From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli

CONSIDER: 2.6-billion people — more than a third of the world’s population, live in nations and territories gripped by repression, corruption, and human rights abuses — the worst being Syria, Tibet, and Afghanistan.

Democracy is fragile! It depends on many things, but it becomes utterly impossible if elections fail. That is sobering contemplation!

The Ballarat Council elections are looming — Saturday October 26. Voting is compulsory — as it ought be. Too often, we forget how, in some corners of the world, people have given their lives defending the right to vote. You must not squander your privilege. There is nothing clever about voting for Humpty Dumpty, or simply lodging a donkey vote — and so branded for obvious reasons! It is possible to win an election by one vote — and your vote could be the difference.

This year sees a change in the Ballarat Wards. They have increased from three to nine, with one representative for each. It is a return to a system which, in past applications, proved cumbersome and less effective. It could be argued, justifiably, the application may result in unnecessary competition between Wards and incumbents; destructive division; and a less concentrated consensus in realising satisfactory council outcomes.

For voters, it is imperative to ascertain in which Ward they are located. Axiomatically, you should investigate those who are wanting your vote. Do not gift it — let it be earned. The majority of the current Ballarat councillors are seeking to return; however, in that number there are those who should be encouraged to move-on, and those who deserve to continue to serve as your representative. Also, you should check for party-political alliances; those candidates who are financially supported by a specific ideology which may run contrary to your state and federal voting preference.

Local council is, and should be, a group of like-minded independents seeking to best serve the city, and its rate payers. It should not be used as a stepping-stone to a political career in the grand arena of state and national affairs; nor should it be used to support the government of the day.

It is recommend you visit the vec.vic.gov.au website and peruse the list of Ballarat City Council election candidates, and read their statements. Excepting for one, candidates’ telephone numbers are available.

The candidates’ questionnaires are interesting and revealing. Too many aspirants, in a calculation to ingratiate voters, espouse unachievable, platitudinous banter. There is a compromise to be found between yearning, and accomplishing. One candidate has not bothered to read the essential information. The insolence should amount to immediate disqualification.

While aspiration is to be celebrated, the application thereof is more challenging; problems are nuanced and require considered methodology. While the environment remains one of the planet’s most serious and confronting wicked problems, Greens candidates are over-represented in the forthcoming ballot. Councillors number too few to be politicised by the Green ideology. Council is not a mini-parliament with one-party prevailing. However tragic, international conflicts are not the debating remit of Ballarat’s councillors. Insidious, party-political, council election interference is too widespread. The realising of Ballarat’s projects must not be dictated by ideologists outside of its environs. For project outcome-success, it is imperative there be a balance — a true representation of the people’s voice.

This election is vital for Ballarat. There will be outcome anomalies in implementing the new system. Think carefully. Make your vote count!

Roland joins Brett Macdonald 3BA each Monday 10.45AM. Contact: [email protected]