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SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s governing party chief expressed support Friday for suspending the constitutional powers of President Yoon Suk Yeol for imposing martial law this week, in a bombshell reversal that makes Yoon’s impeachment more likely. Opposition parties are pushing for a parliamentary vote on Yoon’s impeachment on Saturday, calling his short-lived martial law declaration an “unconstitutional, illegal rebellion or coup.” But they need support from some members of the president’s People Power Party to get the two-thirds majority required to pass the impeachment motion. The turmoil resulting from Yoon’s nighttime martial law decree has frozen South Korean politics and caused worry among neighbors, including fellow democracy Japan, and Seoul’s top ally, the United States, as one of the strongest democracies in Asia faces a political crisis that could unseat its leader. During a party meeting, PPP leader Han Dong-hun stressed the need to suspend Yoon’s presidential duties and power swiftly, saying he poses a “significant risk of extreme actions, like reattempting to impose martial law, which could potentially put the Republic of Korea and its citizens in great danger.” Han said he had received intelligence that Yoon had ordered the country’s defense counterintelligence commander to arrest and detain unspecified key politicians based on accusations of “anti-state activities” when martial law was in force. “It’s my judgment that an immediate suspension of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s official duties is necessary to protect the Republic of Korea and its people,” Han said. Impeaching Yoon would require support from 200 of the National Assembly’s 300 members. The opposition parties that jointly brought the impeachment motion have 192 seats combined. PPP has 108 lawmakers. If Yoon is impeached, he would be suspended until the Constitutional Court rules on whether to remove him from office or restore his presidential power. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, the country’s No. 2 official, would take over presidential responsibilities. The Defense Ministry said it suspended the defense counterintelligence commander, Yeo In-hyung, who Han alleged had received orders from Yoon to detain the politicians. The ministry also suspended Lee Jin-woo, commander of the capital defense command, and Kwak Jong-geun, commander of the special warfare command, over their involvement in enforcing martial law. In a closed-door briefing to lawmakers, Hong Jang-won, first deputy director of South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, said Yoon called after imposing martial law and ordered him to help the defense counterintelligence unit to detain key politicians. The targeted politicians included Han, opposition leader Lee Jae-myung and National Assembly speaker Woo Won Shik, said Kim Byung-kee, one of the lawmakers who attended the meeting. Kim said Hong told lawmakers he ignored Yoon’s orders. The spy agency’s director, Cho Taeyong, questioned Hong’s account. Cho told reporters that such an order would have come to him, rather than Hong, and that he never received any orders from Yoon to detain politicians. Han earlier said he would work to defeat the impeachment motion even though he criticized Yoon’s martial law declaration as “unconstitutional.” Han said there was a need to “prevent damage to citizens and supporters caused by unprepared chaos.” Thousands of protesters have marched in the streets of Seoul since Wednesday, calling for Yoon to resign and be investigated. Thousands of autoworkers and other members of the Korean Metal Workers’ Union, one of the country’s biggest umbrella labor groups, have started hourly strikes since Thursday to protest Yoon. The union said its members will start on indefinite strikes beginning on Dec. 11 if Yoon was still in office then. Vice Defense Minister Kim Seon Ho promised the ministry’s “active cooperation” with an investigation by prosecutors into the military’s role in Yoon’s martial law enforcement. He said military prosecutors will also be involved in the investigation. He denied media speculation that Yoon and his military confidantes might consider imposing martial law a second time. “Even if there’s a demand to enforce martial law, the Defense Ministry and the Joint Chiefs of Staff will absolutely not accept it,” Kim said. Kim became the acting defense minister after Yoon’s office on Thursday accepted the resignation of Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, who has also been banned from traveling while he is investigated over the imposition of martial law. Opposition parties and Han allege that it was Kim Yong Hyun who recommended that Yoon declare martial law. During a parliamentary hearing on