A eulogy for the major parties
Ladies and gentlemen, we gather to mourn our beloved major parties, who after decades of dedicated service to themselves, have finally succumbed to terminal irrelevance. Born of lofty ideals, they mastered the art of disappointing voters across the entire political spectrum. Their remarkable ability to transform idealists into bureaucrats was matched only by their talent for being simultaneously for and against the same issues. They leave behind a legacy of corruption investigations and parliamentary behaviour that would get kindergarteners expelled.
In lieu of flowers, they request donations to their donors, Coles and Woolworths. May they rest in the peace they never allowed taxpayers to enjoy, and serve as a cautionary tale for generations to come.
Craig Fern, Sorrento
Other candidates?
The flurry of letters in The News last week, along with all the discussion about the usual suspects in the upcoming election, has left out a few lesser-known candidates. Where’s the love – or at least the curiosity – for Jason Smart (Trumpet of Patriots), Mike Brown (One Nation), and Adam Frogley (Greens)? I mean, Jason Smart has the backing of Clive Palmer’s cash cannon, yet not a single corflute? Not one newspaper advertisement? Not even a lonely fridge magnet flapping in the wind? Either he’s running the world’s most stealthy campaign, or the money’s being spent on invisible ink. Who knows—we’ll need 3D glasses to see his policies.
Then there’s Mike Brown and Adam Frogley. Blink, and you’ll miss them. Keep your eyes open, and you’ll still miss them. Where are their views on, say, climate change? Nuclear power? Hospitals? Rosebud Hospital? As far as we can tell, Ben Smith’s favourite campaign prop hasn’t even made it onto their radar. I’d love to know if they think it should be upgraded, moved, or just given a hug.
With only three weeks to go until election day, the silence from some of these candidates is as deafening as the campaign noise from the others. It feels like we’re in a game of political hide-and-seek, but only half the players remembered to show up.
Thank heavens for postal voting. Some of us would like to make up our minds before the last-minute frenzy – or before we fall into a coma from campaign fatigue.
Anne Kruger, Rye
Make Australia great again
This election I will be proudly voting for Zoe McKenzie for Flinders. I draw inspiration from the way Trump has revolutionised politics by standing up to globalist agendas. We desperately need this approach in Australia, and Zoe McKenzie and the Liberal Party is our best hope for Trump-style representation on the peninsula.
While the “independent” candidate pushes his woke agenda, the Liberal Party and Zoe McKenzie as our local candidate understands that traditional values are what truly matter to hardworking Australians. Only they have the will and ability to put the abortion question back to the states, tackle the scourge and proliferation of “non-binary” youth, and bring back national service.
Trump showed the world how a businessman could drain the swamp and spark prosperity. Similarly, Zoe’s business background gives her the real-world experience needed to cut through bureaucracy and deliver results. Both understand that success comes through economic freedom, not government handouts. Welfare is out of control in Australia and if we don’t act now I fear we will never get it under control.
Australia needs strong conservative voices now more than ever. Zoe McKenzie and the Liberal Party represent our best defence against radical left-wing policies.
Make Flinders Great Again!
John Flynn, Rosebud
Stop the ‘snowflakes’
Thirty years ago, a job meant rolling up your sleeves and getting it done – no excuses, no complaints.
Now? We’ve got a bunch of soft layabouts who think sending a few emails from the couch counts as a full day’s work. And the moment a real leader like Peter Dutton stands up to this nonsense, they lose their minds.
Work from home is a scam. It’s turning Australia into a nation of freeloaders. If we want to save this country, we need to stop catering to the snowflakes and start standing up for real workers again. That’s why I’m backing the Liberals. They are the only party that can see through the nonsense happening on the left. No more excuses, no more handouts. It’s time to put Australia back on track. Vote 1 Zoe McKenzie.
Phil Marsden, McCrae
Dutton’s WFH backflip
Peter Dutton’s backflip on his work from home policy this week was hilarious to watch. After weeks opposing remote work then suddenly reversing course when it became clear people didn’t like the idea, Dutton proves he only listens when he’s forced to. Shocker – it turns out it’s actually good to listen to people, especially when your job is to represent them!
Luckily, we have an independent who’s ready to do that from day one, not after backlash tells them to care. Rather than electing another powerless backbencher forced to parrot Dutton’s inconsistent ever-changing positions, we can vote for someone who’ll genuinely represent the peninsula’s needs.
