A Verse for the ‘The Parties’
For goodness sake, don’t vote Independent.
We have a two party system, we have to defend it.
The rich from both sides, we must hold the power.
We’re under attack at this critical hour.
At stake is our very way of life.
The helicopters, the polo, they’ll all be in strife.
How will hospitality survive without corporate lunches?
Labor and Libs, we must pull out all the punches!
We must work together, have a planning retreat.
Let’s head to Sorrento, to a clifftop, and meet.
Labor bring caviar, Libs bring champagne.
We’ll make up a plan, and start a campaign.
The time has come to put our differences aside.
The Red and the Blue working together with pride.
We’ll plan our way forward, and get out of this mess,
and send Smith back to looking after the homeless.
Chris Jenkins, Tyabb
Cue the outrage in the Letters section
Do you want to know how much of a threat Ben Smith is to the entrenched two party system?
Just count the letters in The News from desperate party hacks from both sides trying to discredit him.
It is the same every week. Who is Ben Smith? It has been well explained that he was CEO at Mornington Community Support Centre where his organisation was feeding the needy and housing the homeless. “Doing” rather than what the major parties do – “talking about doing”. And where is his money coming from? He has explained that over and over again. Climate 200? Yes, but mostly from grassroots supporters who see him as the real deal (refer to the above paragraph re “doing”).
C’mon people. It is obvious the Mornington Peninsula is treated with disdain by the major parties. One tenth of the funding per capita compared with Geelong? It is because the Liberals don’t spend here as they think they can’t loose it, and Labor don’t spend here because they think they can’t win it. Over the last election cycle the Liberals and Labor are now united on one thing. They must move heaven and earth not to lose their duopoly on power.
Cue the manufactured outrage from the party hacks….
Maria Simpson, Baxter
Who is Ben Smith?
Who is Ben Smith? What is his professional background? Who pays his extraordinary advertising campaign? Does he use his own money or is it an organisation or a private benefactor. Whoever is backing him does so with the intention to influence political action and therefore the public needs to know who is behind him. What does Ben Smith really stand for as an Independent? Apart from motherhood statements about renewable energy and climate change there is no concrete action plan that takes into account feasibility and financial aspects.
Reiner Scheibe, Mornington
Ben Smith
Having read all the lavish endorsements of Flinders candidate, Ben Smith by various correspondents in The News, surely JC should move on. Ben is obviously the Messiah.
Denis Mason, Sorrento
Voting with Greens?
It has been established that Ben Smith, Independent candidate for Flinders, is actually funded by the Climate 200 group, funded by wealthy individuals including Simon Holmes à Court.
This Teal group mostly (77%) sides with the Greens as per this facts website:
www.tealsrevealed.com
So is Ben truly independent? Voters need more facts on who is funding his campaign and who he will support (or directed to support) on important legislation.
As previously shown, voting for Teals is actually mostly a vote for the Greens.
Rowan Clark, Mount Eliza
Editor’s note: the “facts” website referred to in the above letter contains, at the bottom of the website, “Authorised by A. Hirst, Liberal, Canberra”.
Climate
After attending Ben Smith’s talk at Somers it is not hard to understand the positive response he is receiving. He is addressing matters that are important to the people of the Mornington Peninsula. One in particular, the Rosebud Hospital is dear to my heart having been the venue my wife was taken to for a life saving intervention in a health crisis. There are many other worthwhile projects that Ben is focusing on.
My one concern is his dedication to net zero by 2050 using only renewables. In my letter (Nuclear option?, Letters 11/3/25) I asked Ben to look at two sites on YouTube dealing with facts as they relate to costs both financially and environmentally to our country in this quest for net zero. As yet Ben has not responded, however there has been several responses from your readers, mostly disagreeing with me. To reply to all these is beyond the scope of this letter but it would appear that the general consensus is to agree with what the government and government funded authorities tell us.
One reply that I will address is from Ray Peck of Hawthorn who is a long time contributor to your Letters. Mr Peck surely you can do better than this. Your reason for rejecting Chris Uhlmann’s material is that he works for the Murdoch Press. No mention of any false or misleading statements, just that he works for the Murdoch Press, there fore it must be all lies.
Gerard Holland’s talk was given at an ARC meeting, again no mention of false or misleading statements, he spoke at an ARC meeting, therefore it must be all lies. How pathetic.
Ben I still hope you will give your opinion on the above.
Keith Davis, Somers
Different standard
Marilyn Merrifield’s recent letter criticizes Ben Smith for using campaign funds from his supporters to further his independent candidacy for Flinders (Ad waste, Letters 18/3/25). She suggests these funds should instead be directed towards short-term accommodation at The Ranch, which is in the process of closing.
As someone who works with the homeless, Merrifield should recognize that short-term solutions like this don’t address the root causes of homelessness. The issue stems from poor housing policy and tax settings, which require a long-term, systemic responses. We need a representative who truly understands the complexity of these challenges and is committed to enacting lasting change.
