Today, as Australians contemplate the self-destruction of the Coalition Government and the prospect of a seventh change of prime minister in a decade, we're asking the man and woman in the street for their unvarnished view of this week's events in Canberra.
Or the "madness", as Malcolm Turnbull described it on Thursday.
We asked some local residents what they thought of the governmental meltdown, and what they would say to their elected leaders if given the chance.
“The problem with trying to talk to these pollies is that they are way too self absorbed to actually listen to their people,” said Cowaramup resident Deanne Haddow, who was glued to the radio on Friday morning.
“I would advise though that if and when your Liberal Party recovers from this mess, could you please actually learn from your past mistakes just as 5 year olds are capable of actually learning and making progress in school yard?
“Take a leaf from the Labor party's book and change the rules to prevent this happening in the future.
We need government to be informed in every possible way and able to have strong debate and not end up in this catatonic state…We the people should be able to fire them.
Katrina Lombardo
“If you can't even manage that then I'm afraid that you are all doomed."
Margaret River resident Katrina Lombardo echoed Ms Haddows frustrations.
“I would like them to do their jobs and be accountable. I would like all of them to show leadership qualities in their field and portfolios,” Ms Lombardo said.
“I would like them to be understanding of every perspective not just their own and the higher socioeconomic members of our society as they seem incredibly blinkered.
“While there are so many serious issues out there, they cannot look beyond their noses.
“I would like them to understand that we are all so disappointed with the fiasco they have created themselves.”
Fellow Margaret Riverian Barbara Maidment said the government needed to stop acting foolishly.
“Remember what you're there for and get on with the job,” Ms Maidment said.
“Democracy is built on stability and we need more of it.”
Ms Lombardo agreed.
“We need government to be informed in every possible way and able to have strong debate and not end up in this catatonic state,” she said.
“It is clear the LNP are not fit to govern – they do not have enough of an understanding of everything they are meant to be managing, ie. the economy, the environment and our society – they should stand aside.
“They are pathetic and do not deserve pay or their pension.
“We the people should be able to fire them. The LNP are a total disgrace!”
Steve Jones wondered why any change needed to be made.
“I dont see why he has to go? We are the luckiest people in the world and they still cause trouble?”
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Margaret River Mail
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