From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli

The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, used a Labor caucus gathering to remind colleagues they sit in the House of Representatives, and the Senate, by the will of the people, and the endorsement of the party. He postulated: were it not for his ‘Labor’ association, his position would not be as it is.

A conscience vote, however heartfelt, is not the prerogative of a party-selected, ratified, and duly elected, politician. However Panglossian, constituents expect their representatives to embrace the party’s espoused manifesto; to place political loyalty over principles; and to work for the greater advancement of their political organisation. Independents excepted, elections are not individual, popularity polls. They are a serious vote for policy and party. Too often, the candidate proves an incumbrance!

Democracy is neither the ultimate, nor necessarily, the best form of government, but it is far superior to the alternative. The Australian and Canadian versions of the Westminster system are, arguably, the world’s most workable. While neither is without vagaries, Australia has taken the best of the revered system, rid it of glaring imperfections, and made it an effective beacon of democratic government. Under the Crown, we are gifted a cornucopia of secular freedoms which now, more than ever, we must safeguard, sedulously. Not all are pure of heart.

For a politician to philosophically abandon their party — for whatever reason, and to wittingly cross the floor and sit permanently on the cross benches in defiance, violates the constituents’ will; rends asunder the established tenets of election, however imperfect the voting system.

If a politician, having been expelled from the party, or having elected to sever their party-political agreement, truly believes they retain the unreserved support of the majority of their constituents, then let it be tested at the ballot box. Anecdotal evidence notwithstanding, it is politically dishonourable for any renegade politician to declare their independence and believe they are entitled to retain the seat, regardless of their voting promises. There should be an immediate by-election to resolve the dilemma. It is not unrealistic for any recognised party to assume a loyal partisan will occupy a hard-won seat. It is the people’s choice, not the incumbent’s, however misguided.

The demonising of politicians is counter-productive; however, in this age of rapacious, social media, politicians have become celebrities. Politicians come, and they go! Some shine brighter others. All are expendable. It is sometimes forgotten they are the physical manifestation of party ideologies they were elected to propagate. Personal opinions, and abiding faith, have been allowed to pollute political ethos, and to ride roughshod over long-established protocols. Too often, news coverage has allowed them to become the story.

At the 2022 West Australian Senate election, Senator Fatima Payman won 1681 of the 1,526,123 available votes. The unequivocal beneficiary of Labor’s unexpected voter support in the state, she proved victorious from an unwinnable, third ballot paper position. Now, having broken party solidarity, the senator has cause for serious contemplation. While Payman argues she is following the dictates of her conscience, it could be posited her indulgent recalcitrance has tampered with the balance of our parliament, and demonstrated a blatant disregard for the will of the people.

Roland joins Brett Macdonald radio 3BA 10.45 Monday morning. Contact [email protected]