There is concern being expressed they only 68% of voters cast their ballots

There is concern being expressed that only 68% of voters cast their ballots for the Fannie Bay bi-election, with nearly one in every three eligible voters not bothering to either pre-poll or vote on the day. This percentage may edge up a little once postal votes are lodged, but that will not alter the general attitude of non compliance.

The apparent apathy by Fannie Bay voters is hardly surprising, for there appears to be a general malaise of discontent among Territorians about existing political process. The high percentage of voter absenteeism, growing from election to election, (an expression of voter disenchantment), may have to do with people questioning the relevance of government.

Those who are our elected representatives are often not visible within our community. While people may know the names of government ministers, their knowledge about government responsibility is scant at best. That is not helped by the way the NT Government and local government councils try hand-balling responsibility for crime, itinerancy, service delivery and other functions back and forth to each other.

Government needs to operate in a way that convinces voters of its usefulness and indispensability. At the moment it is largely disrespected and held be be a burdening encumbrance.

In the Fannie Bay bi-election, nearly one in every three eligible voters not bothering to either pre-poll or vote on the day. This percentage may edge up a little once postal votes are lodged, but that will not alter the general attitude of non compliance.

The apparent apathy by Fannie Bay voters is hardly surprising, for there appears to be a general malaise of discontent among Territorians about existing political process. The high percentage of voter absenteeism, growing from election to election, (an expression of voter disenchantment), may have to do with people questioning the relevance of government.

Those who are our elected representatives are often not visible within our community. While people may know the names of government ministers, their knowledge about government responsibility is scant at best. That is not helped by the way the NT Government and local government councils try hand-balling responsibility for crime, itinerancy, service delivery and other functions back and forth to each other.

Government needs to operate in a way that convinces voters of its usefulness and indispensability. At the moment it is largely disrespected and held be be a burdening encumbrance.