From the desk of ROLAND ROCCHICCIOLI

SHAKESPEARE wrote of the Roman senators in his play, Julius Caesar: “Let me have men about me that are fat, / Sleek-headed men, and such as sleep o’ nights. / Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look; / He thinks too much: such men are dangerous.”

Julius Caesar was written in 1599! If you have been following the buffoonery of the Liberals and Nationals in the last weeks — and if not, why not? — you might think it was written yesterday. Nothing has changed!

The demonising of politicians does nothing to serve the cause, or advance the narrative; however, there are occasions when the impotence of our capacity to eradicate the nonsense is too overwhelming.

The revolving door of “your dumped” and “let’s make-up” is too pathetic — too childish — to endure. It is terrifying to contemplate these people holding in their cruel hands the threads of our fate!

We have much cause to be wearied, and profoundly disillusioned, by the abysmal performance of some politicians. The electorate votes in good faith, trusting the elected representative will duly apply themselves and strive for the greater good. It could be argued — given the Liberal/National shenanigans of the last week or so — such blatant dereliction of duty — such woeful lack of performance — would in private enterprise lead to a metaphorical “boot-up-the-arse” and a serving of “marching-orders”.

Change of leadership notwithstanding, both Angus Taylor and Andrew Hastie deserve public opprobrium for their flagrant waste of public-time and patience. Their ignoble pursuit of personal advancement ill-serves the Liberal party. If more time were devoted to pursuing good governance, and less time were allocated to staying-in-power — and competing for the “top-job” — the Liberal party might find themselves less perilously positioned. They are staring into an abyss of annihilation. The next federal election well maybe their last. They are proving irrelevant. They must stop the babble!

The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese has tabled the government’s annual report on progress under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. When he began speaking in the house the public gallery was filled with Indigenous leaders and representatives. The Labor benches were full. About one dozen of the 42-Coalition MPs were present. Only half-of-them were seated to hear Susan Ley speak. Angus Taylor arrived just before she rose to address the assembly.

Absence from a such a significant political event whiffs of braggadocio; a lack of regard; and a blatant indifference to the role they have been gifted — by the electorate. Of the opposition’s conduct there is an observation to be made, and conclusion to be drawn. The Indigenous indifference rolls-on unabated.

Someone ought tell Liberal MP for Durack, Melissa Price, self-praise is no recommendation. She said of herself: I’m very experienced ­— I’ve been here since 2013. I think I’d be a good counterbalance to Angus — should be become the leader.” Lamentably, voters are not in a position to influence the outcome.

We gift politicians with our vote. It is forgotten we are the employee not the employer. They work for us — not we for them. There needs be a greater cognisance of our expectations; a reflection of majority will — not an espousal of personal ideology. There is an inappropriate propensity for individual religiosity. We are a strictly secular not a religious state. God belongs in church!

Roland talks with Brett Macdonald radio 3BA Monday 10.40am. Contact: [email protected]