Blog Archives
WHAT COULD A HUNG COUNCIL DO?
How unstable could local politics become when an elected council becomes hung?
If party politicians join independents on the cross-bench, would developments wanted by the public be more or less likely to be approved?
‘Presumed Dead’ is a novel by Martin Knox set in a fictional council chamber within the Westminster system. Corruption at the big end of town is suspected when Jane Kenwood, a feisty councillor, disappears.
RESTORING REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY
This novel story shows how political processes in Alexandra City, Southland, shape the urban environment and city living. They are not a pretty picture. Candidacy, campaigning, elections, debates, rhetoric, voting, partisan manoeuvring and development approvals are seldom transparent and not always fair. Corruption is suspected and Dr Phillip Keane, a forensic scientist conducts a meticulous reconstruction. Read how an independent woman politician is able to restore true democracy.
CAN WE HAVE POLITICIANS WITHOUT PARTIES?
Is it possible for politicians of all ilks to discuss ideas together, joining in solving problems and sharing in government? Or is politics better organised like football, with the players assigned to opposing sides? Neither the Australian Constitution nor the Local Government Act require political parties to exist — not any.
Our Westminster System of government emerged from Hegelian dialectical materialism, as discourse between politicians having opposing viewpoints, to arrive agreeably at new policies by compromise and synthesis.
Edmund Burke 1729-1797 was a statesman and philosopher who changed the concept of ‘politicians’ from grass roots community representatives to a professional elite.
‘Your representative owes you, not his industry only, but his judgment; and he betrays, instead of serving you, if he sacrifices it to your opinion.’
He was influential in the creation of strong, stable political parties.
‘When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall, one by one, an unpitied sacrifice in a contemptible struggle. ‘ A political party could oppose the monarch or other political factions.
Burke changed politicians from being representatives of the people into self-serving professionals who combine together as many do today.
Modern political parties have emerged with functional integrity, but low adherence to public improvements.
Political party activities in a fictional city council are in focus in a crime fiction novel ‘Presumed Dead’ by Martin Knox. A feisty independent woman councillor opposes a government’s plan for a casino. It has repercussions that could transform city hall politics. This exciting book addresses issues of political philosophy and critically evaluates public policy processes in a practical local government setting.
Buy the book from Amazon or Zeus Publications at the bookstore:
See a Youtube video book trailer at this link:
Is road widening loosening our belt to cure obesity?
This is the route proposed for a Brisbane Underground Railway Circle Line.
Please consider some alternatives that would reduce dependence on roads.
Martin Knox
