The lack of performance of the last two LNP federal governments – the corruption, in-fighting, broken promises, financial mismanagement, environmental damage, world-wide reputational damage, the NBN, electricity prices, renewable energy, water etc. has contributed greatly to our dissatisfaction with the current rabble. 

The NSW LNP government has been afflicted with a similar malaise. This negative view also exists locally, where a new, mostly re-elected Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, (which should indicate their performance has been appreciated) has had a change of direction with an inexperienced new mayor elected to, supposedly, “fix up” council and change direction/practices of what has been (in my opinion) a very effective and successful council. How did this happen?

What has been proven over the last few elections in all three levels of government is that a negative campaign, backed with several truckloads of advertising funds will win the day. 

This was evident in our recent mayoral election. I believe our new mayor ran a mostly negative campaign that outspent the opposition by a factor of whatever you care to name. It seems Ms Pinson tapped into the current distrust and dislike of all politicians and the lack of knowledge of council’s performance, with the result being we now have a new mayor with an apparent mandate to fix what isn’t broken.

Council does have a problem with communicating its success and achievements with the voters. 

Most are ignorant of what is happening and take little notice until the next election rolls around. 

The younger voters neither read newspapers, nor pay attention to anything that comes in the mail. 

Council’s attempts to communicate via web-based and social media has had minimal penetration. 

Paid newspaper circulations have fallen dramatically, fewer people are reading the “free” paper and broadcast media audiences are disjointed and hard to find. The answer? Beats me.

What I greatly fear is that at the next Federal and State elections it will all happen again in the same fashion and I won’t be surprised to see the same idiots (elected by the same idiots) in power again - sad, isn’t it? 

They say you get the politicians you deserve, surely we deserve better than this?

A few years back we had the sense to elect a couple of blokes who had Australia’s best interests at heart - they achieved some great things - and Tony and his LNP cohorts are tearing it all to pieces. 

C’mon Australia, vote Independent - you deserve it.

Shane Stelzer, Port Macquarie