It is less than a month until the next state election. One of the many candidates for this region reminded me recently - just in case I couldn't guess from the endless candidate press releases popping up in my email for several months now. One candidate makes a pledge for more money for something and then several other candidates offer similar, although slightly adjusted promises. There's generally a point of difference so we don't forget who promised what.
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There's been the promise of improved rail accessibility, better timetables - even support for a historic loop line. There are the educational promises. One candidate pledged to eliminate the backlog of maintenance in schools while another promised free skills education in TAFE if their government gained power. And of course there are the standard health promises. More nurses, doctors and generally better services is the cry from both key political parties - Liberal and Labor. There is also a pledge to never privatise (a point of difference).
Of course there are several other candidates, making promises, but who are we kidding here? We are going to be left with one of two parties in power at the top. However, there is always the chance that the representative in our own electorate could be different to either key party. That may not be a bad thing - at least they would have more chance of voting with their conscience, rather than having to take a party stand. The party in power may even show a little extra generosity to our electorates (Goulburn and Wollondilly electorates as is the case for Wingecarribee Shire residents) in the hope of winning voting favour.
Growing up, there was a term that would float around my parents' group of friends - 'gunna'. Everyone seemed to be nicknamed 'gunna' if they suggested they were 'gunna' do something. I think it is an appropriate term for many politicians and would-be politicians. They're all 'gunna' do this or that if elected. The question is why hasn't it already been done? Why did we only get $50m for Bowral and District Hospital (pledged prior to the last election) and another $15m (promised in the lead up to this election). This funding is by all means appreciated, but it is common knowledge that far more is needed to get our hospital (the only one in the Wollondilly electorate) to a standard that meets community expectations.
What about the Southern Highlands rail service. Timetables and accessibility have long been a problem, and also a pawn at election time - but nothing much has changed. Seriously don't promise what you are 'gunna' do, just do it. Actions speak louder than words.
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