I am frustrated at the state of the politics in Australia. I am here to offer a solution. This simple solution could change politics forever!
It is frustrating that so many people are apathetic about politics. I am frustrated that all it takes is a slogan or a fear repeated back to them to win the people over.
We have just seen the rise of extreme right wing Nationalist parties in Australia. We have seen the highest amount of disengaged voters and third party voters. How did it come to this?
It has come to this because shouting people’s concerns back to them is now seen as a solution, rather than having real solutions.
We have got to this point, because politicians are rarely held to account for the decisions they make.
We are also at this point because politicians are talking ‘over people’ and they are not listening to them.
Isolated and Ignored
It has been noted by many journalists and commentators that there is a growing number of people within Australia who feel isolated and ignored. They feel the Government is not doing enough to help them. They feel the opposition is not standing up for them against the Government and they feel this very strongly.
There is an air of distrust that politicians say they will help, but then the actions the politicians take, don’t help – they cause harm.
The problem is that politicians routinely say one thing and then do another. A clear example today is the Prime Minister’s cutting of domestic violence services, but responds with words and platitudes that help no one. Domestic Violence victims need real money to build real services and supports. Not empty words.
The Solution to Change Politics – The Placard Test
I have a suggestion for all politicians. The media often talks about the ‘pub test.’ I would like to suggest as a solution – The Placard Test.
People who are passionate about ideas, achieving justice and taking real action get out into the streets, stand together and wave placards and chant their support for an action that needs to be made, or their distaste for an action that has been made by politicians.
Politicians should be prepared to stand out in the street and wave their placards to show that their decisions are the best decisions. This would be known as “The Placard Test.”
The media would also love this. Standing somewhere waving a placard always gets attention and turns people’s heads.
On the other hand, it reaffirms that those votes were definitely not wasted on that politician. It would save a lot of effort, time and money campaigning prior to elections.
The Solo Placard Test
Politicians could do this via the solo “look at moi” approach:
This could save a lot of confusion for voters. For example Pauline Hanson above campaigning on the fact that she stands up for the ‘average Australian’ would be debunked, if she had to stand holding a sign about the real action she is taking and what this means for ‘the average Australian.’
Or
This would also make voters less confused. The Liberals are an old hand at making harmful decisions, but telling Australians how good these harmful decisions are. If they had to hold a sign up about that decision, it would be much more clear to the average voter.
The Solidarity Placard Test
The solidarity approach would be quite exciting, with the entire party and all politicians who supported the Government involved. All standing there side by side in solidarity waving their placards.
If the decisions of the Government and politicians who support the Government think these are great decisions then get out there and convince us with the Placard Test.
Here is a picture of what a “Liberal and National Coalition and their mates in the senate” rally would look like:
Liberal and Coalition, Pauline Hanson’s One Nation, Bob Day, Leyonhelm and anyone else who is the Turnbull Government camp – see how great this is? (By the way, these are pro LNP, anti-Gillard, Anti-carbon tax protesters, just to make the Photoshop more authentic)
To really stand together and own what you truly believe in is a fantastic feeling!
This is real innovation in leadership Mr. Turnbull. Round up the troops now!
For the Opposition
For the opposition. I know Labor is not new to protest. However, with so many angry and disengaged people, you need to just say it like it is. Instead of listing a number of things you believe in (which is nice), tell people what you will do. These people are hurting and they are angry. They need to know what you will do to stop the hurt in simple terms. For example:
We need a bit more of SHOUTY Bill standing up for what is right. Get out there with your megaphone Mr. Shorten and tell the country what a cad Turnbull is for cutting welfare from the most disadvantaged in our society. Shout the Prime Minister down. Shout out to the public that you will stand by us all – for a fair go.
People say Labor and Liberal are the same. So they take the third party option. Show the country the difference between Shorten and Turnbull. Tell those supporting far right parties like One Nation and the QLD LNP that you will fight for the people a hell of a lot harder than they ever will!
Make it a reality and let us see the emotions behind the belief. The emotions behind the fight. The fight for jobs and the fight for fairness is in Labor’s blood. Wear it on your sleeve! The contrast is very stark indeed!
Shout About Genuine Solutions
The far right parties are gaining support because they just shout the fears of the people back to them. They have no real solutions. They don’t need real solutions. Change Politics by communicating in very simple terms the solutions of the opposition and explain how this will address their fears.
Adopt this solution to Change Politics!
I hope politicians think this is a great idea. If they are so passionate about what they believe in and the decisions they make, the Placard Test would surely win over the public. It is a great way to get the media to take photos of them (which they love). The public would know exactly how committed they are and exactly what they believe in.
The Placard Test would be much better feedback than the focus groups politicians rely on now.
It would also make all politicians accountable (and maybe think twice) for the decisions they make on behalf of the people or when they support bad decisions by the Government of the day.
This is a great way to communicate the stance the opposition has made, even when the Liberals and their mates, Hanson, Day etc., outnumber the opposition parties.
I hope the Placard Test will be a winner. If done right, the Placard Test will be the political change we need.
Also published on Polyfeministix and Medium
[textblock style=”7″]
Like what we do at The AIMN?
You’ll like it even more knowing that your donation will help us to keep up the good fight.
Chuck in a few bucks and see just how far it goes!
Your contribution to help with the running costs of this site will be gratefully accepted.
You can donate through PayPal or credit card via the button below, or donate via bank transfer: BSB: 062500; A/c no: 10495969
[/textblock]
