Stoner on Torbay - Some Nationals just don't get it

An article in todays Sydney Morning Herald regarding the intention of at least some of the Coalition to remove an Independent Speaker if they win Government in 2011 says more about those people than it does about the job that Richard Torbay has done as Speaker during this term of Government. The article by Lisa Carty confirms the contempt that Nationals leader, Andrew Stoner, has for Mr Torbay and for the role, to which he has brought a level of fairness that has not been seen before.

Andrew Stoner's concern is no doubt more about the popularity of Richard Torbay in the seat of Northern Tablelands, a seat the Nationals believe should be held by them.  Richard Torbay, by all accounts, has improved the behaviour in the Parliament and does give fairness to both sides. 

There have been times when I feel he allows the Government too much leeway, particularly when they use Question Time to blatantly ignore the question and instead attack the Opposition. While this might seem a reasonable thing to do in a political arena, I don't believe that it improves the quality of debate or improves the standing of politicians in the eyes of the community.  That said, Torbay is no doubt acutely aware of walking a fine line in improving on past partisan performances and yet maintaining Government support for independence in a Speaker. 

Andrew Stoner's own parliamentary performance is best characterised by his arrogance.  His manner of speech, body language and actions in the Chamber, including his affected jumping to his feet, then pouring a glass of water which he then makes a show of drinking theatrically, are embarrassing. His stated intentions regarding the Speakers position will not help Independents consider favourably supporting the Coalition if the election results in a hung parliament.

While the Government shows a clear arrogance in the way they act, it is an almost inevitable outcome of a long encumbancy and a confidence from the fact that they do have some good performers.  The arrogance of Andrew Stoner is more concerning in that the Opposition, apart from a few, has not demonstrated a capacity to be a competent alternative government.  This nonsense undermines Barry O'Farrell at a time when the Coalition should be developing policy and showing that they have the vision, heart, and capacity to lead NSW out of the mess created by Labor.  As far as "mill stones" go, Andrew Stoner could be a pretty big one around O'Farrell's neck.