Thursday, Kim Seon Ho said Kim Yong Hyun also ordered troops to be deployed to the National Assembly after Yoon imposed martial law. Han leads a minority faction within the ruling party, and 18 lawmakers in his faction voted with opposition lawmakers to overturn Yoon’s martial law decree. Martial law ultimately lasted about six hours, after its quick overrule by the National Assembly forced Yoon’s Cabinet to lift it before daybreak Wednesday. The main liberal opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung said in a televised speech Friday that it was crucial to suspend Yoon as “quickly as possible.” Lee said Yoon’s martial law enforcement amounted to “rebellion and also a self-coup.” He said Yoon’s move caused serious damage to the country’s image and paralyzed foreign policy, pointing to criticism from the Biden administration and foreign leaders canceling their visits to South Korea. Yoon has made no immediate response to Han’s comments. He hasn’t made public appearances since he made a televised announcement that his martial law decree was lifted. Prosecutor General Shim Woo Jung told reporters the prosecution plans to investigate rebellion charges against Yoon following complaints filed by the opposition. While the president mostly has immunity from prosecution while in office, the protection does not extend to allegations of rebellion or treason. It wasn’t immediately clear how the prosecution plans to proceed with an investigation on Yoon. The Democratic Party is also considering filing a complaint against PPP floor leader Choo Kyung-ho, whom the opposition party accuse of attempting to facilitate Yoon’s martial law enforcement. Choo, a Yoon loyalist, had asked party lawmakers to convene at the party’s headquarters rather than the National Assembly after martial law began. That meant fewer lawmakers were present for parliament’s vote on lifting martial law.Ukrainian newcomers will soon have two new places to call home in Guelph and Wellington County. Volunteer group Waterloo Region Grassroots Response to the Ukrainian Crisis has announced it is ready to open two new Ukrainian Guest houses in Guelph and Elora later this month – its first locations in both areas. Grassroots founder Stephanie Goertz said the homes are used to house Ukrainian newcomers who aren’t considered refugees and don’t receive as much support from the federal government. “The benefit of our houses is they not only provide an opportunity for people who really have a lack of money to rent their own or can’t find a landlord willing to rent to them because they don’t have a job or a credit history, it really allows these newcomers to build the social connections to need to be much more successful in Canada,” said Goertz in an interview. Grassroots’ newest property in Guelph/Eramosa was found thanks to a connection from the Rotary Club, which had a member with property available that he wanted to offer the group to “help and support displaced Ukrainians.” The location is set to open in the next couple of weeks as it needs “a couple of small renovations” including painting and new flooring. Located five minutes south of Elora, Goertz said the owners of the Centre Wellington property reached out to them after seeing a press release online several months ago and since their tenant was moving out decided they wanted to “use their property to help others.” “We are always seeking out landlords and property owners that have properties available,” said Goertz. “And the property owners themselves want to give back. They want to help newcomers, and they want to work with us in a collaborative way. So we’re always looking for those landlords.” The group is currently working to get its Elora location ready for a family with a mother, teenage daughter and dog, who are set to arrive later this week. As some of the other houses couldn’t support a family with a pet, Goertz said the Elora property came at “the perfect time” as the group has been working for the last two weeks to figure out where to settle this family. “Right now, the house is completely empty- we’re still getting in and cleaning,” said Goetz. “But over the next day or two, we’ll have everyone setting up the house with dishes, bedding, towels, soap, hygiene items and all that stuff for the welcome.” Outside of housing, Goertz said one of the best ways to support the group is through employment opportunities. The group is currently looking to connect with employers in Guelph or Elora that might have a job for one of their newcomers. “Right now we are desperately calling as many as possible this week to find companies who would be willing to talk with us about hiring Ukrainian newcomers,” said Goertz. “We would love to, in the next week, find at least two or three companies and then connect them with the people that need employment so that when we move those people into the house,...they have everything they need and then it gets them on their feet.” Grassroots is also currently looking for financial support as it’s anticipated more newcomers will be directed their way once government support is cut off in March. 