but when Kate writes . .Finally, I want to be very clear that ultimately, as a Senator in the Labor Government I will be bound by Labor Caucus. position on the matter.. Makes you wonder if she has the balls to listen to the people and cross the floor or just be a puppet of chairman Rudd!

One of the major failings of our so called democratic system is the fact that both the Libs and Labor preselect their candidates, so if a candidate doesn't tow the (party) line, they lose preselection . what the electorate want doesn't come into it.

As a consequence we have main party pollies who tell us what the party wants, rather than carrying our wishes to the party. They have forgotten what the word 'representative' means.

Independants are better value because they rely on only the goodwill of their electors to remain in power*. Therefore they are more sensitive to the wishes of the people. Main parties hate independents or anyone that thinks for themselves. The Nats tried to bully Bob Katter, he went independant and hasn't looked back. He will have his seat til he retires or dies (or the party in Government redraw electoral boundries to disadvantage him a la Rosa le Long).

Most main party pollies are most interested in keeping their jobs, than representing their electorate, so must tow the party line. Takes a brave and confident standing MP to cross the party powerful.

Therefore our 'democracy' is essentially flawed anyway.

Good on Xenophon btw.

*Senator Fielding is a different kettle of fish as he only got his seat because Labor directed their preferences to him, because they preferred him over a Green's candidate. More than enough evidence that the ALP are much more right than left (or centre for that matter).
http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1344112&p=15#r290.