Text-a-pollie

Five SMS questions for both Gallop and Barnett were selected by The Sunday Times and the answers published. I must say the results were unimpressive, especially from Colin Barnett. Lets take a look at what they actually said:

Question 1: "Abortion is legal and women have choice. Why do we have to go through this expensive and invasive procedure when "RU486" (Mifepristone) is available in other countries? What is your party's stance on abortion?"

Gallop: Don't look at me, its the Fed's job.

Barnett: "The issue of abortion was dealt with in the WA Parliament several years ago and members of Parliament then voted according to their conscience." (yes, thats all he said)

Question 2: "What will your government do for casual workers? Where are the rights for casual workers? I work for 38 hours a week as a casual, but miss out on benefits that full-time staff get."

Gallop: "My Government is conscious of the concerns of many casual workers." Now I'm going to drop a few numbers and then bash the Coalition.

Barnett: "The Coalition supports flexible working arrangements with appropriate safeguards for casual, part-time and full-time workers." (yes, thats all he said)

Question 3: "I am worried about children around backyard pools. What is your party's policy on pool fencing for older pools?"

Gallop: "Owners of pools pre-1992 have until December 17, 2006, to ensure their pool areas have self-closing, self-latching doors and barriers on windows in the adjoining building." Parents should be vigilant, because it's your fault if they die (insert more waffle).

Barnett: We recognise the importance of blah blah blah... (insert waffle)

Question 4: "Shouldn't it be compulsory for new homes to have rainwater tanks? Why can't more tanks be built, for streets or for people to build with government subsidies?"

Gallop: Saving water is important (insert number drop) (insert better future rhetoric)

Barnett: Rainwater tanks are silly for homes. My tanks for schools policy has a kinky alliteration name.

Question 5: "How can ash or humidity shut down our power system? Can't covers be built over telegraph poles or power stations? When will someone fix Toodyay's power problems? We always seem to suffer."

Gallop: Its all dust and humidity's fault, don't blame us. Western Power is fixing it but its a "big job", patience grasshopper. And our record is really good. I swear.

Barnett: I really have nothing to say, but it's all Labor's fault.

Disclaimer: My tongue is firmly in my cheek, Im just sick of rhetoric and pollies not taking the public seriously.