2018-10-19
Richard Di Natale is angry – and, having just concluded his nationwide tour, it’s clear to see that many other Australians are, too. But where there is frustration there is also hope.
By Senator Richard Di Natale
Over the last two months, I’ve travelled to every state to spend time talking with Greens supporters about what it means to create a future for all of us.
We talked about everything – from climate change and the impact of corporate influence to taking back public ownership of essential services and what’s happening right now in Australian politics.
What I found was that most people, like me, are feeling angry.
Angry that this government is only interested in policies that help out their rich corporate mates and political donors, rather than the rest of us.
Angry that no government over the last decade has had the guts to take on the coal lobby, put an end to the energy policy stalemate, and take action on climate change.
People in every city told me that they are sick and tired of having people in our Parliament who are more interested in themselves, their political careers, and settling old scores than they are in representing the people who elected them.
They’ve had enough of tax cuts that only benefit the wealthy, corporations that exploit our environment for their own profits, cuts to essential services, overcrowded classrooms, and increasing attacks on our multicultural communities.
But where there is frustration there is also hope.
I felt a great sense of energy among the hundreds of supporters who turned out in each city I went to. People are ready to do what’s needed to turf the Coalition out.
I spoke about how, instead of another parliament with conservatives in government propping up the status quo, we can create a better future for all of us where everyone has what they need to live a good life. A future where people are treated equally and wealth is not concentrated in the hands of big corporations. A future where we protect and restore our environment, rather than exploit it for corporate greed.
If we work together, we can create this future – in fact, I can already see it happening.
Around the country, teams of people in green t-shirts are getting busy – they are out on the street knocking on doors, making phone calls, meeting with people in their local communities, holding events, and sending a message to the government this election that their time is up.
I want to say thank you to everyone who came along to one of the events I spoke at recently, and also to those who watched and participated online. It was great to meet you, spend the evening with you, and hear what you think we need to do to create a future for all of us.
We’re all in this together, and I look forward to being part of something big with you at the next federal election. Not long to go now!
Get involved and be part of building a future for all of us!