George Costanza is arguably the most irritating, self-absorbed and dysfunctional of all the characters from the global comedy sensation Seinfeld. That’s a hill I’m prepared to go to war on.
There’s not a lot to love about any of them in my view, which is probably a testament to how brilliantly the characters were written. This past week in the Clayton’s election campaign, particularly as it pertains to the role, nature and truth about so-called independent candidates, would have given the show’s writers enough material for another decade.
Which is where George comes in. The writers gave him one of the best lines in the entire series, that fits right in with some of the poppycock served up by the teal-blue brigade and others, who claim to be independent candidates.
It’s not a lie, if YOU believe it. Calling yourself an independent doesn’t make you one, any more than me calling myself a gifted athlete makes me that.
The truth is I’m a punter who fuels her workouts with a macchiato and a Caramello Koala.
Let’s look at the current crop of “independent” candidates in seats from Wentworth to Curtin and in between being supported by Climate 200. So independent they wear a uniform. So independent, the 13 listed candidates are all under the umbrella of Climate 200, wearing the same teal blue T-shirts and singing from the same songbook.
It’s not a lie, Jerry, if YOU believe it.
So very independent they’re listed on the Climate 200 website and, according to the organisation’s Simon Holmes a Court, were selected because they accept key principles, being more action on gender diversity and climate change. How can they be independent candidates if there are selection criteria?
Holmes a Court insists there are no strings attached to the substantial funding Climate 200 gives its chosen candidates.
Is there such a thing as a true independent? Everyone is beholden to someone, or something. Everyone is anchored in a belief system or invested in a cause. As Victorian Liberal MP Tim Wilson observed this week, the idea that most independents don’t have strong links to the political left is absurd. He’s right. Case in point, the aspiring federal independent candidate for the WA seat of Curtin, Kate Chaney, was until very recently a paid-up member of the ALP.
The very nature of independents means that they are either the bringers of chaos or a non-event. Shambolic, or impotent. It depends on where the numbers land.
What has the independent federal member for Warringah, Zali Steggall, achieved since entering parliament? Most notably the climate-focused MP has been in the news for failing to declare six-figure donations from the family trust of a fossil fuel investor, and for driving a diesel SUV while lecturing everyone else about our carbon footprint.
If Steggall’s “rookie error” of nondisclosure had happened in one of the major parties, heads would have rolled.
In recent years, independents have presented as self-anointed warriors for single-issue causes. So many of the current crop talk about issues that most Australians don’t have the luxury of indulging in, and offer little more than motherhood statements rather than meaningful policy ideas.
A quick spin around the website of the independent candidate (backed by Climate 200 and listed on its website) Allegra Spender and you’ll struggle to find a meal among the fairy floss.
Under the heading Proactive Healthcare, Spender commits to ensuring aged-care organisations provide high standards of care. Ensuring? That’s a bloody big call and it would be great to understand how it can be guaranteed.
Under the heading Inclusive Society, Spender commits to ensuring a respectful treatment of women and the LGBTIQ+ community. Who wouldn’t? That’s not policy, that’s a high-school standard word-cuddle.
These are troubled and troubling times. None of these candidates are talking about national security. About energy security. How to incorporate renewables without plunging half of Australia into energy poverty. None are talking about the threat of inflation. Reducing government debt. These are the nitty gritty, ugly, un-sexy issues that underpin a nation’s prosperity. Find me a single independent with something of substance to say on these matters. I’d wait, but I’m a busy woman.
When independent candidates come to the table, they are asking for more trust but with less scrutiny.
For better or for worse, established parties have party rules, internal oversight, and vetting processes.
Do they always get it right? Absolutely not. Only a fool would suggest so. They are answerable to a party and a membership.
Independent, in an electoral sense, is a potent word.
Australia can’t afford the vain dalliances of single-issue ideologues who rock up to the farm with one pony and one trick.
These are serious times.
If the events of the past 10 days have shown us anything it’s that the pfaffing about in Australian political discourse, the thin-skinned acquiescence to what is popular over what is required, must go. It must stop.
We must have the courage to refocus on matters of substance. Now is the time.
Diversity not on agenda in leftist echo chambers
The fact is there is more genuine political debate on Sky News in Australia and Fox News in the US than there is on the ABC or at the various taxpayer-funded literary festivals in Australia.
Seething disdain for Israel goes right to the top at unis
Universities are not helplessly beset by mutant radical groups espousing anti-Semitism. They themselves subscribe to that anti-Semitism, albeit without the loudspeakers.