Bob Katter has raised the ire of many on the ‘conservative’ side of politics by forming a new political party. It is reported that it is growing in leaps and bounds and the Queensland Party has joined forces with Katter’s Party to array itself against the politically entrenched forces in Queensland. We have to ask ourselves, “Why again, a new party?” In bygone years people were content to stick with the two or three main parties. We now have many parties vying for the public’s support. The reason for the proliferation of new parties is the public’s obvious discontent. The more the present incumbents lose touch with the electorate and the electorate perceives that the main contenders no longer represent the interest of the community, more parties will be formed. It is the perception that the LNP/ALP, and many independents, no longer faithfully represent their electorates but are there to serve self interested minority groups. It is not too late for the older parties to regain their support base but they will have to eat humble pie, admit their mistakes and take government away from being forever in the public’s face. Unless the established parties start to take notice of the real concerns of the public, new parties will spring up and sooner or later one will topple the status quo. When that happens the current politicians will have no-one to blame but themselves.
Jay Nauss Glen Aplin
