DLP Senator John Madigan has just launched the Australian Manufacturing and Farming Program, which has the support of Senator Nick Xenophon and MP Bob Katter.
The aim of the program is to narrow the divide between politicians and working Australians, giving Australian manufacturers and farmers the recognition and credit that they deserve.
The program serves to give members of both Houses of Parliament empathy with real people, what they do and their working lives. Politicians will be able to take “work experience” courses, giving them the opportunity to do things from making car parts to harvesting potatoes as they get to know workers and battling families.
Senator Madigan hopes this program will be turned into an official parliamentary program, similar to the one run by Defence which gives politicians a view of Australia’s armed forces.