Bonney MP Sam O’Connor talks politics, life on the Gold Coast

BONNEY MP Sam O’Connor spent the last seven months door knocking where he saw first-hand how frustrated people are with politics and government. Read his thoughts here.

HAVING recently had the honour of being elected to represent my community, I’d like to reflect on politics at the start of my journey. I’ve spent the last seven months door knocking where I saw first-hand how frustrated people are with politics and government. The overall decline in the major party vote at the recent election is a testament to this. Many voters are disengaged and disenfranchised, especially young voters.

Does that mean our system is broken? In my opinion, no. I believe it works but it clearly needs improvement. Politicians have to put in the hard yards and focus on the things people care about to regain the trust of voters.

LNP candidate for Bonney Sam O'Connor at Harley Park Labrador. Photo: Richard Gosling

Although it may seem laughable in the political climate of late, it’s hard to deny that having the major parties provides stability. Through one side having control in the parliament, a government can actually get things done and a strong opposition can hold them to account.

The minor parties are acutely aware of this and their policies reflect the fact that they will never sit on the Treasury benches. It’s easy to promise the world knowing that you will never have to deliver.

I’ve only been a member of the LNP for the last few years so I’m looking at all of this with a relatively fresh perspective. Our party structure is democratic and our values of individual freedoms, reward for effort and more efficient government are shared by many and should resonate well.

LNP candidate for Bonney Sam O'Connor at Harley Park Labrador. Photo: Richard Gosling

Building membership is hugely important. We need to show people that political parties can be the drivers of change for our state and that change can only happen if they get involved.

This is particularly important when it comes to young people. The decisions made by government (or in our case the policies we craft while in opposition) need to have their input. A different set of eyes, keeping the future implications for our great state front of mind.

It’s a challenge, but one I believe we can overcome together. We need to communicate across all levels of government and combine our efforts to get things done.

So yes, people are disinterested and dissatisfied by politics and no, I certainly don’t have all the answers about out how to change that. It’s vital that we do though; our institutions are strong and provide us with an excellent standard of living but we have many challenges we need to face.

What I have found so far is that people want someone who has a visible presence, is accessible and genuine in their concern for their community. The funny thing is, the vast majority of politicians I’ve come across have these characteristics.

If you’re still reading you’re helping too. By simply having picked up today’s paper, making your way to this article and continuing to read after you’ve seen it’s written by a politician you have engaged with the process. Thank you, keep it up and please do get in touch if you have any thoughts you’d like to share with me.