Kate Burton

Last Sunday’s article regarding the soaring cost of political campaigning (“Political wannabes paying for privilege”, Sunday Tasmanian, October 4) provided a valuable insight into the way in which elections have become less about leadership and ideas, and more about how the three political parties buy popularity by throwing money at their campaign.

This might be fine for the Labor, Liberal and Greens parties, all of which have deep pockets and a vested interest in being allowed to campaign as they choose. But it’s not fine with voters who are sick of over-the-top election campaigns, cynical of politicians and suspicious of the degree to which donations might purchase political patronage. Nor is it fine for independent candidates who campaign on a shoestring and struggle to be heard over the Labor/Liberal/Greens media onslaught.

It’s quite remarkable that given their support for a review of spending, none of the political parties were willing to put a figure on an expenditure cap. Equally remarkable was the claim in the article by one candidate that he’s worn out three pairs of shoes during two months of part-time doorknocking. No wonder voters are cynical. Perhaps he just needs a decent pair of shoes.