Somerton farmland
In the months prior to the Federal Election 2022, What Matters? New England Electorate Inc, held 28 Kitchen Table Conversations of up to 2 hours, engaging 156 people from across this large electorate.
Kitchen Table Conversations are a structured activity that is designed to revitalise and energise the community, leading to a more meaningful connection between the people of the New England electorate and our political process.
Eight questions were asked and the scribed answers are here in full (de-identified).
This report highlights the many topics raised in these conversations, and illustrates them via a series of conceptual diagrams showing the top issues raised, their frequencies and illustrative quotes from participants.
Across all of the conversations held to date the following were the most frequently raised topics:
| Local and regional issues of concern |
| Climate change, connected issues of water and water security, energy and fossil fuels; Health, education, services and funding. |
| Suggested solutions |
| Education about leadership, our democratic system, scientific literacy; Farming – a focus on soil; Climate action, including learning from First Peoples |
| Characteristics of a good political representative |
| Honesty, integrity; Connection to community; Transparency; Good listener |
| Ways to strengthen the relationship between people and their MP |
| Communication; Access/Forums; Engagement; Accountability |
| Issues for next Parliamentary term |
| Climate change; Federal ICAC; Education; First Nations; Media reform; Refugees |
The following report shows the wide scope of New England people’s concerns, and their suggestions to enhance our democratic process.
One thought on “Pre-election report”
Many many people having the same thoughts 👏👏