by Cheryl Lacey, DGSJ, via LinkedIn, ©2026
(Jan. 27, 2026) — What would Australian governance look like if every MP was an independent who spoke to their own objective values and principles and literally represented their electorate instead of a party machine?
We’ve got short memories in this country.
Last year, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Labor were taking bows at the UN for their “world-leading” under-16 social media ban. Big headlines. Big international support from some other leaders.
A smarmy politician using the death of a teenager from a country town to push an agenda of power control and political abuse – all wrapped up in ‘care and concern’ . A classic case of the wolf in sheep’s clothing.
But rewind a few years before that and you’ll find then Liberal PM Scott Morrison, Nationals Barnaby Joyce, and Attorney General Michaelia Cash driving that very agenda – and with digital ID for every Australian.
https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/news/2021/10/25/social-media-age-verification-plan
Different parties. Same goal. Shared outcome.
The Fundamental Lie
Some politicians are dodgy. A few are well-meaning. Some are just plain stupid. Yet none of them are willing to go down the rabbit holes to seek and speak the truth. Because the whole system – a system built for political parties, by political parties is too comfortable.
Think about how ridiculous this is. Political parties preach about Australian values, equality, freedom of speech, individual liberty, and representing the people. Then they turn around and enforce ruthless internal rules forcing their own members to vote the party line – or else.
Cross the floor on something you actually believe in. You’re done. Represent your electorate instead of party headquarters? Career over.
Another Back in Time Reminder
Remember that unbelievable period from 1997 to 2003 and the Liberal Party’s two poster boys?
Tony Abbott, who established ‘The Australians for Honest Politics Trust’. He brought Labor in as investors and launched legal action against a mother of two teenagers, that saw her jailed. The mother? Pauline Hanson!
https://classic.austlii.edu.au/au/journals/AltLawJl/2003/83.html
And John Howard, defended it all by stating “I don’t regard it as wrong of one of my colleagues to attack political rivals.”
Read the rest here.