Conscience

In a well written analysis, SA political commentator Dean Jaensch sheds a helpful light on the issue of conscience votes in Parliament. (here).
Professor Jaensch notes that conscience votes are not so much about 'conscience' [per se] but about the thin veil of party unity. It is another one of these issues where the political monster is seeking to limit debate.
I am not essentially a Liberal ( or, these days, any) party supporter but I cannot for the life of me understand why our two major parties seem afraid to be seen engaging in robust debate on issues and require this regimental uniformity.
Are the likes of the Bruce Bairds and the Petro Georgious questioning this orthodoxy in the Liberal party.....and if so, then good on them!
Let's see some more of it on the other sides of politics too. Personally I shudder when I see Peter Garrett playing the conformist game....he of all people should be a non-conformist.
Jaensch says that the solution is to develop a more flexible system which tolerates more diversity of opinion without the threat of politcial excommunication. To this I say" Hear! Hear!