Last week NSW found itself with its fourth Labor Premier in four years – chosen by those Nathan Rees described as the ‘malignant and treacherous’ forces with the Labor Party, Eddie Obeid and Joe Tripodi – with the public again denied any say.
In his last press conference as Premier, Nathan Rees, proclaimed:
\”Should I not be Premier by the end of this day, let there be no doubt in the community’s mind, no doubt, that any challenger will be a puppet of Eddie Obeid and Joe Tripodi.\” (http://www.youtube.com/wat
The State’s latest leadership change – and the methods used by Joe Tripodi and Eddie Obeid to deliver another ally into the Premiership – again highlights why Labor doesn’t deserve to govern: public interest was again ignored; the main motivation was self-interest and Labor’s election prospects.
Despite the different face at the top, nothing has changed – same factional warlords calling the shots, same Labor arrogance and incompetence, same problems facing families and business across NSW.
Where was the public’s opportunity to have a say in who would be the next State Premier? For the second time in 15 months – and just two and half years since the last election – you were denied any opportunity yo have a say.
Earlier this year I announced that a NSW Liberals & Nationals Government would examine the option of ‘recall’ elections for NSW.
Recall elections – which apply in 18 US States and in British Columbia, Canada – provide the community with a means of forcing an early election.
It increases accountability, offer a safeguard against political abuse by government and can help restore confidence back into the political system.
The idea of being forced to an election by the community would provide Government – even this NSW Labor Government – with the incentive to perform throughout the entire four-year term and not just in the months leading up to an election.
A recall election was the mechanisms that allowed Arnold Schwarzenegger to become Governor of California in 2003.
I believe a NSW recall provision is worth considering and debating.
In government, the NSW Liberal & Nationals intend to appoint an independent panel of constitutional experts to advise on the appropriateness and best model of introducing a recall election provision in NSW, including putting the matter to referendum at either the 2012 council or 2015 State election.
Let me know what you think about the proposal. Leave a comment below and sign the early election petition at http://www.startthechange.
