Leaving aside this week's upheavals that have been headlined with language that would even make the shearers cook wince, the biggest game in town is the Eden-Monaro by-election.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This is an electorate that was first to gain attention in past general election counts and earned the title of a "bellwether seat", as the result usually determined who would form a government.
That mantle has slipped in recent years, with Labor winning the seat but not the government benches.
This time, the sitting member Mike Kelly has departed early in floods of tears, wondering how he will spend the income from a lucrative new job. Lining up are some with - and the majority with absolutely no hope - are 12 candidates. There is the normal run of the deluded that just make preferential voting a mathematical obstacle course, particularly if you do not want to follow the cards thrust into your hands.
The savvy now arrive to vote with mobile devices that are gradually replacing sections of the human brain. They imperiously shrug away the panting advances of the paper-offering rabble.
In the main, so far candidates are following the script, however Nationals candidate Trevor Hicks broke ranks seeking recognition for a Royal Commission into the dairy industry. Yes, nothing less than a Royal Commission.
Prodded by the NSW-based Dairy Connect, Mr Hicks was low on detail however the words "Royal Commission" escaped his lips. There certainly is a very viable dairy industry on the South Coast, and it is the home of the successful Bega Cheese that has about 100 suppliers. One can only suppose in calling for a Royal Commission, Mr Hicks is intimating that corruption lurks and, in turn, begs the question has he run his idea past local dairy farmers.
Fortunately for the rest of Australia, where the government is on a majority knife edge, Mr Hicks is more than highly unlikely to succeed in the election. And he has threatened to cross the floor on the issue should he win.
Prodded by the NSW based Dairy Connect, Mr Hicks was low on detail however the words royal Commission escaped his lips.
HIT THEM HARD
On the spot fines for farm invaders and protesters is the answer, according the Victorian government. And a miserly $1000 to boot.
What an absolute joke, as you can bet any offenders will have fines paid for from some sort of slush fund.
Fines will only work if they are a deterrent. As we have seen with enforcing road rules, it is not the fine but the loss of driver eligibly points that really hurts. Ten points and you lose your licence is the norm.
Also, most invaders are involved in other disrupting protests and the police sure know who they are. Five points lost for farm invasion, two points lost for blocking a road or hindering a workforce. A total of 10 or more points, four months detention in an open prison and a criminal record.
