With regard to the pulp mill, the electors of Bass can see there is hardly any difference between the policies of the federal government and the opposition. Unfortunately those disaffected at the recent decision by Minister Turnbull to approve the pulp mill do not have a rallying point in which to register their anger.
While the Greens nearly fill the bill, not everyone agrees with their policies on a range of other issues, and, true to form, their homegrown candidate Tom Millen just does not appeal beyond the green and left fringe. As much as I like them, I'm just being a pragmatic realist here. While I'd normally vote for them, I want my vote to count to get rid of the Liberal incumbent and his Labor challenger.
Perhaps if the greens had opted for a higher profile and more moderate candidate who commands respect from all sides of the community, they'd have the unique opportunity to dislodge Labor and Liberal from the seat of Bass at this coming federal election. Their second best option is to channel their preferences to an independent who can take on the major candidates.
It's time someone puts up their hand as an independent to take on the majors.
