For some weeks now I have read in the Port News statements from politicians, political aspirants, political parties and finally from Barry O’Farrell. All of this on the one tack, that Independents have no power on behalf of their constituents. Well I feel it’s time for some facts.
The last National Party Politician to represent us at State level was Wendy Machin. In her tenure she, in conjunction with the then Health Minister, foisted upon us an experimental Private Hospital totally against the democratic wishes of the majority of locals.
This situation was granted to a firm that was to build and operate a Hospital with a life span of 20 years, to expire in 2012.
With this was a very secret contract, part of which gave the owners at the time, in 2012, for a token $1 fee, to retain possession of the hospital property so it was possible we could have not had an adequate hospital.
The Independents put enormous pressure on the State Government to buy back the hospital and return it to us as a Base Hospital and of course at a huge profit to the then owners, Mayne Nickless. Flynn’s Beach Surf Club and Wauchope Bonny Hills Surf Club benefitted greatly from Independents’ expertise to be able to access considerable grants.
In two years, Independents have been able to bring $709 million into the area. So there’s a lot to be said for lack of power and political clout from Independents.
People have short memories, so now that the powerful National Party media machine has swung into full gear, don’t believe everything we are fed.
The other angle pushed by Nationals is an alleged alliance with the Labor Party.
If you are an Independent, of course you have to make all demands on government, whoever they may be. Commonsense shows not much good going to the Opposition.
Max Banes
Port Macquarie
