The views and opinions expressed in this piece are those of the author, and may not represent those of the Northern Star.

model-amn- Yesterday, Australians discovered the nation's newest political party, the Green Left Party. With 4 members of Parliament, this party has quickly become a major force in Canberra. It claims to be a left-wing party, founded to champion environmental issues, citing the reason as ambiguous "coalition issues" for their separation. For a left-wing party, it is a bit surprising that shafted Australian Democrats leader Jayden_Williamson, a party which appeared to have its appeal based on the fact that it was in the centre ground and would keep both of the bastards honest. And these issues were so unspecified, that reportedly the Prime Minister was not even aware of these planned defections.

It's clear what this new party is- a power grab. We're seeing a parallel situation play out with the Liberals and Nationals. In this political world, leaving a party is not a last resort. It is not something you do when you have exhausted all options. Indeed, it can be one of your first options- cease being a member of your current party, and become the leader of a new party. I am not opposed to the formation of new parties- I lead a new party that's scarcely been around for 2 weeks. The difference is the Seniors Party is a party of the grassroots, a party of the people with no power. We aren't politicians- we're activists. I am not opposed to MPs or senators forming new parties either! But unless you resign immediately to seek a new mandate from your electorate, or to let your party replace you, then you're probably a power-hungry person who doesn't have the guts to face up to the people. I will put this on record now- if I, model-amn, am elected as a representative, and I leave the Seniors Party, I will seek a by-election. Please do throw this back at me if I ever lose all of my principles.

The Green Left Party may rebut this. It's very close to the federal election, after all- what's the point in making people vote twice? That is fair. But why do I ask this of them? Because if you leave your party, it's either because you have changed, or your party has. So in this case, I would guess the SDP has changed- they promised one thing, and did another. Except I haven't seen any public concern bought up about lack of action from environmental issues by the SDP, let alone the coalition issues. So, we have diagnosed the situation, what has happened, and the motives. Now we're left to ponder why.

In this micro-parliament of ours, where Lismore and Wagga Wagga are represented by the same MP, a single vote can and often does make all the difference. Most MPs do not care about local issues- what does local even mean with constituencies this large? They focus on the national. So, what is the solution? Australians must elect a new type of MP. If your local MP or Senator shows themselves to be a political opportunist, vote them out. If there is an alternate independent or minor party candidate in your electorate from the grassroots, vote them in. Put the opportunists and the power-hungry pollies last- elect a new type of politician come polling day.

Maybe this will teach them a lesson. Maybe some time out in the political winter will teach these jobless politicians the importance of principles and of sticking to what you promised voters. Or maybe it won't, and we can reject them again. Either way, Australians win.