Banks, Molan show Libs instability
MP betrayed a party that in turn betrayed a very good senator
Julia Banks’ announcement of her shift to the crossbench would be laudable if not laughable (“Liberal MP quits party to sit on crossbench”, 27/11). She complains of instability and disunity but nobody else in the Liberal Party comes close to the self-centred treachery she has perpetrated. Not even Malcolm Turnbull had the temerity to sit as an independent and it is instructive to reflect that the same faction of “moderates” who endorsed Banks has effectively disendorsed Senator Jim Molan. The real issue is that the middle ground of the Australian electorate — socially and fiscally — is centre-right (like Molan), but Banks clearly considers herself to the left of this. Presumably she is happy with the re-election of Dan Andrews, as her selfish act has only bolstered the likelihood of a Shorten Labor government. Perhaps this is her purpose.
A member of Parliament who resigns from the party that put them there should immediately resign and ask for an endorsement from the electorate they no longer represent.
Good on Julia Banks. When will the Coalition learn that while most don’t want Bill Shorten we also do not want fear-mongering, racism, pollution and greed. Let the real Liberals stand up.
Is it any wonder voters are disengaged with politicians through the shenanigans of Parliament when an individual is elected to a political party and then at a later stage spits the dummy and elects to move to the crossbench or another political party? Ethically and morally it is treacherous. These perfidious actions would never be tolerated by the Labor Party.
Your editorial nails it ("Liberal introspection gets in the way of clear policies", 27/11). Instead of a firm and united attack on Labor's divisive and destructive economic policies, the Liberal Party seems bent on its own division and destruction heedless of the usual consequence of political death. You cite the introspective murmurs of Liberal MPs in the shadows of the Victorian election. To which examples we must, sadly, add the factionalism on mournful display in the treatment of Senator Jim Molan (“Axing of Molan suicidal: Ruddick”, 27/11). By their relegation of one with such an impeccable record of military service to his country, one of inestimable potential value in the defence ministry, the Liberals have inexplicably blemished a hitherto commendable record.
To replace Senator Jim Molan, the well-liked former major-general, with two virtual unknowns on the NSW Senate ticket is nothing but suicidal for the party. When are they going to learn? Prime Minister Scott Morrison must turn this decision around or there will be many resignations from the party, as there were when Tony Abbott was knifed.
The Liberals must have a death wish by dropping Jim Molan. He is straight talking, honest and answers questions directly, none of the shifty eyed question-dodging that so many politicians adopt and which is so detested by the electorate. Parliament needs more Jim Molans, not fewer. If the Liberals are so stupid not to recognise his attributes they do not deserve to win the next election.
The Liberal Party has shown no loyalty to Senator Jim Molan, so he owes the party nothing. If he stands as an independent at next year’s federal election he has a very good chance of winning.
I wonder what selection criteria is applied to candidates to decide who and where they are positioned on Senate preselection tickets. Surely a retired ADF general would outstrip just about anyone capable of representing our country in both houses of the Parliament. To prematurely cast Jim Molan aside from the Senate is a lost opportunity for real gain.
Tony Abbott has been conspicuous with support for his Operation Sovereign Borders buddy, the worthy Senator Jim Molan. But Scott Morrison has been conspicuous in his absence. And it’s not a good look.
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