Our Flawed Political System 

 

By Dino Cesta - 14 May 2014

THE NEWCASTLE HERALD - Letter To The Editor 

 

TIM Owen is a man of integrity who has served our region and nation with distinction (‘‘One term Tim’’ Herald 13/5). 

 

Unfortunately, decency is  a quality that rarely lends itself to our elected representatives. 

 

I believe Tim Owen, like Jodi McKay, are both decent people who had aspirations and good intentions in realising Newcastle and our region’s untapped potential. 

 

However, the current ICAC investigations have shown that our system of government and democracy is such that Brutus-style assassinations are dished out to those who dissent against minority but powerful political and business interests. 

 

This malaise in self-interest doesn’t discriminate between political parties, and perhaps is a sad indictment of our currently flawed political system. 

 

Newcastle had two state parliamentary members in Owen and McKay who, while perhaps politically naive, can hold their heads high with dignity.

 

Politics can be an honourable profession where visionary ideas can transform and benefit a community and society as a whole.  It’s time we demanded from our elected representatives and business leaders greater accountability, honesty, integrity, and transparency.

 

Dino Cesta, Hamilton