2017-04-23
Judy Blyth
With former Premier Barnetts star clearly falling, there was excitement in the air over the possibilities of the March 11 election as we Greens gathered to meet the challenge. The timing finally didnt suit the incumbent government but that is one thing for which we can give it credit, that strict 4 year terms were now to be mandatory. This enabled excellent forward planning those on-the-ball computer-savvy members who ably organised our election campaign.
This reflection comes from a far smaller cog who sees election run-ups as glorious opportunities to articulate The Greens vision to the electorate. We each can be a Greens ambassador in Voterland, enhancing the traction of our party in our communities (though we can/should do this all the time of course.)
I did the usual things I do – doorknocking, letterboxing, painted the odd banner or two, feverishly wrote letters to media (a few were published), attended a few events especially the inspirational campaign launch of Feb 11, and of course spent most of E-day March 11 working at a booth. Dan Grosso was candidate for Nedlands and I was more than happy to roll up sleeves to support his bid to “take on” Bill Marmion and to speak on those doormats about Alisons proven top notch MLC qualities for North Metro. I only spared one half day in our 440 William Street office during this campaign – but enjoyed so much the interesting discussions there as I counted piles of leaflets for letterboxers and met Hannah Milligan, our candidate for Perth. I letterboxed a few blocks in “her electorate” to finish off that day.
Our election launch on February 11 moved at the last moment to 440 William Street due to rainy weather but that dampened no-ones spirits. Greens staff had energetically transformed our office magnificently, and Scott and Rachels teamwork facilitated that inspirational evening when all our six Upper House candidates spoke so strongly in their different ways. What a crew we could have – if only our efforts could have them all elected! Enthusiastic Rach tried to shoo us all off to START right then – but most of us had already been beavering away in our various electorates for months – so instead we mingled joyfully and meaningfully for an hour or so more while eating our way through an array of finger food.
Of all the strategies that Ive been involved in during this and other election campaigns, I think doorknocking the most valuable. These interactions I believe are the best way to encourage householders to positively contemplate The Greens vision for the present and future. Obvious anti-Greens observe that we present as respectful, polite and “normal”. They sometimes express amazed approval that we bother to knock and to listen to their concerns, especially in inclement weather.
Even letterboxing allows such interactions occasionally as we coincide with people weeding front verges or whatever. Ill finish this account with one funny experience I had while trying to push a leaflet into a crammed letterbox. I heard a cheery voice say “Hello there!” Looking about the front garden, I could see no-one ‒ until I spotted the guy on roof of his veranda. I said I wasnt expecting a voice from high up. He quickly reassured me it was all okay as long as I didnt start hearing instructions to rush off and start building an ark! We had a short very amicable conversation after that and he turned out to be a Greens empathiser.
There are so many reasons for jubilation at Labors landslide victory and change of government as our new Premier takes over the many challenges of managing WA after 8 gruelling years under Barnett. Having a long and passionate interest in permanently preventing uranium mining in WA (well, ANYWHERE!), I saw Labors win and its comforting anti-uranium mining policy as ensuring we achieve that goal at last. I was shocked when some heart-breaking ambivalence on the policy was expressed by one of new Ministers. I think I feel another article stirring in me for Green Issue!
Photo: Perth volunteers