Short-term Mps Cost Too Much
Sun Herald
Sunday October 19, 2008
ONE hospital almost cancels surgery because of a lack of sterilisation solution; another takes meat off the menu because it can't pay the butcher.
Schools need repairs. Train lines need building. Buses need buying.In NSW, money is short and needs are great.Yet yesterday we stumped up $1.2 million because four MPs, elected less than 20 months ago, decided their pact with their communities was not worth honouring.Perhaps that's a little harsh in the case of Rob Oakeshott, the former Port Macquarie MP who vacated his seat to contest, and win, a federal seat in the same area.Perhaps he made an assessment he could do more for his community as a federal MP.Or perhaps he just got sick of Sydney. Who knows.The fact remains: he made a deal with his community, in March 2007, to represent them in State Parliament for four years.The breaking of his promise was preceded by a similar breach of faith by the former federal MP for Lyne Mark Vaile, whose early departure gave Mr Oakeshott an opening.The cases of former premier Morris Iemma, his former deputy John Watkins and former health minister Reba Meagher are more clear cut.They should have swallowed their pride and sat on the backbench and worked hard to represent the best interests of the communities that honoured them with election.The mere fact that they were sick of it and wanted out is not good enough.No one would begrudge a parliamentarian an early leave pass in a case of genuine illness, misadventure or serious family trauma.But it's not good enough to walk merely because you fancy a change.By their nature, byelections are costly and distracting.And, in the cases we witnessed yesterday, not strictly necessary.It's time to make MPs who quit their posts early pay for the byelection.Parliament should be given the power to decide whether or not to give a free pass-out to MPs who want to go.The merits of their case should be decided by a full vote on the floor of the house.Otherwise, it's time for them to pick up the tab.
© 2008 Sun Herald