After the Whitlam / Fraser schnozzle I didn’t vote for many years, understanding that there was not a single politician out there worthy of my vote. I still believe that. For every example of rorting entitlements, pork barreling, jobs for the boys (the list goes on and on) from 1 side of politics, you can easily find 2 of the exact same behavior from the opposite lot. Despite this point of view being proven correct time and time again, I now vote. At least I am doing my best to keep the really vile ones out, although that hasn’t been so successful over the years.

The reason why people are deserting politics and politicians is simple – the behavior of politicians themselves. You can turn yourselves inside out offering all types of incentives to financially support a political party, but until politicians smarten their behavior, you’re whistling Dixie and living a pipe dream

You make many good points, Aries 54, but let me ask you one question: do you know any politicians personally? As a former state MP, I've met many people who hold similar views to yours but they all say that they are basing their views on media reports of politicians and the MPs they personally know are invariably good hard-working people who strive to represent their electors and their electorate.

Hi Bernie, Yes I have met a few politicians over the years, who have all presented the façade of being friendly, hard-working and interested in my opinions and thoughts before going off and doing whatever central command has dictated. Some things I know to be true about politicians:

1. They are all hypocrites. The system doesn’t allow for anyone who isn’t.
2. I wouldn’t trust a politician as far as I could fart against Cyclone Tracy.
3. I’m sick to the back teeth of politicians blaming the other mob for all the ills of the world. (I remember a young kid on Q&A one time who told a politician that they weren’t the Minister for Blaming the Opposition or even the Minister for Making Excuses, so please address the issue at hand.)

All of these truths I have learnt from observing the behavior of politicians. I could never be friends with one.

I don't know what approach the Liberal Party tried in yesterdays SA election, but it didn't work, the parties vote totally collapsed. In the new Parliament the "Opposition" may have as little as 4 seats. The conservative vote totally fractured with half of the previous Liberal vote peeling off to One Nation. BUT despite a strong ON vote it don't look like that will equate to seats in parliament, although they should pick up 2 maybe 3 seats in the upper house.
It been suggest here the Liberal Party should try primaries, judging on yesterdays result, a 303 to the head might be more effective!

Hi Aries54,

I understand your cynical view of politicians, and in some cases its well and truly warranted. However my experience over many years, having engaged with dozens of polyies, and aspiring polyies, I have generally found them to be a decent bunch of people who believe they can make a difference, and I say that for both sides of the fence.