I was astonished to read in last week’s Weekly Times quotes from the federal Liberal member for Corangamite, Stewart McArthur, stating that he had not picked up resentment amongst voters in his electorate on interest rates or workplace reforms. In relating what the current issues are in the electorate Mr McArthur simply said, ‘If we got an inch of rain it would change everything’.
On the other hand, the Labor candidate, Darren Cheeseman, was able to point to the diverse communities within Corangamite, acknowledging that the drought was continuing to be acutely felt in farming communities whilst also pointing to unfair workplace laws, climate change and housing affordability in other parts of Corangamite.
Could it be that after 231/2 years as a politician, Mr McArthur has not even recognised the demographic shift and is refusing to listen to the genuine and valid concerns of voters?
It was Mr McArthur’s 70th birthday last Saturday, and whilst I am not wanting to dissuade senior citizens from making serious contributions, it is time for fresh ideas and a generational shift in Corangamite. Whilst an inch of rain is indeed important and rain is good, it is not the only issue affecting the population of Corangamite. Action is required. Sitting around, waiting and hoping for rain is not good government policy and certainly will not take Corangamite and other parts of this country forward.