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Saturday, April 30, 2005
24/9/04 female, 42, born in England but living in Australia
This day, in many ways, was quite different to most. Today I began my campaign to get elected to the House of Representatives in the Australian Parliament.
Last time - back in 2001 - I visited the town centres of the area I had chosen to represent, which is called Throsby after the first settler in the Wollongong area. It contains a population of about 75,000 today – I met about 25.
I’m not standing as an Independent. I’m a member of the Australian Democrats. This party was formed in 1975 and has succeeded in taking seats from the two major parties in the Senate. We are yet to crack it for a seat in the House of Reps. I’m not likely to succeed this time, either, but am undeterred.
I like being “out on the hustings”. It’s the best thing of all. I get to be “on stage” playing my part as “Madeleine Roberts, politician”. I can go into people’s businesses and introduce myself, tell them about the Democrats, and what they stand for. Most people are vague about the party and I like the opportunity to let them know what we’re about. The media, here, have always ignored the Democrats and only given them a few seconds air-time (almost always when something has gone horribly wrong). I laugh cynically when I hear claims by the electronic media that they present unbiased information and give everyone a voice in this so-called democracy. Ha!
Still, the local newspaper sent out a reporter to interview me while I was meeting and greeting. I first met Paul in 2001 and he wrote an even-handed article. I feel quite certain the piece he wrote today will be just as good. He asked me questions he knew I could answer, rather than trying to trip me up. I know he doesn’t believe I stand a chance, and was probably homouring me, but I don’t mind. At least I am giving it a go.
Posted by February 29th
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