In today’s political landscape, bipartisanship is often dismissed as an outdated, naïve or unachievable, especially when what you might see of politics is a six second grab on the news from the theatre of Question Time. Yet, the health of our democracy depends on the ability of politicians to work across party lines. Bipartisanship—finding common ground between opposing ideologies—remains essential to addressing not only our region’s biggest challenges, but indeed, the nations.
Politics, after all, is deeply personal. Every representative, at every tier of Government bring their own styles to their respective roles, which can either foster collaboration or deepen divides. Some of us are well known for their ability to reach across the aisle, engaging with Members and Ministers opposite whilst maintaining core values. My style is largely rooted in common sense, pragmatism & empathy which creates space for compromise. Conversely, there are some with more combative or uncompromising styles who will often struggle to build bridges or relationships with those opposite, which can lead to gridlock rather than progress.
My style is recognised by Labor Government Ministers not only accepting my invitations to visit the region, but also being invited to participate in their schedule. It’s being illustrated by the ability to facilitate Parliament House meetings with our regions key stakeholders and industry bodies, and the ability to have “hallway conversations” with Ministers to get practical action on issues that need a swift resolution.
This also extends to the three tiers of government being able to work collaboratively together, but again, it comes down to each individual personality. Some can work around opposing ideologies in a professional manner, and some simply cannot, or will not, which is a shame.
Historically, many of the country’s greatest legislative achievements were the result of bipartisan cooperation, but after ten years of a Labor Government in Victoria, this is getting harder. However, we can recognise that compromise doesn’t mean surrendering principles. Rather, it involves balancing individual styles of leadership with a commitment to the future of our region. Politicians at every tier who embrace a collaborative style understand that progress requires dialogue, negotiation, and, ultimately, the ability to deliver long term progress for our individual communities.
Today, bipartisanship is needed more than ever to address complex issues, and it requires politicians with the right temperament and style to build trust across ideological lines. The ability to listen, show respect, and remain open to negotiation is crucial. In the past two weeks I’ve managed meetings and discussions with ten Ministers, getting actions on issues that you will never hear about, so I am proving to myself, that when you are clearly focused on the community rather than the individual, you can shift the outcome, despite being told for years that those in opposition can never deliver. It is simply untrue.
In the end, our democracy thrives when political leaders, through both their actions and their personal style, choose to prioritise the common good over party politics.
In today’s political landscape, bipartisanship is often dismissed as an outdated, naïve or unachievable, especially when what you might see of politics is a six second grab on the news from the theatre of Question Time. Yet, the health of our democracy depends on the ability of politicians to work across party lines. Bipartisanship—finding common ground between opposing ideologies—remains essential to addressing not only our region’s biggest challenges, but indeed, the nations.
Politics, after all, is deeply personal. Every representative, at every tier of Government bring their own styles to their respective roles, which can either foster collaboration or deepen divides. Some of us are well known for their ability to reach across the aisle, engaging with Members and Ministers opposite whilst maintaining core values. My style is largely rooted in common sense, pragmatism & empathy which creates space for compromise. Conversely, there are some with more combative or uncompromising styles who will often struggle to build bridges or relationships with those opposite, which can lead to gridlock rather than progress.
My style is recognised by Labor Government Ministers not only accepting my invitations to visit the region, but also being invited to participate in their schedule. It’s being illustrated by the ability to facilitate Parliament House meetings with our regions key stakeholders and industry bodies, and the ability to have “hallway conversations” with Ministers to get practical action on issues that need a swift resolution.
This also extends to the three tiers of government being able to work collaboratively together, but again, it comes down to each individual personality. Some can work around opposing ideologies in a professional manner, and some simply cannot, or will not, which is a shame.
Historically, many of the country’s greatest legislative achievements were the result of bipartisan cooperation, but after ten years of a Labor Government in Victoria, this is getting harder. However, we can recognise that compromise doesn’t mean surrendering principles. Rather, it involves balancing individual styles of leadership with a commitment to the future of our region. Politicians at every tier who embrace a collaborative style understand that progress requires dialogue, negotiation, and, ultimately, the ability to deliver long term progress for our individual communities.
Today, bipartisanship is needed more than ever to address complex issues, and it requires politicians with the right temperament and style to build trust across ideological lines. The ability to listen, show respect, and remain open to negotiation is crucial. In the past two weeks I’ve managed meetings and discussions with ten Ministers, getting actions on issues that you will never hear about, so I am proving to myself, that when you are clearly focused on the community rather than the individual, you can shift the outcome, despite being told for years that those in opposition can never deliver. It is simply untrue.
In the end, our democracy thrives when political leaders, through both their actions and their personal style, choose to prioritise the common good over party politics.
