Wentworth by-election: candidates need a reality check says Laura Jayes
A TIMELY reality check from political expert and local mum Laura Jayes, about the voters who will decide the Wentworth by-election.
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WE are the luckiest constituents in the country … and it’s got nothing to do with our political representation. We truly live in God’s country, despite what people from Sutherland Shire say (I should know, I grew up in the Shire!). We have the best beaches in the world, Sydney Harbour, Centennial Park, top-end restaurants and retail … This is the only time, as a journalist, I will concede such blatant bias. But it’s true.
If you listened to the national press and its coverage of the Wentworth by-election — you’d think we all lived in harbourside mansions, pulled in million dollar pay packets, and spent our spare time playing tennis or sailing on our super yacht! Alas, that’s not true!
Sure we can make our life look pretty peachy with the backdrop of Bondi and the Instagram Valencia filter. But all is not what it seems. The candidates in the upcoming by-election should know that. If they don’t they’re in for a rude shock. We have the same daily struggles as voters in marginal seats; cost of living, household budget and life-juggling issues that often shape the big political parties’ policies. We live in expensive homes or apartments. And our mortgages or rent is higher than the average too.
Some of us are paying upwards of $160 a day for childcare. Our electricity bill is hovering around the $2000 a quarter mark. We sit in 45 minutes of traffic every morning to travel less than 10km — all the while paying $1.60 a litre for fuel and duelling our neighbours for a parking spot on the street when we get home.
Life’s good, but the struggle is (first world) real.
That doesn’t mean the people of Wentworth shirk the greater, collective responsibility when it comes to social issues. “Economic conservatives but socially progressive” is a tag many would identify with.
The people of Wentworth voted overwhelmingly for same sex marriage, they don’t believe climate change is “crap” and they want to see our politicians lead. This seat has always been held by the Liberal Party. Malcolm Turnbull has very loyal supporters who are right to feel angry about his unceremonious dumping. Many would be considering channelling that anger into a protest vote. But don’t throw that vote away. Make it count. Think about which candidate best serves you.
This is your chance to make a difference. Look closely at what your candidates are promising.
Think about how our democracy works and whether Parliament is better served with an increasing number of independent /minor party MPs or if the major parties serve you best. No politician or political party should be able, or deserves, to take your vote for granted.
Laura Jayes is co-host of First Edition and AM Agenda on Sky News Live
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