2025 and they want to continue helping new families and providing their existing support beyond the deadline. “Our operational budget is quite extensive. So, yes, we want to keep expanding. Yes, want to keep helping people, but we need the financial support because if we don’t get the financial support, then we close,” said Goertz. “And right now we can’t really close because there’s no other groups that are really doing what we’re doing for Ukrainian newcomers.” This help continues to be important for newcomers like Lyudmila Chentsova, who arrived in Roseville last spring with her sons after connecting with a host family through Grassroots- passport in hand, two weeks before her flight to Canada was planned. Since arriving in Canada, Chentsova has found employment and reunited with her husband in Canada thanks to Grassroots and continues to volunteer with the group in the hopes she can be “useful” to the community. “I was so happy when I heard from Grassroots,” said Chentsova. “This has been a big help for me and for my family.” Any donations and/or inquiries should be directed towards Grassroots’ website: Isabel Buckmaster is the Local Journalism Initiative reporter for GuelphToday. LJI is a federally-funded program.SHAREHOLDER INVESTIGATION: Halper Sadeh LLC Investigates ALTR, SASR, AUB, CYTH on Behalf of Shareholders
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WHAT a week in the future jewel of the Asia-Pacific. The city gained international headlines around the Rising Tide protestival set up at Foreshore Park. It sure was hard to get a park at the dog beach on Horseshoe Road, now that it's permanently a #vanlife joint. That lack of parking may partly explain a red kelpie doing a number two on the top deck of the Newcastle Ocean Baths last Thursday morning. I remain scarred. Login or signup to continue reading Dogs in and around both ocean baths remain an irritation that gets up my goat. Or maybe it's on my goat. Anyhow, it does something to my goat and it's not good. Although my goat never did mind dogs inside Carro's wonderfully unique Cafe Inu. Another thing that upsets my various goats is "Newy". Last Saturday, Peter Mullins of Rankin Park wrote to this masthead about Newcastle being called Newy ("It's Newcastle, never 'Newy'", Letters, 23/11). Not that old chestnut. Again. Mullins pointed out that an "advertisement promoting the Newcastle Airport ends with the words "that's the Newy way". He wrote that was "offensive and embarrassing to all the people that have grown up in this town and proud to call Newcastle home", and that he "was sure the majority of all Novocastrians have had enough of this woke mentality and demanded that our town not be disrespected in such a way, and would always remain and be referred to as Newcastle". I wasn't sure if Mullins was having a lend. But if he wasn't, I doubt he would be appreciative of the rhyming slang some locals use for Rankin Park. A few things come to mind from Mr Mullins' letter. Newy is not a town. It's a city. Keep calling it a town and we'll continue to get treated by Sydney as a place where yokels tie their horse and buggy up outside the Newy post office and queue to use a fax machine. And I thought Newcastle Airport might be broke rather than woke. "Woke" has become the go-to word to indicate "everything I don't like", such as unisex toilets and library books. Clearly, calling Newy "Newy" still irritates some people. For a place whose residents often like to view their city as a relaxed Shangri-La, there are some uptight shenanigans doing the rounds. There's something liberating about calling this fine city "Newy". It certainly isn't elegant or sophisticated. It's more the linguistic equivalent of kicking off your heels after a tough day and then swigging down a cold one. It is a tradition, a reflex, a state of being. And if that offends the purists, the pearl-clutching custodians of proper nouns, or those with stiff upper lips (be they enhanced by moustache, filler or both), I say this: good. And that's because Newy is not just a name. It's a vibe, a rallying cry for a city that knows exactly what it is and, more importantly, what it isn't. We're not yet a bloated and preening Sydney, draped in gaudy harbourside bling. We're not Melbourne, sipping $12 cold brew coffees while debating whether Collingwood really exists. Newy doesn't need to pretend. It knows its worth. It's where surfboards lean against utes and the only dress code is whatever was once clean and goes with double pluggers. Gatekeepers of high culture sneer at "Newy". To them it's an affront