Independent perspective
a real representative
House of Representitives
Federal election 2025
Fairfax Electorate
Paul for Fairfax 2025
POLICIES ARE FOR PARTIES...
IDEAS ARE FOR INDEPENDENTS
"I think we can all safely say we are sick of the banal policies of Australia's major political parties. Each election cycle dredges up more of the same unimaginative promises which we know will never be kept, and the same glib talking points from politicians beholden to the party line and out of touch with the hopes and dreams of ordinary Australians."
THE ARTS
THE ARTS
Art and culture are very important to the fabric of civilised society.
Maybe I'm getting old, but does all our music sound American?...I grew up on Aussie rock and pop, and I miss it!
Our once incredible and edgy Aussie films seem to be disappearing too, and whilst our literary industry is prolific, our writers struggle to make a living out of their craft.
There is a sameness or a formula about much of our art these days, and our national creativity seems to be foundering.
Obviously well-directed government support helps, but I think there are a few key issues holding back the arts in Australia.
Firstly the consolidation of publishing and promotional power into larger corporate entities,
Secondly - the loss of grass-roots connections - like the pub for live music, and the freedom to use public spaces for the display of visual arts, ...and
Thirdly, I believe that at least some of our creativity has been stifled by our modern social narratives and political correctness.
Art is supposed to test us, challenge our thinking and our consciousness, and yes - sometimes even offend us.
If we become too precious about protecting people from insecurities and we don't encourage free and sometimes radically free thinking amongst our people, how can ever hope to find good artists and be rewarded with their vibrant art.
Freeing up our thinking, opening ourselves up to new ideas instead of the boring narrative we were taught by someone else, and allowing others around us that freedom too, is I think, a good way to start...and the good news is, it costs nothing!
We should also open up our public spaces to creative art, bring live music back into pubs and encourage local recording and publishing. When we see good Australian art in any form, which moves us, we should support it fully and generously and share it with each other.
Social media platforms like TikTok have actually been a surprising medium for art, and seem to be carrying the torch for the industry at the moment.
Social media is a great way for struggling creatives without money or status, to get their material out into the public, and to find their audience. Their posts, make us laugh, cry, rage and think....which is of course what art is for.
We should not be trying to restrict it.