The choice couldn’t be clearer. I’ll be voting for Ben Smith.
Ashlynn O’Malley, Mornington
Flip-flop Liberals
It must be difficult being a Liberal candidate like Zoe McKenzie with a leader such as Peter ‘flip-flop’ Dutton. One has to be suspicious of Dutton’s gas plan. Meddling in the free market goes against Liberal principles and interfering with the profit margin of one of their biggest donors will not sit comfortably with the party hierarchy. Furthermore, if this is such a good idea why didn’t the Coalition do it during their nine years in power? It is not as if high power prices are a recent phenomenon.
Finally, given Dutton and the Coalition’s ability to backflip on policy how can we trust him that he won’t simply drop the policy should the Coalition win government? I am sure a convenient excuse would not be difficult to find.
Can McKenzie guarantee that Dutton will not flip-flop on this policy as well, or any other policy for matter, or will she simply toe the party line like a good back-bencher?
His nuclear policy is teetering at the moment. Will it flip or flop?
Ross Hudson, Mt Martha
More details required
Fulsome praise for Zoe McKenzie from Mr P. Haas (McKenzie support, Letters 8/4/25) but no actual details of what she achieved specifically for the Mornington Peninsula. Details would be appreciated.
In the words of noted academic, human rights and equality campaigner, Senator Pauline Hanson; “Please explain”.
Seahorse bothering does not count.
David Martin, Mt Martha
Hands off Super, Dutton
I nearly spat out my coffee when I saw an ad about Dutton wanting to raid our super. My balance just took a massive hit this week with the market crash, and now Dutton thinks it’s a brilliant idea for women to use our Superannuation to buy a house?
I’ve worked hard to build my super, and I’m not about to wreck it because the Libs can’t be bothered fixing the housing crisis properly. They’ve been trying to get their hands on our super for years.
Ben Smith is spot on calling this out. If Dutton gets his way, we’ll all be living on baked beans in retirement while his rich mates laugh all the way to the bank.
Victoria Sperring, Balnarring
Voting reminder
I received a handy little leaflet in my letterbox this week from the Liberal Party, telling me how often ‘teals’ have voted with Greens or Labor. I’d like to say thank you because it reminded me of all those times that Zoe McKenzie and her boss Peter Dutton, have voted against measures to address cost of living – tax cuts for everyone, not just the wealthy, action on housing, action to address climate change, increased wages for those working in aged care and childcare and measures to act on integrity in government.
It reminded me that Zoe and her mates opposed the energy bill rebates and a reduction in overseas students coming to Australia but now are saying they want to reduce numbers even further.
It reminded me of Zoe and her mates wanting to reduce migration and made me wonder how they think we will find staff for aged care, for hospitality and to build the housing that we so urgently need.
It reminded me that Zoe’s boss can’t quite seem to make up his mind about reducing numbers of public servants or making them work in the office rather than from home and can’t give us details about his signature policy on gas reservation will work to create energy security.
So thank you for confirming for me why I vote Labor.
Marg D’Arcy, Rye
McKenzie’s past
If you’re wondering about Zoe McKenzie, she was a two-time loser of the 2016 and 2019 federal elections in her electorate outer suburb of Melbourne. It’s bit hard to find now during the research as somehow McKenzie doesn’t want people to know she was living in another electorate and lost twice before finding a loophole, that she can use her holiday home on the Mornington Peninsula and run for Flinders in the 2022 election.
I knew about her failed attempts at this other electorate during the 2022 election from the Herald Sun and other media outlets which now have disappeared. I also knew McKenzie was not living on the Mornington Peninsula during those federal elections. Why does she not want people to know this? Even her profiles conveniently avoids where she was living before she decided to run for Flinders and had to move to her holiday home to qualify.
To top it off she has put her poster on a public space; taped over the map of the Mornington Peninsula at the public toilets in Rosebud across from The Discount Chemist Warehouse. The reason I brought that up is that I thought you can’t put political posters on public property.
As for her supporters, stop being hypocrites.
