cheers dkit........ given that the conservatives within the Libs aren't likely to recognise that they are not Liberals, let alone liberals, and follow the courageous example of genuine, self-confessed conservative, Cory Bernadi, and form a eponymous Con Party, its makes excellent sense, and a most appropriate suggestion for the moderates in each to form a Centrist Party. ..... or have the courage to become independents.
but party membership confers a much easier life for parliamentary candidates and MPs.... they get the chance to increase their pay scale, don't have to worry too much about elections because Aussies are generally lazy voters and vote according to Party leaders rather than learn about their own candidates. They also get a share of party donations for their election campaigns and access to more powerful positions.
imo, we need to restart Aus democracy from the constitutional beginnings where numerous independents and a broad range of smaller parties debated and voted according to national interest.
