DEAR News Of The Area,
OUR valued democracy has become a ‘corporatocracy’ under the flawed stewardship of the major parties.
However, with the election on 3 May, we, the people, have a chance to take back control.
The links between the Nationals and the mining industry are clear, with favour-buying donations flowing to the party, billions of dollars’ worth of taxpayer-funded handouts flowing back to the industry and the revolving door of mining executive positions for parliamentarians.
The major parties have sold out to corporations. Donations to major parties influence government approvals of destructive, extractive and exploitative industry projects.
Recently, Labor and the Coalition connived to rush through parliament a bill that trashes our environment laws, in order to protect the profits of a foreign salmon farming corporation.
This corporation pays no tax, but can now continue to pollute a precious World Heritage harbour and drive a unique Australian species, the Maugean Skate, to extinction.
Community members and entities who donate to smaller parties and independents are often motivated by ideals and the desire to do what’s best for our nation.
While many Australians struggle with the cost of living crisis, one in three big corporations pays no tax.
The Greens do not accept political donations from corporations and key policies are genuine donation reform and a fair taxation system.
Greens leader, Adam Bandt, draws this comparison: you pay excise on the beer you drink while gas companies are given our nation’s gas for free to profiteer as they wish.
Our taxes subsidise corporations to pillage our unique native forests.
The big supermarkets price gouge at our expense.
Let’s end the Nationals, Liberal and Labor’s system of corporate welfare.
That money should go to services: to initiatives such as the Greens’ plan to get dental into Medicare, to affordable housing, to protect nature, to free GP visits, to end student debt.
This election, vote for those who care for community and country, not for corporation puppets.
On 3 May, let us have a revolution for ethical government, for a fair society, for climate action and a clean environment.
Let’s take back our democracy for the people and the planet.
Regards,
Mary FORBES,
Eungai Creek.