Kerrie McCoy, Dromana
Public service cuts
I’m worried about Peter Dutton’s recent proposal, backed by Zoe McKenzie, to cut up to 41,000 public service jobs as part of a massive $24 billion reduction in public spending. This has huge implications for all of us here on the Mornington Peninsula. Despite assurances that frontline services will remain untouched, the sheer scale of these cuts paints a wildly different picture.
The idea is to trim what the Coalition considers unnecessary fat from the public service. But let’s be real, cutting so deeply into our workforce means services like Medicare, education, and veterans’ support are bound to take a hit, let alone the unemployment rate.
What’s more, the vagueness from Dutton and McKenzie about exactly where these cuts will happen is causing a lot of stress around here. Without clear information, how are we supposed to know what to expect? This lack of transparency doesn’t sit right when it comes to holding our leaders accountable.
With the election coming up on 3 May, it’s critical for Zoe McKenzie to step up and explain precisely how her party plans to make these cuts without sacrificing the quality of essential services. However, it’s becoming increasingly clear that perhaps we should consider voting for Ben Smith, who is actually listening to our concerns and offering real, tangible solutions that prioritise our community’s needs.
Let’s support a candidate who genuinely cares about our wellbeing.
Kim Robbins, Safety Beach
Shattered Entitlement
Ben Smith’s campaign to Flip Flinders, along with his hundreds of unpaid volunteers, has begun to really threaten our current Member, who until now, has been complacently and comfortably ensconced in her “safe” seat. The Coalition has held Flinders for over 40 years, and as such, we have been taken for granted and virtually ignored financially for much of that time.
Now, however, an alarmed McKenzie is spending much of the Liberal’s vast donor budget, on circulating disinformation and sly allusions that reflect the underlying outrage that her entitlement is being challenged.
Rather than obsessing about your challenger, spend your dollars telling us about your party’s policies. What are the plans for support of those who need it here? What is the vision to strengthen and protect the future for this wonderful place that we call home? Sadly, we are not hearing much, because I guess there is not much the Coalition has to offer Flinders.
Flinders is a large and very demographically divided electorate. There is significant disparity in the quality of life, health, education, and wealth here, along with significant homelessness.
Ben Smith is not a ‘Teal’ regardless of McKenzie’s pathetic scare campaign. Ben Smith is however, a peninsula resident who has for years worked face to face with those who are living these disparities daily. He sees and knows firsthand what is needed, and as our Independent member he will have the freedom to ensure the government listens to our voice, through him, when it asks for his support.
Please read his policy booklet (mailed out recently), see what he stand for and reflect on what you need to make your life better, before you make your voting decision.
We can continue to be taken for granted or, for the first time, have a strong clear voice!
Peta Watson, Crib Point
Smith and Marsh
I am a little bit in awe of the amount of advertising that Ben Smith has been able to do, as a so called independent, which according to the “Macquarie Encyclopedic Dictionary” in one case means “thinking or acting for one’s self”.
So is this man a self-made millionaire, who can afford this amount of advertising? Undoubtable not, which means he will be beholden to others and their demands and wishes, so he is not a true independent.
He, along with so called other independents and Teals, may cause this forthcoming election to be a hung parliament, which serves no purpose to the whole nation and we are virtually stagnant for three years. Does Australia deserve this? Because it will cause us to go backwards as a nation, and nobody wants that. Room for thought.
And now our illustrious mayor, Anthony Marsh, has dictated that all ratepayers within the Mornington Peninsula Shire will pay an extra $50 on their rates for something the shire is responsible for, when they gave a permit for the house that tumbled down the hill in McCrae. It was built not on top of the hill, but partially down the hill. This is not the ratepayers fault at all, and they should not be charged. I will not be paying
David Lines, Tyabb
Energy wake up
In response to your correspondent Keith Davis’ comments about renewable energy, may I refer him and your readers to the Global Energy Report 2024; ember-energy.org/latest-insights/global-electricity-review-2024.
In summary, “Renewables generated a record 30% of global electricity in 2023, driven by growth in solar and wind. With record construction of solar and wind in 2023, a new era of falling fossil generation is imminent. 2023 was likely the pivot point, marking peak emissions in the power sector.”
This authoritative report would suggest it is Mr Davis who needs to wake up, not those concerned citizens inclined to vote independent.
Ashley Wharton, Flinders
Fact checks
Dutton: This budget makes clear that Labor was only able to deliver two surpluses by piggybacking off the former Coalition government’s strong economic management.
