In this age of blogs it is very easy for politicians to interact with the people they represent. Blogging presents an opportunity for a bit of old fashioned grass-roots politics where voters actually get a lend of their politicians’ ears. Very few Australian politicians currently blog, and it’s doubtful that some of those blogs actually qualify as blogs anyway. But hopefully the several decent pollie blogs will inspire other politicians to start a genuine blog and a dialogue with their constituents, although nothing will inspire them more than an active readership. So for your reading pleasure (and your democratic duty) here’s a review of the six Australian pollie blogs that I’m aware of. If I’ve missed any could you please note the URL in comments and I’ll add them to this review.
Arguably the best pollie blog in Australia from Democrats Queensland Senator Andrew Bartlett. Updated frequently with content written specifically for the blog as opposed to simply cross-posted media releases. Posts are long and allow readers to understand Andrew’s navigation through his decision making process. Comments are welcome and Andrew sometimes responds directly to them. This is a place for actual dialogue and debate — a model for the interaction between politicians and the community that all politicians should aspire to.
2) Radio Kate
A close second to The Bartlett Diaries, Labor ACT Senator Kate Lundy podcasts regular interviews and issues discussions along with transcripts and related links. Comments are welcome and Kate occasionally dives in and responds.
The Labor MLC for the NSW state parliament blogs with reasonable frequency on state matters. Most posts seem to be written specifically for the blog. There don’t seem to be many comments on the site but I’m sure that’s just a matter of traffic. Hopefully more NSW residents will head on over and visit.
4) Gordon Moyes
A Christian Democrat MLC in the NSW state parliament, Gordon blogs about a wide range of issues in addition to posting speeches and press releases. Again, not a lot of comments but hopefully his traffic will increase.
The high profile Liberal MP runs a comprehensive website, although his “blog” is updated infrequently and doesn’t allow comments. Early posts were mostly about his dogs but now he’s expanded the scope to politics and related issues.
6) Joe Hockey
The pollie blog wooden spoon goes to Liberal MP Joe Hockey who seems to have spent a nice chunk of electorate allowance on spanky web design in order to post cuddly pictures of himself and write posts from the perspective of his cat. At least he allows comments. Pathetic.
7) Steve Fielding
(Thanks to reader Jezza)
Victorian Family First Senator Steve Fielding posts fairly regular “video news” blogs on his comprehensive website. They consist mostly of home video posts with some scripted news style stuff. Unfortunately there is no facility for comments.
8) Carlo Carli MP
(Thanks to Andrew Bartlett)
It’s a bit embarrassing that I missed this one since Carlo Carli is my MP in the Victorian parliament. Although he seems to rely heavily on media releases for blog content it’s great to see that comments are accepted.
