Helen Haines, Independent MP for Indi (Vic) writes in The Saturday Paper:

Since the last election, Australia has witnessed the biggest political on-again, off-again break-up of the 21st century. The slow, messy unravelling – and partial restitching – of the Coalition has dominated headlines, engaged television panels and consumed the press gallery’s attention.

For anyone interested in solving the real challenges facing the country, this C-grade melodrama is, frankly, boring.

Voting independent is not a protest vote. It is a genuine one. It sends a message to the political establishment that we expect better. More than that, it sends a representative to Canberra who can work in the best interests of their community and the nation, unimpeded by political party rivalries and endless infighting.

Regional Australia keeps this country running. We put food on the table, clothes on people’s backs and energy in homes and businesses. We are at the forefront of global innovation in agriculture and manufacturing. Our landscapes are changing as we are called upon to host the energy infrastructure transitioning the energy network; while at the same time facing the devastating loss of lives and livelihoods from floods, fires and droughts.

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