, corrupt government system.
• Reform is desperately needed and it will fall to the people to devise and drive a reform process.
• Concerted action is now required – words are not enough.

That the essence of the Articles wasn’t attacked or otherwise repudiated by readers suggests a measure of “public” agreement with the views expressed.

However, I’m still unable to discern among all the rhetoric that has since flowed, any tangible evidence that my “call to action” has fallen on fertile ground.
The reality is : we have an “unholy alliance” between the State Government and its favoured businesses (forestry and Gunns) which parallels the infamous WA Inc developments.

This “alliance”, characterised by shady deals, secrecy and buffered against public scrutiny by various government “protections” is directed towards exploitation of the capitalist system for the commercial benefit of the few, often at the expense of many.

Sometimes described as “crony capitalism” it is all the more reprehensible because it purports to benefit everyone! This form of capitalism is now firmly entrenched in Tasmania and wont be relinquished by the increasingly powerful beneficiaries of government favour and largesse, without a struggle. Particularly so where the businesses involved appear to have usurped many of the powers normally exercised by the State and have few restraints applied to them.

Against this disturbing background ask yourself the question : will institutionalised abuse of government power in this State be substantially altered if we simply continue to rage, rant and rail against the indignities and injustices it inflicts on the wider community? Will words alone lead to large blocks of voters organising to vote the miscreants out of Office? I think not if only because they are not listening!

Similarly, demonising Gunns for an act of industrial bastardry (building a massive, polluting mill in a fragile, highly settled river valley) is hardly likely to influence a mind-change. Given the nature of the beast, its just as likely to reinforce them in their apparent determination to ignore community opposition in pursuit of their own commercial interests. Why do this? Because they can!

A media outlet like TT provides a much-needed platform for us to state our views, voice our concerns and even ‘lash out’ at those we see systematically undermining our democratic heritage. But if we are simply making “noise”, and that heard only by a relatively small proportion of the voting population, our impact in terms of influencing the public debate may be minimal. I’m of the view that, if all the energy, passion, intelligence, knowledge and concern evident in the range of Articles and posts on TT could be harnessed and channelled into a concrete action of some sort, we would be better placed to mobilise wider public support, and bring about change much sooner.

As an aside: “lashing out” can be counter-productive if directed towards those who don’t fully support our stance or subscribe to our point of view on contentious issues such as forestry and the pulp mill. We should respect, even celebrate contrary points of view because reasoned, civil discourse is a foundation block of democracy. Let’s maintain focus on the real enemies of democracy – “the enemy within”.

The revered AFL player/coach/commissioner/elder statesman, and Educator, John Kennedy, famously exhorted his struggling team at three-quarter time in a semi-final to: ”DO DO. Don’t just stand there: do SOMETHING!” That advice may be appropriate for the Tasmanian people as they set out to reform a now manifestly undemocratic system of government. Lamenting corruption of process and shonky dealings won’t of itself change anything – only ‘action’ will

A contemporary example of ‘action’ is the many millions of American citizens engaging in “tea-parties” around the country in an endeavour to make their voices heard by the politicians (and succeeding). That is their way of taking action. Perhaps we could simply look, as a first step, to identifying talented, respected people in the community able and willing to stand as credible Independent candidates for Parliament; and mobilise community support for those candidates. Or start another party.

Whatever …——. At least we would then be substituting action for rhetoric and ”doing something”. John Kennedy would no doubt approve.