However, just imagine if every electorate chose an independent as its representative.

The result would be endless debates, squabbling and uncertainty.

Indeed, Parliament would dissolve into a completely directionless, ineffective institution dominated by petty parochialism.

We need political parties because they give predictability and coherency to our political system and they compel their members of Parliament to rise above the narrow, sectional interests of their own electorate.

Membership of a political party enables a politician such as Sophie Mirabella to serve her local constituents and also to think beyond her own electorate, to work co-operatively with a range of people in a team environment and to consider the best interests of our country as a whole.

After all, something that’s good for the nation will be good for Indi.

An independent could provide a voice for Indi but it would just be a voice in the wilderness.

Sophie Mirabella will provide a voice for the good of Indi and Australia.

— PATRICIA McCORMACK,

Beechworth