There is a saying that the greatest argument against democracy is a five minute conversation with the average voter.
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The observation was made by legendary British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and you can just hear him savaging someone with the rejoinder.
Like most quotes that have passed into political parlance, it survives and is repeated because at its core is a truth about humanity.
Many of us would have had a conversation with someone who confuses a state election with federal issues and candidates or proudly says they won’t be voting at all.
Everyone has an opinion but many are often informed by half-truths, misunderstanding and confirmation bias.
One should always seek to gather as much information directly from the source and form their own opinion.
It is why Fairfax Tasmania’s 2018 Premier Debate is such a valuable opportunity for voters to hear firsthand from the two people aspiring to be the next premier of our state.
Fairfax Tasmania is pleased to bring the only two head-to-head debates between Premier Will Hodgman and Opposition Leader Rebecca White.
We held the first in Burnie last week and Launceston’s will be tomorrow night.
The location of the two debates is significant as 10 out of 15 government MHAs are based in Bass, Braddon and northern Lyons.
It is North and North-West Tasmania that delivered the Liberal Government at the 2014 election and both sides know the importance of these regions. Labor will need to pick up extra seats in these electorates to win the March 3 poll.
Therefore plans the major party leaders have for these regions and how they communicate them with voters will be a deciding factor in who forms government.
Despite a malcontent labeling, like a child on school holiday, Burnie’s debate “boring”, it was wonderful to see so many people engaged and interested in this election.
In particular, it was terrific to see so many young people, some of whom will be voting in their first election, in the audience in Burnie. More are registered for Launceston on Tuesday night.
Tasmanians will go to the polls in a little over a week’s time. Knowing where the major parties stand on key issues is vital in making an informed choice.
Even more important is knowing where the person aspiring to be the next premier of Tasmania sees our state heading.
Fairfax is offering a discussion on the key issues facing our state, and, in particular, our region, and how Mr Hodgman and Ms White would address them as premier.
What are their concrete plans and how will they achieve them?
To paraphrase another Churchill quote: democracy is the worst form of government ... except for all the others.
We are indeed fortunate that we can question our political leaders, hold them to account, disagree with them publicly - very loudly at times - and ultimately cast our opinion at the ballot box.
I encourage you to attend tomorrow’s event at the Launceston Country Club from 6.30pm or watch it online through our website or social media channels.
You will be presented with a passionate and genuine pitch from both would-be oremiers on their vision for Tasmania.
Whatever box you tick on March 3, do so being an above average voter, armed with the information from the next premier to make an informed decision.
- Mark Baker is Fairfax Tasmania managing editor.