I am running as an independent for Berowra against Phillip Ruddock. After taking a while longer than hoped to develop my website I finally have gotten underway with my policies.

My policy entitled 'My vision for Australia and our system of government' is intended to set my overall direction but also includes actions that I would take if elected to establish a stronger foundation for our democracy. Amongst other things is the idea that election candidates would be able to register an election commitment with the AEC, which they would put on their website. They would also be able to, upon issue of the writs for the following election, report on how they had honoured that commitment. Whilst the voluntary nature might on first impression make this sound like a weak measure, I think in practice it would become standard that if a candidate wanted their commitment to be regarded as credible, they would have it so registered. It would become standard practice for a journalist to ask, in response to a commitment being stated by a candidate, whether they will have that commitment registered. It is a more formal way of putting things on the record and would help voters keep track of commitments made.

Anyhow, I would greatly welcome your comments on the policy, which can be made at this link.

Thanks - Matthew Benson

NHJ! (JR): No wukkas Matthew, and good luck with the stoush against Tampa Phil. (Spiffy website too, btw). NHJ! readers in Berowra especially should swizz over and browse yer Indy-man's democratic pitch, comment on his developing policies...and maybe even get involved as a volunteer.