Can the Common Good really make a difference? 

Founding a political party, you are met with more than your fair share of naysayers. 

Can this party really succeed? Can a minor party really make a difference? Won’t I have more impact in a major party? Does politics really matter and can anyone make a difference anyway? 

I can’t deal with the depressing fatalism here, but will try to address the former contentions!

So… Can we succeed? 

Yes! There is no other political party in Australia that is pro-life and cares about the climate, while also being passionate about both religious freedom and refugees! 

These issues are not mutually exclusive and we have discovered that many share our views! We have a large potential demographic and no competition, so what could possibly go wrong? 

The Common Good hopes to attract LNP members frustrated with its climate, refugee, and life policies, and ALP members frustrated with its radical shift in social values - a position that is increasingly leaving those with traditional social views isolated and excluded. 

We sit in a unique space politically and draw from both left and right. We are pro-life for all of life, and our policies work for the flourishing of both the planet and human society. 

Now is our time!

How will we make a difference? 

The Common Good want to ensure that Australia is a place where all are welcome, both for now and for generations yet to be born. We intend to do this by championing the policies that work for the good of all: for families, for the climate and for those seeking safety. We also hope to improve political discourse and culture. Practically there are three ways we will do this:

1. Winning popularity and votes from the major parties to provide political incentive for policy change. 

We exist because the ALP and LNP have left a political chasm. If by gaining popularity we can incentivise the major parties to adopt some of our policies, that’s a great result for us. Just imagine a pro-climate and pro-refugee LNP, or an ALP genuinely committed to religious freedom! 

2. Winning Upper house seats to gain a ‘balance of power’ position that we can use to further our policies. 

Minor parties have a significant influence in Australia’s Upper Houses. This is particularly the case if we can achieve a ‘balance of power’ position. If we succeed in electing MPs, we can leverage this to achieve our policy aims. 

3. Demonstrating a better way to do politics. 

The Australian political discourse is broken. Facts and opposing views are constantly misrepresented, the way people speak is partisan, and communication consistently is disrespectful. Widespread allegations of sexual misconduct from federal MPs are also demonstrating a toxic internal culture of parliament in desperate need of reform. For Australian democracy to be vibrant, these things need to change and we are prepared to lead the way. 

Can a minor party make a difference? 

If you are wondering whether a minor party can make a difference, you need not look far. While the DLP and Australian Democrats both achieved significant impact during their time, most pertinent is the immense influence the Greens have had on Australian politics.

Over their short history, they have used their position to advocate for and drive radical social change in Australian society. They have also influenced both the ALP and Liberals, dragging them significantly left on social issues - the effect on the ALP has been particularly noticeable. 

Why not join a major party? 

This question probably deserves a full article and although it is possible to join a major party and have a positive impact, I will make the observation that there seems to be more in these parties drinking the koolaid (accepting party ideology) than spiking it. 

I’ll leave you with the thoughts of one of our members who briefly joined a major party before us. In his words, “I went to one meeting and realised that I’ve absolutely made the wrong decision.” He considered joining the other major party, but thought that “the amount of mental gymnastics and cognitive dissonance that it would require from me was just way too much.” You can try one if you must, but we’d rather save you the time! 

Help us make a difference!

We can succeed, but we need you to join us. Power in politics comes in numbers and from acting together. We haven’t reached the necessary 500-750 members for registration yet, so if you are reading this, we really need you! You can make a difference just by joining us, volunteering, or donating. You can sign up at www.commongoodparty.com.au, but if you want to know more about us you can also follow our Facebook page and join our Facebook discussion group.

I look forward to working with you towards the Common Good!