It’s also important for readers to know that Ben Smith is currently on leave from his role as CEO of the Mornington Community Support Service — the same organization that played a key role in keeping The Ranch open for crisis support accommodation. One of Ben’s main reasons for running as an independent is to improve accommodation options for the homeless, a commitment clearly outlined on his website.
It’s curious that Merrifield doesn’t hold the Liberal and Labor candidates to the same standard. Neither has been criticized for not diverting their campaign funds to short-term accommodation. Additionally, a look at ‘They Vote For You’ website reveals that the current Flinders MP has consistently voted against affordable housing initiatives and against federal action on public housing.
Ben Smith’s campaign is rooted in real solutions for homelessness — solutions that go beyond temporary fixes and address the deep systemic issues we face.
Debbie de Laps, Rye
I donate to Climate 200
In response to Keith Davis’ letter (What is independent?, Letters 18/3/25), I’m a proud donor to Climate 200. I know many other people who live on the peninsula who are too. Data shows there are hundreds of us in fact. People should be clear that it’s a crowdfunding organisation backing candidates who want real action on climate change. They only back candidates who are found by their community (tick for me) and who are for climate action (also tick).
Ben Smith, the independent candidate, has been upfront about his support from Climate 200 (aka people like me) and about his climate policies. Doesn’t seem like a big “gotcha” moment. It’s the smart way forward if we want to protect this beautiful place that we live in, and rely on the infinite natural resources we have.
The Libs and Labor’s pockets run deep with the cash of coal and gas companies. They would never support a transition towards renewables even if experts, economists, the whole world was telling them it was the smart thing to do.
Craig Fern, Sorrento
Your voice
Why is it one of the only things Labor and the Coalition are in total agreement about is the need to keep elected independent members out of Canberra? The two-party message is that a government that must rely on the cross-bench will deal with nothing but chaos and instability.
The truth however is very different. A government that must rely on independent members of parliament who have no party allegiance and who are there to represent the interests of the community that elected them will be a better government. Good things will happen!
Independent MPs operate with integrity and accountability, representing the people who elected them (they would simply be a one hit wonder if they do otherwise) and hold others to account also.
Visit Climate 200’s www.indiewins.com.au to see exactly what the current elected independent members of parliament have helped deliver in the past term alone, along with a list of issues they continue to fight for.
These days Canberra seems to be preoccupied with either negativity or reluctance to do anything… with lots of self-interest thrown into the mix. Compare this with an independent member who fights for the issues identified by the community they represent. In Canberra they work with the government of the day, while always ensuring those issues are being considered, included and/or at least not further harmed in all considerations.
Peta Watson, Crib Point
A better option
It is extraordinary that a single independent candidate can produce a plan to assist the community and fight climate change at the same time (Smith announces plan to take on the energy giants and lower costs, The News 18/3/25). It is extraordinary when compared to what the major parties have come up with despite their huge physical and financial resources.
Dutton has produced a half-baked nuclear plan that is largely uncosted, so toxic that big business won’t go near it, and won’t provide any energy for at least 15 years whilst costing nearly $600 billion.
Labor on the other hand has been found wanting as it has been unable to find the courage to tackle the energy giants and force them to serve Australia and not their largely foreign owners. It is hard to see Labor changing track or the Coalition filled with the same failed politicians as in their last three terms doing any better.
Electing an independent like Ben Smith would seem a better option as independents are not beholden to a party machine they are beholden to their electorate.
Ross Hudson, Mount Martha
Flinders no long ‘safe’
The Coalition have announced $5m for the Mornington to Moorooduc Trail (The Coalition will deliver $5 million for the Mornington to Moorooduc Trail, The News 18/3/25). Independent candidate Ben Smith has therefore already won something for the Peninsula before a vote has been placed. That’s the value of a strong independent challenger, even if they don’t win the election, they remind the major parties that they can’t take the seat or the community for granted. Flinders deserves more funding and a voice for the people in the federal parliament.
Amy Hiller, Kew
Power price pain
Power prices are rising again? It’s just getting too much for me. Where is the long term plan from Liberal or Labor? They’ve been promising relief for years, but have they actually delivered? Meanwhile, energy giants rake in massive profits while everyday households and businesses struggle to keep up with costs. It’s no surprise as both major parties are deep in the pockets of the big energy companies. We need a serious, long-term plan to take on these huge issues.
A local candidate backing solar and battery systems for households and businesses is exactly the kind of leadership we need to lower bills and keep the lights on during blackouts. I just read “Smith announces plan to take on energy giants and lower costs” (The News 18/3/2025), and Rebecca Graley’s experience with business disruptions during storms and blackouts really hit home for me.
Our community needs better protection and affordable energy.
Kim Robbins, Safety Beach
It’s the ‘vibe’
I haven’t been particularly active in the community but I just wanted to say, as a young local who’s been pretty disenfranchised by politics since I’ve started voting, Ben Smith seems like the real deal.
I’ve had a good chat with him, and he gets what young people are going through. I’m getting involved with his campaign and bringing my mates to his Ben’s launch on Sunday to show my support.
This is about our future. If you’re sick of being taken for granted, and like me – feel like you’ve had no voice in politics, get involved. The campaign launch is a good place to start. The vibes will be immaculate!
