Sept10 TO THE EDITOR,
Is it just me or did other readers of the Dayboro Grapevine find the political endorsement of Peter Dutton by the local GP, two weeks out from the Federal election, highly inappropriate. I am troubled by a number of things in that endorsement. At the outset I should say that I do not vote for any of the big parties.
First I always wonder about the effect on community solidarity when a respected member of the community takes such a partisan political position. Will, for instance, the GPs non-Liberal voting patients who oppose Coalition policies on, for example, climate change, the Murray-Darling issue, Iraq etc) be now forced to seek alternative medical services because an unwanted dimension has now intruded into the doctor-patient relationship?
Second, by giving the Liberal member such a standing ovation was the GP expressing a view as a local doctor or as a voter? Was he, in other words using or abusing his position in the community? If he was using his position (using insights gained in his work as a medical practitioner) then the question arises as to why he gave Peter Dutton such a ringing reference when, as we all know, for better or worse, Dayboro health programs are stiil (unfortunately) the responsibility of the State Government.
If, on the other hand, the GP was expressing his view as a voter, then he has clerarly abused his position in the community.
I am also troubled with the consequences of the political endorsement. I write two weeks before the result in Dickson is known. If Peter Dutton retains the seat will there be an expectation that he has to repay the GP for his kindness? If Dutton loses the seat then there will be a new member representing Dickson who at least knows how one GP in the electorate feels about Labor. Could Dayboro be overlooked in this scenario?
While doing much for Dayboro (so I am told) the good doctor has gone too far this time and is swimming with the sharks in the poltical waters. Best for all that he stay in his surgery and stops trying to influence the outcome of the people’s election.
Dr Bill De Maria
Second, by giving the Liberal member such a standing ovation was the GP expressing a view as a local doctor or as a voter? Was he, in other words using or abusing his position in the community? If he was using his position (using insights gained in his work as a medical practitioner) then the question arises as to why he gave Peter Dutton such a ringing reference when, as we all know, for better or worse, Dayboro health programs are stiil (unfortunately) the responsibility of the State Government.
If, on the other hand, the GP was expressing his view as a voter, then he has clerarly abused his position in the community.
I am also troubled with the consequences of the political endorsement. I write two weeks before the result in Dickson is known. If Peter Dutton retains the seat will there be an expectation that he has to repay the GP for his kindness? If Dutton loses the seat then there will be a new member representing Dickson who at least knows how one GP in the electorate feels about Labor. Could Dayboro be overlooked in this scenario?
While doing much for Dayboro (so I am told) the good doctor has gone too far this time and is swimming with the sharks in the poltical waters. Best for all that he stay in his surgery and stops trying to influence the outcome of the people’s election.
Dr Bill De Maria
Mt. Samson