Fact check: The Coalition did not deliver a budget surplus in their last term before losing the 2022 federal election. Labor has successfully delivered two consecutive budget surpluses, marking the first back-to-back surpluses for Australia in nearly two decades.
Dutton has raised concerns about Australia’s national debt approaching $1t, attributing this to the Albanese Labor government. Who is responsible for that?
Fact check: In 2013 when the Liberals were elected debt was $257.378b. In 2022 when Labor were elected debt was $895.235b – an increase of $637.857b during the Liberal’s term.
In 2024 debt was $906.939 – a relatively small increase of $11.704b.
Dutton claimed that interest rates are “always lower” under Coalition governments due to superior economic management.
Fact check by AAP FactCheck found this assertion to be false.
Dutton attacks the PM three years after Labor promised Australians every household power bill would come down $275 by 2025.
Fact check: Dutton’s party vowed to cut wholesale electricity prices by a quarter in 2019, but the AEMO’s data shows the average price in the eastern states rose a disturbing 240% since.
Dutton says Labor’s energy strategy is a “renewables-only” approach.
Fact check: Experts note Labor’s plan includes a mix of energy sources, not solely renewables.
Senator Michaelia Cash, stated that Australians would experience “the exact same attitude” under a Dutton government as they did during Donald Trump’s presidency.
Fact check: True as!
Shadow Foreign Minister David Coleman said the prime minister made a mistake by choosing not to fly to Washington to lobby for a tariff exemption.
Fact check: Didn’t work for anyone else!
Joe Lenzo, Safety Beach
Once-in-a-generation
We have a once-in-a-generation chance to vote out the Liberal party here on the Mornington Peninsula. They have been in power here for 42 years but this time we have some real competition.
The polls are tight. Ben Smith can win. Labor or the minor parties can’t win here. There’s forty-two years of proof. Only Ben Smith can unseat the Liberals. If you are dissatisfied with both major parties, now is the time for change. Support Ben Smith with your vote and encourage others in our community to do the same.
This is our chance to make history. Let’s not waste it.
Josh Reinecker, Rosebud
No answers?
No real answers from the main political parties? Time for Independent thinking!
Alan Wittick, Mt Eliza
Religious bigotry
I was appalled to read in last week’s Letters people asking about the disclosure of Ben Smith’s religion (Ben Smith, Letters 8/4/25) and to read about the disgraceful treatment of his sister on the topic (I’m Ben’s sister, Letters 8/4/25).
I’m a left voter and I thought I lived in an inclusive nation where a person was not defined by their religious beliefs any more than for the flavour ice cream they like. I did not realise that we had become so bigoted here on the Mornington Peninsula that one is scrutinised about their religion, or if they are the right type of religion.
What will be next? Who were your parents? What is your breeding? Which school did you get educated at and is it the right type of school or college? Old money or new money? This isn’t the 1950’s! Get a grip and join the 21st century and get educated about policy. The Menzies Era is over.
Rebecca Taylor, Mt Eliza
Independents engage
As a resident of Kooyong, represented by Dr Monique Ryan, I would like to assure Barry Rumpf (Ben Smith, Letters 8/4/25), that community Independents are active across all three levels of governments – local, state and federal.
Dr Ryan’s summary of the issues she has worked on might interest those thinking of voting for Ben Smith. It can be found here: tinyurl.com/Ryan3Years
To accuse those who vote for independents as “non-thinkers” as Mr Rumpf has done is offensive.
Because independents are more policy-focused than party-focused, arguably those who vote for them are similarly inclined and evaluate candidates more intently.
Ironically, Mr Rumpf’s final statement: “You must vote Liberal despite their unimpressive candidates” is a classic “non-thinker” in itself.
Ray Peck, Hawthorn
Climate action
After decades of inaction on climate change from both major parties, it’s clear we cannot trust them to deliver the urgent solutions we need. Labor’s hypocrisy is striking – claiming to support climate action while continuing to approve new coal mines that undermine their own emissions targets. The Liberals’ eternal record of climate denial and fossil fuel support speaks for itself.
This election, our electorate has a rare opportunity to break free from four decades of Liberal representation by supporting Ben Smith. A strong crossbench is our only hope to force genuine climate action, hold the government accountable, and secure a livable future.
