Editor’s view: Minority government a major problem

Cost of living. Housing. Healthcare. Surging anti-Semitism. Australia requires strong leadership – not a government beholden to Greens or Teal independents.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

A minority government would be the worst outcome for Australians.

The nation is fighting battles on multiple fronts – including the cost of living, housing and healthcare – the three biggest issues identified by voters in our exclusive poll today.

And worryingly, the rise of anti-Semitism in this country is causing a divide the likes of which has not been seen for decades.

We need strong leadership if the nation is going to overcome these hurdles – not a government beholden to the radical Greens and Teal independents.

With an election imminent, RedBridge polling shows Peter Dutton and the Coalition are gaining ground in key marginal seats – but it won’t be enough to win government outright.

Currently, the Coalition holds 57 seats. It needs 76 to govern without the help of minor parties and independents.

According to the polling, the Coalition has had a 3 per cent swing towards it – but that won’t pick up enough seats, with only eight in play.

What that means is that a minority government is coming firmly into play.

Labor or the Coalition will have to negotiate with minor parties and independents to get their party across the line, and that is bad news for Australians.

At the moment, it would seem Labor would be most likely to form a minority government with the help of the Greens and Teals.

It would hark back to the chaos of 2010, when the Julia Gillard-led minority government rose to power.

Despite the best efforts of Gillard, who managed to pass significant legislative reforms during her term, it was a government constantly on a knife-edge.

We need stability and leadership, not a government that has to bow to the political needs of minor parties and independents to stay in power.

According to the polling, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton are not popular with voters – although Queenslander Mr Dutton is slightly ahead.

Voters also think both parties are not equipped to deal with cost of living, housing and healthcare.

Although again, they believe the Coalition would be slightly better than Labor.

Australians should not have to settle for a government they think is just slightly better than the alternative.

Cost of living, housing and healthcare clearly have to be addressed by both parties.

Voters want real solutions and deserve to know what they are before they go to the polls.

They also don’t want a minority government, with almost half of voters in key electorates agreeing it would be bad for the economy and people like them – everyday Australians.

The next three months – with an election due to be held on or before May 17 – will define the immediate future of this country.

There’s too much at stake to risk the future in the hands of a minority government.

Voluntary assisted dying law change

The federal government must give more consideration to overturning laws which ban the use of telehealth consultations in relation to voluntary assisted dying.

Today, Pauline McGrath tells the story of her husband’s death through voluntary assisted dying in the hope it will make more people aware of its availability, and encourage governments to give regional Australians greater access to the process.

Pauline McGrath wants focus on restrictions on people from rural and regional Queensland accessing voluntary assisted dying. Picture: Liam Kidston

Her husband, respected doctor David Levitt, died peacefully in his home surrounded by family after deciding to end his life following a brain tumour diagnosis. It gave him the ability to die with dignity. And on his own terms.

Pauline believes people in regional parts of the state are being denied that right because Commonwealth laws prevent telehealth being used for VAD appointments and services.

While no one can deny the VAD process needs strict – while compassionate – scrutiny, there must be a way to ensure it can be delivered in regional and remote Australia.

The people who need VAD the most are those who are too sick to travel hundreds of kilometres for face-to-face appointments.

A common sense solution has to be found.

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Melanie Pilling, corner of Mayne Rd & Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Printed and published by NEWSQUEENSLAND (ACN 009 661 778). Contact details are available at www.couriermail.com.au/help/contact-us

Originally published as Editor’s view: Minority government a major problem