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2002 (c) Peninsula Community Access Newspaper Inc

 

Disgraceful unethical electioneering

 

It is obvious now that the Howard Government has been re-elected by telling untruths, fabricating myths and deliberately withholding vital information in relation to the Tampa crisis.

The question now is how can an entire Government be recalled by the Australian voters?

What was portrayed as tough leadership by the Liberals now turns out to be an example of disgracefully unethical electioneering and lack of real leadership.

However, there is no provision in the Constitution for the recall of politicians, let alone the recall of an entire government on such grounds.

Furthermore, the nature of the rigid two-party system is such that only a major split in the Governing party, resulting in fresh elections, would provide that opportunity.

In practical terms, only the Budget session provides the opportunity for the Senate to force the Government to a Double Dissolution.

Will the Democrats be prepared to change their policy on blocking Supply in these exceptional circumstances?

Remember that the Budget is not just a financial statement.

It reflects the entire range of Government action.

The alternative is to live for three years with a Government that achieved power by deception.

Klaas Woldring, Pearl Beach