Ian Cohen, Broken Head
Locally we are in a strong position to Transform NSW politics with Tamara Smith’s re-election in Ballina and Sue Higginson’s election in Lismore thus establishing a ‘Green Heartland’ in erstwhile National Party strongholds.
Despite The Echo prediction of the loss of Green local member in the Upper House after 24 years of representation I’m still hopeful that Dawn Walker could scrape in bolstered by a direct No 1 vote in our region for her below the line and a search for 14 other strong environmental and progressive candidates (minimum of 15 votes must be cast below the line). All I can say is it is ‘not impossible’. How many times in recent history has that been a Green position.
As an MP for 16 years I believe that with a ‘green hand’ on the shoulder of government we did more than any back bencher in the major parties to focus on environment and social justice issues.
I have to ask the candidates for the major parties if successful. Will you cross the floor?
1. To oppose new coal mines
2. To oppose new CSG projects
3. To stop current unsustainable logging practices particularly in koala habitat
Remember it was one or both major parties in power pushing the above horrendous projects.
Simply defy your parties and reflect the will of the electorate, the earth and future generations. I doubt it but I welcome being proven wrong.
Oh, regarding the National Parties blatant pork barreling, consumption requires election of Ben locally and Coalition statewide. Hardly a piggy feast in the offing.
