Whitewash

Don't misrepresent our conversation.
Don't paint the words the way that makes you look better.
Tell it like it went.
Be honest.
Be of your word.
Own it.

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Dear Labor Party

Dear Labor Party,

I'm done.
I quit.
You and me, we are breaking up.

I just can't do it anymore.
It was a long time ago that I signed that membership form and paid my fees. Years and years.

For me, ever since, it has been about wanting to belong to a political party that was working to make our country better. Especially, I wanted, to be part of something that would make things better for those most disadvantaged in our society, that would uphold human rights, protect those with disabilities, look after the rights and safety of workers, provide services to those who needed them most...all the while maintaining a strong education system, a good solid economy, a society that valued diversity.

Your proud history tells me that for a very long time, the party and its work were about exactly these things. I like to think they still are. It's just that now, we can't see it. Those commitments and principles have disappeared from view.

No-one ever said politics was a pretty game. By its very nature, the grasping of power was never meant to be for the faint hearted. But with this latest leadership skirmish, we all witness the most unedifying scenes possible. Labor Party, your dirty undies are on show. Everyone is watching and well, it's embarassing.

But it's not just that its embarassing. It's deeper than that, much deeper. My eldest son has autism. He and many thousands of similarly affected kids across Australia need early intervention services at a much greater level than they currently receive. There are people suffering from all manner of mental health issues, all over the country. They need services and care greater than is currently available. There are thousands of homeless people in Australia who sleep rough. There are asylum seekers languishing in detention centres who need us, a civilised, democratic country, to uphold their rights and offer protection where it's due. Labor Party, do I need to go on?

So while you bicker, count numbers, destabilise, declare loyalty, challenge, backstab and bitch, I can only surmise that the stuff that needs to be getting done, the stuff that matters, isn't getting done. And Labor Party, that's not just embarassing, it's pretty fucking offensive.

Over the years I have worked on lots of Labor election campaigns. I have helped to get some good, decent people elected to state and federal parliaments. I believed in them. I still believe in them now. It's just that this party structure and the way things are done around here is broken, really broken, and I just can't put my heart and mind in there anymore.

So Labor Party, don't bother sending me a renewal form next month. I won't be needing it.

Do better. The country needs a better version of you. Really. Truly.