to Newcastle's proud heritage. These are the same people who can't visit a pub without noting the absence of a truffle aioli option on the $20 schnitty board. "Newy" is not a slight. It's a badge of honour. It rolls off the tongue like an old joke you've heard a thousand times but still makes you laugh. It mightn't impress, but it creates a shared belonging. That's the point. And on the subject of authenticity, let's get one thing straight: Newy doesn't deserve its gorgeous moniker. It earned it. You can't just slap a casual epithet on any old municipality and expect it to stick. No one's calling Canberra "Canny" or Perth "Perthy", because they don't have the grit, soul, and sheer charm of our gorgeous city. Newy is as unpretentious as the city itself. It's a name that invites you to come as you are, but best you leave your airs and graces elsewhere. And btw, it's always Newy, never Newie. Newy. It's scrappy. It's cheeky. It's imperfect. It's annoying to some. It's home. And if you still don't like it, well, you can bugger off to Melby. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. 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Dublin, Dec. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Electric Tractor Market by Power Output, Battery Type, Application, End-user Type, Design Type, Charging Infrastructure, Technology, Component Type, Size and Weight, Attachment Compatibility, Pricing Model, Distribution Channel - Global Forecast 2025-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Electric Tractor Market grew from USD 780.89 million in 2023 to USD 902.16 million in 2024. It is expected to continue growing at a CAGR of 16.14%, reaching USD 2.22 billion by 2030. Key factors influencing market growth include advancements in battery technology, increasing government incentives, and the rising awareness of sustainable farming practices. The latest opportunities arise from the integration of smart farming technologies, such as IoT and AI, which enhance precision farming when coupled with electric tractors. Significant investment in R&D presents a clear path to optimize battery life and charging infrastructure, encouraging further industry adoption. However, challenges such as high initial costs, limited range due to battery capacity, and a lack of established charging infrastructure create barriers for widespread adoption. Areas ripe for innovation include the development of swappable battery systems, enhancement of solar charging capabilities, and the incorporation of autonomous navigation technology. The market is inherently dynamic, influenced by technological innovations, legislative policies, and consumer preferences. It demands continuous adaptation and research to develop cost-effective solutions that meet the efficiency required by modern farming practices. Emphasis on developing reliable and extensive servicing networks can further bolster consumer confidence and facilitate smoother transitions from conventional to electric systems. Understanding Market Dynamics in the Electric Tractor Market The Electric Tractor Market is rapidly evolving, shaped by dynamic supply and demand trends. These insights provide companies with actionable intelligence to drive investments, develop strategies, and seize emerging opportunities. A comprehensive understanding of market dynamics also helps organizations mitigate political, geographical, technical, social, and economic risks while offering a clearer view of consumer behavior and its effects on manufacturing costs and purchasing decisions. Market Drivers Increased fuel prices driving the search for cost-effective alternatives like electric tractors Expansion of the electric vehicle charging infrastructure supporting broader electric tractor usage Escalating concerns surrounding emission reductions fostering electric vehicle adoption in agriculture Market Restraints Identifying potential setbacks that could affect the growth trajectory of electric tractor sales Market hurdles and perceptions impacting the commercial success of electric tractors among farmers Exploring obstacles that represent significant challenges for electric tractor manufacturers and vendors Market Opportunities Cost benefits over time appealing to small and medium-sized farmers transitioning to electric tractors Collaborations between agricultural businesses and technology firms fostering innovation in electric tractors Increasing consumer demand for sustainable farming practices boosting electric tractor adoption Market Challenges The fluctuating market demands and its implications on the supply chain for electric tractors Exploring the competitive pricing strategies of diesel tractors versus electric models Examining battery limitations and the impact on the range and efficiency of electric tractors Key Company Profiles The report delves into