Change is coming as a new political party makes its way to Griffith to offer an alternative to the Liberal National Party.
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The Katter Australia Party is coming to Griffith to “look to the future” and aims to keep the people of Griffith in Griffith – noting the tendency of young people to leave the city in search of something better.
They join an already competitive field of conservative parties in Farrer, which include Shooters and Fishers as well as the Liberal Democrats.
There is a pragmatism about their outlook, and it seems they want to ask questions of the major parties in order to get the best deal.
Concerns about the exodus of young people from Griffith and water distribution is a key part of their political ambitions.
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The Area News spoke with Trevor O’Brien, chairperson of the Katter Australia Party branch for Farrer and Richard Spears, committee assistant and media liaison, who said it has taken a long time to set up their branch.
And, given the recent dual citizenship crises both Mr O’Brien and Mr Spears are being extra careful to make sure everything is in place.
“That’s not our problem. Our problem is the background of that person, because we’ve got to have a clean slate across the board,” Mr O’Brien said.
“We’re very cautious – most things we’re not going to say; we’re going to ask questions.”
Mr O’Brien and Mr Spears believe that Griffith is reflective of their true values.
Yet, there may be some concerns about the lack of policy, and perhaps a fair bit of caution about what they actually 'stand for’.
Katter Australia Party have outlined their agenda on their site – in ‘what we stand for’ – however, the Farrer branch currently does not have a set agenda.
And, while their draft agenda is not available for public view, they say their greatest concern is water – a concern shared by Griffith and the whole of the MIA.
“We want the Darling River to flow again,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Water is the biggest issue across Australia.
“We can’t make any more water but we can distribute it better.”
They also say cities outside of Griffith are not aware how much they rely on the ‘Food Bowl of Australia’ and say the city has been “cutting things country people do need”.
“The city’s been draining us and now they’re draining us of water,” Mr O’Brien said.
They also say they’re “not going to give in to any party” and are “not going to side with any party”, aiming instead to “evaluate the system themselves” and address the “disconnection” of outer cities and politicians to Griffith issues, for a “better balance”.
They want Griffith to vote for the Katter Australia Party because they look to the “extension and expansion” of Griffith.
One thing is for sure, Sussan Ley is up for some earnest competition when it comes time for Griffith to decide on their next voice in Canberra.