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The Democrats core values transcend individuals

By Andrew Bartlett - posted Tuesday, 24 October 2006


Senator Stott Despoja’s announcement, rather than being another “nail in the coffin”, serves to highlight the work that the Senate team has done and the role that the Democrats have played in Australian politics. Her announcement provides an opportunity to focus the public mind on the need to maintain that important role, and what is at risk of being lost.

The decision Senator Stott Despoja has made not to run for another term because of family considerations is understandable. As the parent of a young child I can very much empathise with the difficulties of being continually away from home. Of course, this is not unique to politicians - conflicting work and family responsibilities are faced by many parents. Balancing these competing responsibilities is immensely hard in some situations, meaning that tough decisions sometimes have to be made.

But tough decisions have to be made in the parliament too and it is here that Senator Stott Despoja has contributed a great deal to the Democrats and the country over her 11-year tenure. I have witnessed first hand her journey into and through the Senate and her unique talents have always been obvious. She has promoted the party’s ethos, pursued its core values in the Senate, and has improved legislation for the betterment of all Australians. She has also been very good at getting this message out to where it counts - the Australian community.

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It would be a shame if in 2008 Senator Stott Despoja’s milestones as the youngest female Senator and longest serving Democrat Senator were just historical footnotes accompanying a deceased party. Whether or not this happens will be determined by Australian voters. They will assess the key questions of whether our country once again needs a Senate independent of the government, and whether we need to keep what the Democrats stand for and the role the party plays. I'll certainly do everything possible to convince them to give positive answers to those questions, and I'm confident in their judgment.

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About the Author

Andrew Bartlett has been active in politics for over 20 years, including as a Queensland Senator from 1997-2008. He graduated from University of Queensland with a degree in social work and has been involved in a wide range of community organisations and issues, including human rights, housing, immigration, Indigneous affairs, environment, animal rights and multiculturalism. He is a member of National Forum. He blogs at Bartlett's Blog.

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