The major parties have failed us – it’s time for independent voices who aren’t beholden to fossil fuel donors.
Guy Taylor, Mt Eliza
Welcome relief
What a relief it is to see Ben Smith’s hand-up to be our next Federal member for Flinders. Look at the frenzy on the “Ninch” as our comfortable MP realises it’s no longer a safe seat. Thank you Ben rising above the persistent mud-slinging and putting us back on the map.
Adrian Burrageon, Mt Martha
Why I’m Supporting Smith
We’re lucky to live in a democracy where we get to choose who represents us – but lately, many of us feel let down by the major parties. I’m supporting Ben Smith, the community-backed Independent for Flinders, because he brings integrity, empathy, and a genuine commitment to our local issues.
Ben has promised regular community meetings if elected, and his policies speak directly to what matters here on the peninsula: housing affordability, healthcare (including upgrading Rosebud Hospital), aged care, public transport, cost of living, climate solutions, and protecting our natural environment. His values align with mine – and with what many locals are telling me they care about.
I’ve watched how Ben listens, engages, and responds to people. He’s not about political spin. He’s about real community representation.
As voters, we have the power to shape a better future – not just for ourselves, but for everyone. Let’s support those who support our CFA, SES, wildlife carers, and all the quiet heroes in our region.
This election is a chance to send a clear message that our community wants change. A vote for Ben Smith is a vote for a better, fairer, more accountable kind of politics – one that puts people and the peninsula first.
Tracey Asquith, Hastings
All seeing
None so Blind as those that will not see. One regular letter writer from Hawthorn states that I use the page to disparage renewables energy, net zero and climate concerns (Questionable values, Letters 8/4/25).
My objective has been to separate facts from ideology. To this point in time neither Mr Peck or Ben Smith, to whom my letter was directed, have found any fault with the material presented. Rather, Mr Peck’s only criticism has been about the “right” leaning people that they associate with. That type of argument is not worthy of a response.
I am far more concerned by the total lack of response to my concerns by Ben Smith. At his meetings he claims transparency and will answer all questions relating to the campaign. Perhaps that doesn’t include difficult ones that might not agree with his Climate 200 commitments. Guess he leaves these to his many followers.
One final thought, I have to thank Mr Peck’s for his comment that my key nuclear advocate is Prof. Stephen Wilson. I had never heard of this person so I Googled him. Very interesting, well worth while checking out. Actually it is Prof. Ian Plimer geologist and “Earth Scientist” who I have found to present facts well worth considering.
I am reminded of a quote I heard over 60 years ago: Condemnation without investigation will never fail to leave one in Everlasting Ignorance.
Keith Davis, Somers
Labor gamble
Labor’s disgraceful backflip on gambling reforms betrayed the Australian people and dishonoured the legacy of the late Peta Murphy, who fought courageously for these protections. While polls may be looking better for Labor, we cannot forget how quickly they abandoned their principles when powerful gambling interests came knocking.
This pattern of surrendering to corporate lobbying mirrors their hollow climate commitments.
I urge voters to put independents and the Greens above Labor on their ballot. Obviously before the Liberals, but that goes without saying.
Only by strengthening the crossbench can we ensure accountability and genuine action on the issues that matter most to our community.
Timothy Rush, Rye
Let’s make history
We have less than 20 days until we can make history here on the Mornington Peninsula – and according to the latest polls there are less than 1,000 votes in this race. We have a golden opportunity to elect a Federal Member who actually cares – Ben Smith. He’s doing this for the right reasons because he cares about people. Ben spent most of his career working with some of our most vulnerable community members, helping to feed and house people. He’s not a career politician. He knows what everyday people are going through and he will serve us well.
We need this change. Our political system has been failing us all for so long and we’re all fed up with it. Ben is the person we need and thousands of us across the community feel the same. If you haven’t met him yet, please go to one of his events and find out for yourself.
Lucy Randall, Sorrento
Vote for change
For decades, I voted Liberal, trusting their focus on business and roads. But as a retiree watching my children and grandchildren struggle, I’ve realised: loyalty to party can’t outweigh loyalty to community.
