Independents have no government departments or massive political units behind them, and the parliamentary library simply is not able to provide the instant media and political advice needed, given to every electorate, 24 hours a day.
A staff cut would also reduce legislative scrutiny and lead to poor policy. This would be a step backwards for democracy. Especially when the prime minister said he wanted to make the government better and collaborate.
It was independent MP Helen Haines in the last parliament who successfully moved amendments to legislation that improved outcomes for her regional community and others with the help of her advisers. Haines and his team have also been at the forefront of the Federal Integrity Commission debate.
In consultation with her advisers, Zali MP Steggall tabled amendments to protect the identities of victims of sexual harassment and harassment in the Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces (the Jenkins Review).
It was also Steggall and his team of advisers who proposed a private member bill, which had the support of the Australian Business Council, to enshrine in law the goal of zero net emissions. ‘Australia for 2050. This bill put unprecedented pressure on the two major parties to come to the table on zero net. As a result, Labor will present its own climate change bill to parliament next month.
The machine also works in other ways. Party politicians receive notes of speeches and media. In the last parliament, these notes came directly from the prime minister’s office.
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It is not valid to argue that election office staff can replace advisers. Election office staff handle hundreds of emails and community inquiries every day, with complex jobs ranging from NDIS claims to care for the elderly and immigration. They are currently helping people desperately trying to get passports in time to travel. By loading the office staff of the electorate with political work, it is the community that will suffer.
The staff cut in a MP’s office is also in direct contradiction to the spirit of Jenkins ’review. Jenkins found that overwork and exhaustion caused by staff shortages were directly related to poor work culture. The staff cut undermines the spirit of the review and would consolidate a negative parliamentary culture.
For me, the struggle for a fair distribution of staff is to represent the people of Mackellar as much as I can. They trusted me because I would bring a new kind of politics to parliament, of hope and collaboration, seeking the best for my community and beyond.
I am committed to being a constructive force in parliament, working with the government of the day on issues of national interest to help improve the lives of all Australians. This Prime Minister’s measure undermines my ability to do so.