recent significant developments in the Electric Tractor Market, highlighting leading vendors and their innovative profiles. These include AGCO Corporation, Alke s.r.l., AutoNxt Automation Pvt. Ltd., Caterpillar Inc., Cellestial E-Mobility Private Limited, Changzhou Dongfeng Agricultural Machinery Group Co., Ltd., CLAAS KGaA mbH, CNH Industrial N.V, Cummins Inc., Deere and company, J.C.Bamford Excavators Limited, Kubota Corporation, Mahindra and Mahindra Limited, Monarch Tractor, Motivo Engineering, MTZ Equipment Ltd., PROXECTO ENGINEERING SERVICES, Solectrac Inc., Sonalika Group, Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd., and Ztractor Inc. The report provides a detailed overview of the market, exploring several key areas: Market Penetration: A thorough examination of the current market landscape, featuring comprehensive data from leading industry players and analyzing their reach and influence across the market. Market Development: The report identifies significant growth opportunities in emerging markets and assesses expansion potential within established segments, providing a roadmap for future development. Market Diversification: In-depth coverage of recent product launches, untapped geographic regions, significant industry developments, and strategic investments reshaping the market landscape. Competitive Assessment & Intelligence: A detailed analysis of the competitive landscape, covering market share, business strategies, product portfolios, certifications, regulatory approvals, patent trends, technological advancements, and innovations in manufacturing by key market players. Product Development & Innovation: Insight into groundbreaking technologies, R&D efforts, and product innovations that will drive the market in future. Additionally, the report addresses key questions to assist stakeholders in making informed decisions: What is the current size of the market, and how is it expected to grow? Which products, segments, and regions present the most attractive investment opportunities? What are the prevailing technology trends and regulatory factors influencing the market? How do top vendors rank regarding market share and competitive positioning? What revenue sources and strategic opportunities guide vendors' market entry or exit decisions? Key Attributes: Key Topics Covered: 1. Preface 2. Research Methodology 3. Executive Summary 4. Market Overview 5. Market Insights 5.1. Market Dynamics 5.2. Market Segmentation Analysis 5.3. Porter's Five Forces Analysis 5.4. PESTLE Analysis 6. Electric Tractor Market, by Power Output 6.1. Introduction 6.2. Higher HP (Commercial Agriculture) 6.3. Lower HP (Nature of Farming) 6.4. Medium HP (Mixed Purpose) 7. Electric Tractor Market, by Battery Type 7.1. Introduction 7.2. Lead-Acid 7.3. Lithium-Ion 7.4. Nickel-Metal Hydride 8. Electric Tractor Market, by Application 8.1. Introduction 8.2. Hobby Farming 8.3. Horticulture 8.4. Ranch Management 8.5. Specialty Farming 9. Electric Tractor Market, by End-User Type 9.1. Introduction 9.2. Agricultural Cooperatives 9.3. Government Entities 9.4. Individual Farmers 9.5. Research Institutes 10. Electric Tractor Market, by Design Type 10.1. Introduction 10.2. Four-Wheel Drive 10.3. Track 10.4. Two-Wheel Drive 11. Electric Tractor Market, by Charging Infrastructure 11.1. Introduction 11.2. Home Charging Solutions 11.3. Public Charging Stations 12. Electric Tractor Market, by Technology 12.1. Introduction 12.2. Autonomous Operation 12.3. Smart Grid Compatibility 12.4. Telematics Integration 13. Electric Tractor Market, by Component Type 13.1. Introduction 13.2. Battery Packs 13.3. Controllers 13.4. Motors 13.5. Wheels & Tires 14. Electric Tractor Market, by Size and Weight 14.1. Introduction 14.2. Heavy Duty 14.3. Lightweight 14.4. Standard 15. Electric Tractor Market, by Attachment Compatibility 15.1. Introduction 15.2. Mowers 15.3. Seeders 15.4. Standard Plows 16. Electric Tractor Market, by Pricing Model 16.1. Introduction 16.2. Leasing 16.3. Purchase 17. Electric Tractor Market, by Distribution Channel 17.1. Introduction 17.2. Dealerships 17.3. Direct Sales 17.4. Online Platforms 18. Americas Electric Tractor Market 19. Asia-Pacific Electric Tractor Market 20. Europe, Middle East & Africa Electric Tractor Market 21. Competitive Landscape 21.1. Market Share Analysis, 2023 21.2. FPNV Positioning Matrix, 2023 21.3. Competitive Scenario Analysis 21.3.1. TAFE Launches Electric Tractor and Showcases Hydrogen Range 21.3.2. Murugappa Firm Buys Remaining 30% in Cellestial E-Mobility 21.3.3. Monarch Tractor and CNH Industrial Announce Next Phase of Technical Licensing Agreement 21.4. Strategy Analysis & Recommendation For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/w4fczz About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Electric Tractor Market
