VICTORIAN ELECTION & ERRORS OF JUDGEMENT
Abalinx 24 November 2022
Elections are not won on promises alone but by those who can convince the public that they are better qualified than their opponents. If all things being equal, political parties that can demonstrate they possess the means to ensure economic security, services, and manage States resources, society will reward them with governance. VICTORIAN ELECTION & ERRORS OF JUDGEMENT
Pork barrelling. With two days to go, campaign promises have risen to billions which in my view have not all been costed. Given that Victoria is in debt and will be for the foreseeable future, voters will be asking themselves why vote Labor. On the other hand, there is the argument that Labor has indeed created jobs, there is food on the table and families are being looked after and allegedly provided a stable government according to the left-wing pundits. All of this on borrowed money.
Errors of judgement. Liberals point of view is just as strong but from an untested opposition platform. To be fair and give the Liberals their due, they have been consistent in highlighting the errors of judgement made by the Labor government. Such as the closing of State borders, poor Police optics, medical and hospital disaster, second highest closure of schools, second highest closure of society being kept at home, poor medical policies, botched quarantine services, alleged corruptive practices and aiding and/or abetting minority groups against the wider community.
To govern in their own right, what is at stake? Take for example the Opposition who require 18 seats to secure a majority, my question is whether the backlash against Labor is that great to give them the majority. I am not convinced that this is the case, for Labor can afford to absorb a ten-seat loss and still retain government in its own right.
On the other side of the coin, I must say that the opposition under Matthew Guy have identified very good political candidates who have diligently worked their electorates for the past twelve months. With only two days to go, it is quite possible that Matthew Guy may come close to winning sufficient seats to ensure his political survival no matter the outcome. He has been consistent, courageous and upfront when facing the public.
This is a new Matthew Guy who demonstrates confidence, with a positive outlook on the future. Daniel Andrews on the other hand is a very clever campaigner and not afraid to address issues under his watch. He too demonstrates confidence, but in his case will that confidence become his nemesis and undoing?
When all is said and done, I fear that people will have forgotten Labor’s errors of judgement, and consider what is in their best interests such their hip pocket, putting food on the table, raising their children, jobs, getting on with life, and seeking stability at all costs. Labor will however pay a huge price for their errors of judgement, but whether those errors are enough is up to Victorians to decide.
Peter Adamis is a Writer/Journalist and Social Media Commentator. He is a retired Australian military serviceman and an Industry organisational, Environmental & Occupational (OHS) & Training Consultant whose interests are within the parameters of domestic and international political spectrum. He is an avid blogger and contributes to domestic and international community news media outlets as well as to local and Ethnic News. He holds a Bachelor of Adult Learning & Development (Monash), Grad Dip Occupational Health & Safety, (Monash), and Dip. Training & Assessment, Dip Public Administration, and Dip Frontline Management. Website: abalinx.com