Eulogies for Peter Andren, federal MP for Calare in Central West NSW, included many metaphors. Perhaps the finest was Senator Bob Brown’s. He described Mr Andren as a refreshing rain on the parched plain of Australian politics.
Mr Andren was held in high regard within his electorate, and while people often respect their local MPs more than politicians generally, Andren was admired beyond Calare, with many observers describing him as the 'conscience' of the parliament.
Because we all have an interest in the quality of democracy and government, it is important to reflect on the Andren phenomenon. Certainly, some of Mr Andren's success is attributable to personal characteristics that cannot be taught or acquired, but some factors provide a model that aspiring politicians should emulate.
At the 1996 election Andren nominated as an Independent. He believed regional Australia suffered disproportionately under economic rationalism and major party neglect.
Calare covered two NSW state seats: Bathurst (traditionally Labor) and Orange (National Party territory). The seat coincided with the Prime television viewing area, and Andren was its main newsreader. Rural journalists are heavily involved in the community and Andren was widely known, respected and liked.
Still, a high profile, strong opinions and compassion did not guarantee either election or success as an MP. Sceptics suggested Andren's election on preferences made him a compromise MP who might serve one term. But by 2001 Calare was among the safest seats in the House of Representatives.
Yet Mr Andren did not take the electorate for granted, but continued to work hard. A ParlInfo search at www.aph.gov.au returns some 200 contributions as Andren asked questions, proposed and debated legislation and commented on matters of public importance. He was accessible and involved in the community and retained a sense of humility.
He told the ABC program Compass that he recognised a force greater than himself and when under pressure, he would fall to his knees and beg for assistance. Compass called Andren a 'Real Believer', and belief was central to his success. He had faith in himself, in the importance of principle and in the decency of ordinary Australians.
Constituents supported Mr Andren enthusiastically. They rejected the parties' claims that their MP would be isolated on the cross bench and could not secure attention for the electorate. They did not resent him taking stances on issues such as the invasion of Iraq and asylum seekers that differed