Would you believe I am actually not that interested in politics?

People talk to me about it every day, I have spent the past 20 years regularly reporting on it, and it is often featured in my editorials.

But it is not my subject of choice and I am not a political junkie – my interest in politics is generally for professional reasons.

It’s often a matter of necessity to report on politics – particularly when it’s an issue affecting our communities. 

And it’s important we all take an interest in issues that affect our communities.

In fact, when considering what to cover in my weekly editorials, I generally try to stay away from politics because to many people, it’s probably a subject they will turn the page on.

But here we are again – another editorial featuring politics – so apologies, I’ll endeavour to ‘write my wrongs’ in next week’s edition.

What has unfolded in the past week with Labor pedalling the ‘misinformation’ narrative at the Across Victoria Alliance conference, to take place in Horsham on Sunday and Monday, has been astounding.

 

 

To link Liberal leader Jess Wilson with One Nation just because she was due to speak at the same conference as Barnaby Joyce is ludicrous.

Politicians from all parties often speak at the same events. In fact they all do it several times a year – it’s called Parliament.

Our country is meant to be a democracy where people can listen and learn from others with all kinds of different views on the world.

You don’t have to agree with them. 

In fact, it helps develop intelligence to listen and read varying forms of opinions.

It’s then up to people to use their brain, critically analysing the information to develop their own thoughts, opinions and beliefs.

Wouldn’t it be a boring world if we all thought the same way and agreed on everything?

There is no doubt the groups involved in the alliance have their own agendas – and they have been vocal in their opposition to many Labor policies in recent years – but to their credit, all major parties were invited to speak at the conference.

It was a chance to hear from all sides of politics on issues that affect regional Victoria.

But now it seems there will only be those representing the conservative side of politics.

Thankfully, it is not just politicians who will be guest speakers, with a range of professionals and experts in their fields set to speak.

I hope to attend and listen to as many speakers as possible – I personally am unlikely to agree with many opinions on the day – but I intend to listen and learn.

And I encourage as many of our readers as possible to open their minds and form their own opinions on the issues raised at the conference.

It may just help you decide who will get your vote in the state election in November. 

Correction

In last week’s editorial titled ‘Backroom dramas’, it incorrectly stated Victorian Liberals deputy leader was David Southwick. At the time of publication, the Liberals deputy leader was Sam Groth, who is leaving politics, thus the need for the election of a new deputy leader. Former Wimmera man, Chris Crewther, Member for Mornington, was unsuccessful in his nomination against Mr Southwick for the position last week. 

The entire February 4, 2026 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!