Time For Labor Renewal

Illawarra Mercury

Thursday May 15, 2008

I was most interested in Reg Wilding's suggestion for a "people's bank" to provide competition for the existing banks and financial institutions, curbing obscene profits and executive greed.

I proposed a motion at a recent Labor Party meeting calling on the Federal Government to establish a people's post office bank, similar to the very successful operation in Britain, using the facilities of Australia Post to minimise establishment and operating costs.

The motion was carried but, given the existing attitude of the Labor Party hierarchy, I would not hold my breath waiting for any action or even a reply to the suggestion.

The banks are very big contributors to both the Labor and Liberal Party slush funds - and that seems to be the dominating factor in political decision these days.

The fanatical Michael Costa did his cause for electricity privatisation no good by his disgraceful outburst at (the ALP) state conference.

I think the time is fast approaching when a new Labor Party is formed, with the backing of the trade unions and members sympathetic to what Labor Party members agree to when they sign their annual renewal of membership - "to actively support the democratic socialisation of industry, production and exchange".

What a hypocritical joke this pledge has become.

Little wonder people have left active participation in Labor Party meetings - for instance Kiama branch where 30, 40, 50 (members) once fiercely debated issues at the monthly meetings. Nowadays attendance is six, at most 10, with little or no interest in the business brought up (mostly ministerial press releases).

Kevin Whalan, life member Australian Labor Party, Kiama.

Call for fresh elections

Encouraging words have been heard from (NSW) Local Government Minister Paul Lynch, stating that Wollongong City Council elections may occur before the administrators' term expires.

The Hon Robert Brown has a bill going through State Parliament advocating fresh elections for the (sacked for incompetence) Port Macquarie - Hastings Council in September 2008.

Is corruption a greater sin than incompetence? No, both are a misuse of ratepayer funds and abuse of trust.

We call on our state MPs to push for fresh local government elections for Wollongong in September 2008.

Ray Robinson, Corrimal.

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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