Statements
The Two Elections …
As you read this article. there are two election campaigns in progress. Yes, there is the one that everyone knows about, the one between the political parties, but then there is another, largely hidden battle between the well-funded incumbent Members of Parliament and the newbies, mostly running their campaigns on the smell of an oily rag.
For every vote they receive, incumbent MPs receive back from the Government (that’s you, the taxpayer) $2.68 for each vote received, so when it comes to election time their campaign kitties are between $60-70,000 and that’s just for just for starters.
If they are members from the Liberal Party they will be supplemented by large donations from vested corporate interests and if they are members of the ALP, they will be supplemented by large donations from unions.
The Greens have received donations of up to $1.6 million and Independent MPs have been backed by billionaires donating millions more. Just remember also that behind every MP, there is a taxpayer-funded staff of up to half a dozen or more all helping out with the campaign, writing daily press releases, preparing speeches, handing out flyers and helping constituents.
So when you next receive a beautiful glossy brochure that went into every letter box in the state, watch a TV commercial that probably cost tens of thousands of dollars to make or see an expensive full page ad in a newspaper, just remember who is paying for it. Most likely it’s you, the taxpayer or a vested interest who one day will undoubtedly demand a pay back.
On the other hand, there are independents and small parties like the Science Party. The Science Party is an all volunteer organisation, largely comprised of very intelligent young scientists and engineers with little financial backing but brimming with ideas and passion, well equipped to tackle the huge technological challenges Australia is facing.
It’s crunch time. With two days to go until nominations close the Science Party has raised half the funds it needs to register its 12 nominated candidates. So please, if you can, donate. Donations are tax deductible and show that you value candidates that support decisions based on evidence and data over well funded ones that make the loudest noise.
Donations can be made at http://www.scienceparty.org.au/candidates
If you are unable to donate, then you can still really help by copying this article and sharing it on Facebook.
Authorised by Hans Willink 799 Acton Road Acton Park Tasmania
Hans Willink