The same issues recur every election — health, education, energy prices, transport — which means the present regime never gets it right.

By returning the same candidates we confirm our region is satisfied and the major parties can turn their attention to less dependable electorates.

Of course it is desirable to have wider highways and more trains in the city, but wouldn’t it be better for us to have more and better public transport here?

Certainly it is wonderful to have electricity on demand, expensive as it is, but wouldn’t it be more comforting to know it comes from a renewable source?

Naturally we want the best education for our children, but why support a two-tiered system which places our wonderful public schools in a combative position?

Yes, we need extra hospital beds and medical facilities, not the least because a degrading environment makes us sicker.

We know the states are constrained by federal funding because of the way tax is collected, but why affirm a system which allows a tax avoidance and evasion industry to flourish while introducing greater imposts on the rest of us.

A vote for an alternative at this election will warn the major parties they cannot expect to be elected time after time without making inroads on our concerns.

They have had ample time to address our issues and need new ideas from other representatives.

Vote for an alternative.

— SUE WILTON,

Howlong