The image of pigs with their little snouts in the trough are something to behold for city folk, as a litter of clattering piglet trotters selfishly gobble up everything within reach before feverishly contesting other’s morsels without delay or guilt. Similar political or fat-cat analogies are certainly not complimentary (“Pork barrel or just saving PM’s bacon”, ST, 21/6). But our democracy works because communities actually vote for a member to provide specific local services, which will be forthcoming if government is won, but thwarted if the member ends up on the lame opposition benches. The sour-grapes term “pork barrelling” (from opposition pundits) is actually a virtue of winning seats, keeping promises and using the instruments of government to deliver. It is how the system works. On reflection, I encourage minister Catherine King to cease her actions. What was designated “wicked behaviour” by her when in opposition cannot be virtuous in government. A balance must be reached between the PM’s promise “to govern for all” heard on every election night speech, and rewarding supporters in far flung electorates. With limited political capital, MPs will make partisan choices, similar to the echoes of hungry trotters at the trough, pondering whether to take more than their fair share. Alan Sexton, Parramatta 28June2026
