Future of Monash

There is a fair chance that, by the end of the month, Scott Morrison will have been dumped as leader of the LNP, Liberal National Party. I wonder how Russell Broadbent will vote at that next party meeting? Russell’s parliamentary voting record since 2006 is available online at Open Australia.org.au. Russell’s voting record is very interesting for a veteran politician.

Russell Broadbent has consistently voted: against increasing investment in renewable energy; against treating climate change as a matter of urgency; against creating an anti-corruption commission; and consistently against a carbon price on energy.

Under Russell’s governance you can be guaranteed of action to increase gas mining in Gippsland, including unconventional gas mining like fracking. Russell has also consistently voted against: increasing marine conservation and protecting Australia’s fresh water supplies.

If you read Russell’s speeches on his website, you might come across his fantasy with education. On November 17, 2021, Russell presented a cheque for $1.75 million to a Catholic primary school in Warragul.

In his speech, he stated: “We are ensuring that every child gets a quality education.”

Unfortunately, that statement is far from the truth. The original Gonski Review into Education (2011) was aimed at achieving this goal but the LNP government has consistently skewed Commonwealth funding towards private religious schools and away from state schools since 2011, with predictable results for underprivileged students and disadvantaged students in the state education system.

The next federal election is our last ditch chance to change Australia’s governance and make it accountable and relevant for the 21st century. There are huge opportunities ahead to utilise renewable energy in manufacturing, increase job opportunities and reduce our dependence on expensive imports of oil, petrol and diesel. These commodities are increasing carbon emissions and our national debt, but renewable forms of transport like EV and hydrogen fuel cells are clean, green and made in Australia. Put the LNP last at the next election.

Edward Minty, North Wonthaggi.