may not care. But it seems obvious that the public does. It has been political indifference for integrity, transparency and accountability that is helping to inspire rejection of the major parties. Both, and at once. There is a good deal less movement from major party to major party, because one is seen as being as bad as the other.

That is not because the public fails to recognise different economic and moral philosophies in the mainstream parties. It is that they have concluded that these differences are minor compared with the common propensities to put their own interests ahead of the public's.

In 2021, Labor was hungry for power after being in opposition for three terms. The Coalition, by contrast, had shown itself corrupted by incumbency and devoted to punishing its enemies and, particularly, rewarding its friends, donors, cronies and each other.

The public appetite for change was about throwing out people who had been there too long for any good they were doing. But it was also because both the Liberals and the Nationals were seen to be under the influence of crooks.

Labor, by contrast, was initially a refreshing change. But its want of zeal, its limited agenda, its timidity and unwillingness to offend any Labor constituencies means it has failed to cultivate friends among voters. Especially ones with a passion for honest, ethical and decent government. Bad big parties have created the space for motivated groups and individuals to force change when the big parties do not win majorities. Generally this leads to better government, not worse.

One cannot judge easily which major party has the stronger urge to get things right, to do the right thing, to be concerned for appearances and to be a jealous steward of public resources. The fact is neither seems to care much. Politicians think they understand the public's cynicism and contempt. But they seem to think it does not matter much because both parties are equally guilty. I expect that independents and the Greens will do better this year, possibly holding the combined vote of Labor and Liberal to under 55 per cent.

Labor is doing its best to help them in this task. Anthony Albanese has done all he can to remind people that the Labor Party has become a creature of organised gambling, of the commercial media industry, and lobbyists for infrastructure and Big Australia projects. Labor cooperates with the Coalition to keep the independents at bay, primarily by giving itself ever-increasing sums from the public purse, and depriving the little guys, those less able to compete.

Albanese showed his will in the matter from the beginning by denying independents the old share of staff. He made it seem a virtue with public money, but in days after he has perpetuated the inequalities while bolstering his own staffing entitlements. His extra staff have not improved his political nous. By contrast reduced staff inhibits the capacity of independents to be across the important issues.

Abuses such as these treat voters as mugs. Labor seems unembarrassed by its little (as it sees it) villainies. But they could become the issue if the teals hammer integrity in government and the need to hold the balance of power. They have the perfect formula for giving Labor a great big kick in the bum.

• Jack Waterford is a former editor of The Canberra Times.

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