Guy Taylor, Mt Eliza
Candidate’s forum
Thanks to the shire for organising the candidate’s forum last Thursday (20 March).
The answers given by candidates to some questions was quite illuminating.
However there were no questions on tax, foreign affairs, or defence. All of these are federal issues.
Policies in these areas are of critical importance in the coming election. They should have been addressed ahead of some of the subjects where there was crossover with state responsibilities. Perhaps another Forum could tackle these issues.
Robb Hampson, Sorrento
Reform needed on gifts
Dale Stohr (Pollie Gifts, Letters 18/3/25) hits the nail on the head – corporate influence is everywhere in politics. When MPs accept gifts and hospitality from big corporations, it’s no surprise those same companies end up benefiting from their decisions.
Zoe McKenzie shamelessly spruiking ExxonMobil’s power station after enjoying their corporate hospitality is just one example. Sportsbet handing out grand final tickets, then getting a special mention in Parliament, is another.
Labor and Liberal had the chance to clean this up and ban corporate donations, but they won’t bite the hand that feeds them. Until we get real political reform, everyday people will keep losing out to big business – and don’t be fooled, we’re the ones who will lose out.
Josh Reinecker, Rosebud
The ‘Donkey’ vote
Let’s face it, When voting for a political candidate with a political party you are not voting for a person who can exercise their morals, ethics, or community input, you are voting for a political donkey. You are voting for the party agenda, not the person, no matter how nice they are or their personal beliefs. They’re told how to vote, and they do as they’re told. Step out of line, and there are serious consequences.
|Like it or not, when voting for The Greens, Labor or the Coalition it is always a donkey vote.
So then why do we need them to get huge salaries and posh accommodation and benefits when a real donkey can do their job and save us a bundle of money.
We might as well replace them with actual donkeys and save a fortune. Just give them first names – Sheila Donkey, Esteban Donkey, Nigel Donkey – elect them, send them to parliament, and let them elect their herd leader who they can call Jackass.
Joe Lenzo, Saftey Beach
Fire risk
Nice cozy fire now that the weather’s cooling, anyone? Fireplace or fire pit but no wood?
No worries! Every kind of dry wood you need you will find lying around in Hillview Reserve Dromana.
Whole trees lying where they fell, huge and small branches, even piles of crispy kindling, just waiting for you and your trusty chainsaw.
The shire obviously doesn’t want it and there is plenty of habitat without it. But be quick, or a careless cigarette or lightning strike might get there first and demolish it all, perhaps swallowing a few adjacent houses on its way.
Luckily on Boxing Day one or two fire trucks were enough to save this precious bounty for you. But you might not be so lucky next time!
Paula Polson, Dromana
Free green waste
This weekend, March 28, 29 and 30 is (if you delve into its website) Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s free green waste weekend. These events are very rare and have a tendency to fly by without us knowing they are happening.
Fred Wild, Rye
Road blocks?
Recently, we travelled along the roads and highways across NSW and the ACT, paying close attention to their conditions. The comparison was clear—Victorian roads are a disgrace. We deserve better.
The good news is that roadworks that began in 2024 will continue until 2029 (Council invests millions more in shire roads, The News 18/3/25).
However, I now question the necessity of a roundabout at the Truemans Road and Broadway intersection. Rye and Tootgarook already have more than enough roundabouts and road humps to last a lifetime. Why burden Truemans Road with yet another obstacle?
Let’s hope other roadworks are carried out properly – planned, prioritised, and, most importantly, done right this time.
Anne Kruger, Rye
State issues?
The Liberal candidate for Dunkley Nathan Conroy, in his election material, says that he was raised in government housing in Ireland but he does not say that he opposes government housing in the electorate of Dunkley.
He also opposes rooming houses and has told me that they are everywhere in Frankston and have serious mentally ill people living in them who do not get appropriate psychiatric services and paying huge rents whist rooming houses are exempt from the recent land tax payments. He also says that the rooming houses have criminals which have been released from prison such as sex offenders and individuals who were imprisoned for serious crimes.
In your article (Candidates nominate for looming election, The News 18/3/25), Rob Thurley states he wants the coastal waters protected from developers right around Australia which means that there will be a need for a referendum to give powers for planning to the federal government. It is noticed that he lives in the Kananook Creek area where residents including himself is against development in Frankston when Australia has a housing crisis. It is obvious that Rob Thurley has a pecuniary interest in opposing developments in Frankston and around Australia. What are his election policies on the housing shortage, cost of living and the out of control crime rate in Frankston and Australia?
He seems to be wanting to push state issues instead of federal issues such as medicare and more defence spending and the cost of living crisis and housing crisis?
Russell Morse, Karingal
Meals/wheels?
Pensioners: I suspected this when they cancelled our handyman services.
This time clever, a friendly colourful expensive survey for Meals on Wheels, sprinkled with a whiff of concern for effect and added by half a reason, the hidden other half likely our demise or at best more expensive meals from as yet an unknown source. Asking for our opinions, to the WPB? Am I sounding sarcastic? Time will tell.
Cliff Ellen, Rye
