While I totally understand that many voters are tired of the two- (or three- with Greens) party system in Australia it has served its democratic role fairly well, although laws concerning donations, especially ‘hidden’ donations, do urgently need to be changed.
The concept of more Teals/independents in Parliament sounds like a great idea but it does have serious pitfalls, especially for this coming federal election. Notably, the votes that go to an independent may well be taken from the ALP, (far fewer Coalition voters seem to change their voting patterns).
This means that independents of all persuasions, plus the Greens, even with preferences, could hand over the government to the Coalition. Considering the Teals are to be substantially funded by an environmental lobby group the irony is dazzling. The Coalition promises to spend billions of dollars on nuclear, which by all scientific analysis is the worst possible choice for Australia and who knows what cuts will be made to solar incentives. Plus, coal extraction will last a good deal longer than under the ALP.
If there is a Coalition majority in both houses then nothing will stop them passing whatever they want. So check deeply into the policies behind all candidates, including what has been done by their ‘party’ as opposed to what was a campaign promise. Plus ask where the money is going to come from. Just check, think very carefully about the outcomes and then decide who will provide the better government for the majority of Australians. We are lucky in being able to vote privately for whoever we want. Make the most of that, because if the ‘Trumpites’ increase their power around the world this most basic democratic freedom may well be taken away.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