Former President Obama promoted ‘pluralism’ during a speech at the Obama Foundation's Democracy Forum. Conservatives on social media blasted former President Obama after his first speech since the presidential election in which he lamented polarization in politics. During a speech Thursday at the Obama Foundation's Democracy Forum, Obama made the case that if "one side" attempts to cement "a permanent grip on power" through "suppressing votes," "politicizing" the military or weaponizing the judiciary and criminal justice system to target opponents, "a line has been crossed." "Pluralism is not about holding hands and singing ‘Kumbaya,’" Obama said. "It is not about abandoning your convictions and folding when things get tough. It is about recognizing that, in a democracy, power comes from forging alliances and building coalitions and making room in those coalitions not only for the woke, but the waking. "Purity tests are not a recipe for long-term success." ‘DEPORTER-IN-CHIEF’ OBAMA SURPASSED DEPORTATIONS UNDER TRUMP’S FIRST TERM Former President Obama and President-elect Trump (AP Images) Obama’s speech quickly drew strong criticism from conservatives. "It’s over for Obama," journalist Miranda Devine posted on X . "The spell is broken. Donald Trump vanquished him, Biden, Harris, the Bushes, the Cheneys. All of them, with a spring in his step." "Ever since his last minute desperate smear of Trump with the ‘very fine people on both sides’ lie, Barack Obama has been slowing realizing his status as false prophet of the Democrat party is no more," conservative radio host Buck Sexton posted on X. EAGLES' JALEN HURTS WOULDN'T GOLF WITH OBAMA AND MADE A DISPUTED EXCUSE WHY: 'HE DIDN'T WANT THESE PROBLEMS' Former President Obama during the Obama Foundation's 2024 Democracy Forum Dec. 5, 2024, in Chicago. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) "Obama turned our politics into ‘if you disagree with me, you are a bad person,’" Republican communicator Matt Whitlock posted on X . "Few people did more to pave the way for Trump. So he can take a seat." "By voting in a democratic election, millions of people proved they hate democracy," author Jon Gabriel posted on X . "Yes, this Obama fellow is quite the intellect." CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP President-elect Trump waves at UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden Nov. 16, 2024, in New York, with Kid Rock, Dana White and Elon Musk. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) "Setting aside the unbelievable hypocrisy here, this is also the guy who’s launching a project to lessen our political divisions. Being the problem — way up on his high horse, looking down disappointedly at the unwashed masses — while publicly lamenting the problem is peak Obama," Fox News contributor Guy Benson posted on X. Obama, in his remarks, insisted he is "convinced that if we want democracy as we understand it to survive," people must work for a renewed dedication to pluralist principles. "Because the alternative is what we've seen here in the United States and in many democracies around the globe. Not just more gridlock. Not just public cynicism. But an increasing willingness" among "politicians and their followers to violate democratic norms. To do anything they can to get their way. To use the power of the state to target critics and journalists and political rivals and to even resort to violence" to obtain and retain power. Fox News Digital's Alex Nitberg contributed to this report Andrew Mark Miller is a reporter at Fox News. Find him on Twitter @andymarkmiller and email tips to AndrewMark.Miller@Fox.com.With the 47th Parliament now in its final sitting week of 2024, the government is aiming to amend the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 - laws core to Australian democracy, as they regulate House and Senate elections and call for members of Parliament to be "directly chosen by the people". or signup to continue reading Following the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters' inquiry into the 2022 election, the government chose to focus on some of the Committee's recommendations - including introducing gift caps, expedited disclosure of gifts and reducing the 'disclosure threshold' to $1000. While on their face these measures improve some aspects of our democracy, they also happen to further strengthen the major parties' advantage over the smaller parties and independents in running election campaigns. This is because of potential loopholes, including exemptions for what constitutes a gift, the $90 million major party expenditure limit, the $11 million expenditure cap for associated entities like the ACTU or Advance, and the $30,000 administration fund for each MP. ACT Senator David Pocock has queried these loopholes and the haste in which the government is attempting to rush them through Parliament