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Australia's New Politics - Howard EmanuelThe recent decision by the Labor Party to support legislation that will increase the cost of medicines available under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) by 30%, is both a sad day for Australia’s less well-off...... Read More Here..... By Howard Emanuel - 3rd October 2004 - Back to News The recent decision by the Labor Party to support legislation that will increase the cost of medicines available under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) by 30%, is both a sad day for Australia’s less well-off and the beginning of a new political reality in this country.
For over one hundred years the ALP has at least notionally represented the needs and aspirations of Australia’s working classes, the disadvantaged and those that struggle against the impacts of our free market system. Through its presence, both in government and in opposition in the parliaments of this country the Labor Party has managed to buttress the less well off, and deliver them at least a modicum of decency and hope in their lives.
Now all that is changing. The ALP has clearly decided its future lies with "Middle Australia" and has embraced its newfound charter with exuberance and vigour. Supporting tax cuts for those already comfortably off, with no relief for low income earners, watching its Victorian state branch introduce vehicle registration fees for concession card holders and giving tax payer funds to those aspiring to purchase a first home up to the value of $500,000.00, clearly indicates the ALP is in search of fertile political ground for the future.
Those who have supported and cemented the position of the Labor Party in this country as a political force to be reckoned with are feeling more confused and despairing rather than angry. How could the beneficiary of such multitudes of voter largess over the years suddenly turn its back on its benefactor and plunge that patron into despondency and dejection. Leaving it naked to the forces of conservatism underpinned by a naive belief that the market place will distribute the spoils of life to all.
The emerging political reality facing Australia I see will consist of an increasing presence in the parliaments of this country of other parties and independents, those in touch with the realities faced by the community, those living in and embraced by their communities, not ensconced in their citadels of privilege and inertia.
Those who struggle in this country mainly do so because of the contour and dynamic of this society, not necessarily because of any inherent weakness. To suggest weakness and a lack of capacity is prevalent is to judge wrongly and to be guilty of a myopic and narrow view. The vulnerable will need representation that is above anything else not only conversant with their plight but is also committed to ensure the community hears it as it is and is not offered some laundered view of contemporary society, that continues to offer us as equal and egalitarian.
Such a view of course breeds complacency and ignorance and offers no hope for a growing number in this country to progress to a point where they indeed enjoy real liberties and have a capacity to influence national progress. Currently with the ALP turning its back, these people are now contemplating their way forward and in one sense I can only say, a more diverse approach to our national politic will in the end benefit us all, not just those in need of a new voice.
Thank you.
Howard Emanuel - Bringing the People back into Policy!
www.HowardEmanuel.com
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: kris@howardemanuel.com
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Bass Coast Shire Council’s Christmas Giving Trees are collecting gifts, gift cards, and food to support local families, with donations accepted at Customer Service Centres until early December. - Baw Baw Shire Council awarded $140,000 in community grants to support sustainable, healthy, and thriving community projects
Council has awarded over $140,000 in Community Grants to 36 groups, supporting events, projects, and minor capital works that strengthen community sustainability, health, and wellbeing through not-for-profit initiatives. - Peri Urban Councils urge state government to invest in infrastructure and support housing growth across regions
Peri Urban Councils Victoria is urging government investment in infrastructure after a new report recommended 40% of new homes be built in regional Australia, highlighting housing demand, high costs, and infrastructure pressures. - Danny O'Brien urges Gippslanders to honour veterans and support the annual poppy appeal this Remembrance Day
Danny O'Brien is urging Gippslanders to honour veterans this Remembrance Day and support the annual Poppy Appeal, helping fund vital services for veterans and their families across the region. - Gippsland Water begins Warragul wastewater plant upgrade to support growth, improve efficiency, and reduce environmental impact
Gippsland Water has begun a two-year Warragul wastewater plant upgrade, replacing ageing infrastructure, improving operations, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing environmental outcomes to support rapid regional growth. - Gippslanders stand united, condemning violence and supporting victims of the tragic Bondi Beach attack
The Bondi Beach tragedy deeply saddens us. Gippslanders stand united, honoring victims, thanking brave responders, condemning violence, and calling for kindness, tolerance, and community support in the face of adversity. - East Gippsland Council opens impact grants applications to support local community and environmental projects
East Gippsland Council’s Impact Grants program offers $3,001 - $20,000 to community groups for projects strengthening communities or supporting environmental sustainability, with applications closing 31 October 2025. - Darren Chester congratulates Hillywood Tree Nursery on expanding Gippsland-grown business with new online store
Hillywood Tree Nursery in Briagolong has launched an online store, expanding access to Gippsland-grown plants. Darren Chester praised owner Ed Mosley for fostering innovation, sustainability, and local job growth in horticulture. - Season’s greetings to East Gippsland residents with wishes for a joyful Christmas and prosperous New Year
Wishing East Gippsland residents a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, with gratitude to service workers, reminders for festive safety, and hopes for connection, kindness, and a prosperous 2026. - South Gippsland immunisation sessions extended with extra times to support community after Leongatha Healthcare Centre closure
Following Leongatha Healthcare Centre closure, immunisation sessions have been extended, offering full-range vaccines for children, adults, pregnant women, and at-risk groups, with extra times available for community bookings. - Melina Bath urges communities to honour veterans' families and support Legacy Week fundraising efforts
Melina Bath urges communities to support Legacy Week, honouring veterans' families. Funds raised provide financial, educational and emotional support, continuing Sir Stanley Savige's century-old vision of care, compassion and mateship. - Darren Chester urges Dicky Bill workers, families to attend Maffra Support and Services Expo on 10 December 2025
Federal Member Darren Chester urges Dicky Bill workers, families to attend Maffra Support & Services Expo December 10 for employment, training, financial, and wellbeing assistance from 20 local exhibitors. - Wellington Shire Council responds to AKD Yarram closure, pledges support for 73 affected workers and community
Wellington Shire Council expressed heartbreak over AKD Yarram’s closure, impacting 73 employees, pledging support, advocating state assistance, and encouraging redeployment and economic opportunities to sustain the community.
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