The Mornington Peninsula is at a crossroads. Young families face crushing childcare costs and waiting lists for pre-schools. Retirees dread hospital delays. Yet our federal Liberal MP, while earnest, lacks influence in a Labor-dominated landscape. Anthony Albanese’s government isn’t going anywhere – shouldn’t we elect someone who can work with them?
The Liberals built roads, but what good are roads if our kids can’t afford homes here? They tout tax cuts, but that doesn’t help parents paying $150 a day for childcare or seniors waiting months for surgeries. Their resistance to renewables – a job-creating sector for our region – ignores our climate reality.
Labor isn’t perfect, but they’re investing in what matters. An independent could also champion our needs without party constraints.
This isn’t about “abandoning” the Liberals. It’s about prioritising our community’s future. I want my grandkids to thrive here, not flee. Let’s elect someone who’ll fight for pre-schools, healthcare, and affordable housing – not slogans. Join me in voting for change for the peninsula.
Lido Ritchie, Sorrento
Serving the peninsula
Politics here in Australia has become a bitter and childish game, played by toxic and hyper-partisan “representatives” of our communities. These people are voted in to serve an agenda, not the people who voted them in.
Australian communities need real representation, and that is what Ben Smith can give the peninsula, representation without an agenda or partisan control. Ben has worked for the Mornington Community Support Centre for three years, helped run a family business, and has given a TED talk on the importance of connection to community. As an important and valued member of the community, he understands the needs of people from all walks of life on the peninsula.
As a young person, I am concerned about the climate, housing, and all the other issues the two party system has ignored for years, and we need independent politicians like Ben with strong community support to provide answers.
Oliver Edwards, Mt Martha
No more career pollies
Ben Smith isn’t a career politician. He’s not from the party machine. He’s one of us. He’s raised his family here. He’s run a small business here. He’s spent years working to support locals through tough times.
We don’t need another career politician. We need someone who understands what it’s like to live and work here – someone who will fight for us. That’s why I’m backing Ben.
Josh Allen-Craig, Sorrento
Planet politics
Does any one else find it concerning that the climate crisis is not front and centre in this election campaign? The ABC vote compass analysis supports my anecdotal experience. Is it that we are distracted by the nuclear issue which is being used as a distraction from the worsening state of our environment to justify maintaining destructive coal mining industry and open new gas fields.
(A cynic might say to appease the mining industry masters.)
Another understandable distraction from the climate crisis is the immediate cost of living problem, also verified by Vote Compass, which is impacted by the cost of energy. Surely, the cost of energy, financially, climatically and immediately is best reduced by renewables. My main concerns with nuclear power are the unknown cost, the radioactive waste and the continued use of fossil fuels with filthy emissions until nuclear power is available.
Let’s get our focus back on the planets survival. Without a liveable world all the rest is inconsequential.
Rosemary Bates, McCrae
Moral vacuum
Every day we witness the Israeli government and defence forces slide to ever lower and more despicable levels in their treatment of the Palestinian people and aid organisations, in both Gaza and the West Bank.
It is high time the world declares them terrorist organisation like Hamas and others that terrorise civilian people and aid organizations. Just because the orange peril in America supports them regardless of their behaviour doesn’t mean the civilized world can stay silent in the face of the most serious crimes against humanity.
Half the Israeli population thinks the same and protest daily against this inhumane treatment of the others. This behaviour of the Israeli government and armed forces, will not make Israel safer in the long run. Only a two state solution, that was agreed to by the whole world after WW2 can fix this situation.
Rupert Steiner, Balnarring Beach
Positivity?
Be calm and unruffled on the surface and paddle like the devil underneath?
Has the world gone crackers? In fact not quite, yet. We warm in the glow of sensible people (voters?) rising to the surface, particularly in the USA, and to a lesser extent Australia.
Trump and Dutton, a recession or public servants without brains (not unusual in my time) who do what they’re told, aka yes men and women.
And the independents? No such animal.
Add in those who subscribe to the Murdoch media (who imagine an orthorhynchus is an elephant). And down here on our beautiful Mornington Peninsula, our lips remain sealed.
Yes, it’s a mess, We live in hope, positivity, that common sense will prevail, come 3 May.
Come election day, soon as the kitchen is up and running, for those red things in a roll with onions and tomato sauce, off to my duty of voting and home to watch the Collingwood v Geelong game.
Cliff Ellen, Rye