without further scrutiny. Bolstering the major parties with initiatives of this sort is part of why many electors are cynical about the party system producing good policy. The need for electoral reform is clear but the government has prioritised maintaining structures that embed major party domination in Australia's Parliament rather than ensuring fair processes for all candidates. It is not that the major party system is inherently problematic - it's the way the major parties exercise power that is causing concern - and may indeed be one of the reasons why, as Bill Shorten noted in his valedictory speech last week, that young people currently feel that politics disenfranchises, disengages and dismisses them. It's not only young people. At a November 15 press conference, Don Farrell, Minister of State responsible for the Electoral Act amendments said: "What these changes will do is take big money out of Australian politics. It will strengthen our democracy. The Westminster system has served Australia federally very well for the last 125 years." But has the Westminster system served well over the last 125 years? If we look at the composition of the 47th Parliament, we still do not have equal numbers of women and there are many other spheres in which our Parliament is far from representative. Importantly, the demands of parliamentary life, its pressure-cooker existence and lengthy sittings in Canberra, mostly away from those near and dear, is not conducive to representatives leading healthy balanced lives or to a healthy democracy. There is little evidence that the culture of Parliament has improved. In the first Parliamentary Workplace Support Service there were 339 complaints between October 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024 with 30 of them of serious wrongdoing, including rape, sexual assault and harassment. One way, and not the only way, to improve the quality of our democracy and the quality of Parliament as a workplace, is to embrace the initiative of Lucy Bradlow and Bronwen Bock who are running as a job-share Senate candidate for Victoria at the next federal election. A job-share candidature enables people who would not otherwise consider running for politics because of its full-time demands to share the role with another person of similar skills and capacity and with whom they share similar values and work style. In Lucy and Bronwen's case, two highly capable women, one a finance professional, governance expert and gender equality consultant and mother of three, the other a lawyer and communications specialist who has worked in Parliament House, propose to share the role by working one week on, one week off, but other job sharers could determine completely different arrangements. Their trail-blazing initiative has the potential to model a new form of representation and thus diversify the range of people present in Parliament and help to regenerate our democracy. It would help to take ego out of representation and would provide a working example of teaming together to provide the best outcome for those represented. For the job sharers, it would allow them to be both a representative and also to tend to their other commitments of family, health and wellbeing, and living a more rounded, balanced life. It would thus strengthen our democracy. While the Electoral Commission has publicly announced it does not see such a nomination as valid, the ACT Women's Legal Service and I will be acting on the job-sharing candidate's behalf, to argue that it is currently allowed under the Electoral Act and that it would be unconstitutional to not allow "the people" to choose to vote for them. Ultimately, the job-sharing candidate must convince the voters they are the best candidate as their single candidate, exercising only one vote, and sharing the power as a single representative in Parliament. Indeed, perhaps someone like Gavin Pearce, retiring Braddon Liberal MHR from Tasmania, may have considered not retiring at the end of this 47th Parliament if he had been able to find someone with whom he could job-share, and convince his voters that together, each of them part-time, could best represent the electorate. It could also have been an excellent way for Gavin to mentor a colleague in the process. For Gavin Pearce is . That is the reason he is quitting politics, so he can spend more time with his family. It's time now, to enable those who have initiatives to improve the quality of our democracy, to take job-sharing representation to the people - for their choice - and to ensure that the Westminster system benefits all the people, not just the present incumbents of major parties continuing to do things their way and only their way. Advertisement Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date. We care about the protection of your data. Read our . Advertisement