Batemans Bay voters ‘fish’ for clarity

Luke Backhouse from Batemans Bay. Photos: Elise Searson.

Swinging is all the rage in Batemans Bay with most voters I spoke to still undecided on who will get their vote in the upcoming federal election on May 18.

“I’ve grown up on my own so I use my culture as my guidance and make my own political choices,” says Luke.

“I’m undecided, it’s my third time voting. I’m in the hospitality industry so I look out for whoever is looking out for me.”

Sofia Nguyen with her son Ryan Nagel.

Sofia Nguyen is from Vietnam and has lived in Australia for six years.

“I like Bill Shorten I want him to become Prime Minister,” she says.

“He’s doing a good thing for Australia.

“Last time I didn’t vote but this time I want to,” says Ms Nguyen.

Andrew Border from Moruya.

Andrew Border is a self-confessed, ex-military boy who just wants the government to do their “bloody job.”

“I’m voting Nationals,” he tells me.

“I’d never vote Labor because of their principles and their behaviour.

“They do have a place but they seem to want their cake and eat it too.

“I’ve been spat on by unionists in Western Australia. That’s where I’m coming from,” says Mr Border.

Fem Van-Dinther is holidaying in Batemans Bay from the Netherlands.

Fem is from the Netherlands and reckons Australian politics as madness.

“Since being in Australia I’ve seen so many changes in prime ministers, even if I could vote I wouldn’t here,” she says

“Back home the system is more transparent and people are more interested in voting.”

Anonymous.

“I did the ABC voter survey and the result was The Greens but I’m still not sure,” this lady says, she wants to stay anonymous.

“I’m going to sit down on the weekend and read up on everybody. I just don’t know. It’s really hard. I was Labor all my life because I was raised in Canberra but the last three years I’ve voted independent.

“The relationship between Morrison and Palmer is really clouding my judgment.”

Rosie Beecher.

The answer is very simple for some.

“I’m not voting because – what’s the point? They change their seat like they change their undies,” says Rosie.

Brian Tyler from Batemans Bay.

Brian Tyler left England in 1964 to come to what was the ‘Lucky Country’.

“When I left the UK, it was like Australia is now. That’s why I left,” he says.

“We need a government with common sense, the system has lost itself.

“People fought in wars for us to live and enjoy our lives, for our daily freedom. Australia is no longer a free country.

“I still don’t know who I’m voting for,” says Mr Tyler.

Whoever you are voting for on May 18, do a little research and make it count.