Ricky Muir brings new meaning to the phrase "public servant." Muir is one of the newest members of the Australian Senate, and while the title of "Senator" makes it easy to stereotype him as a typical politician, his choice of political party is a far cry from the Liberal and Labor parties that dominate Aussie politics.
Muir is part of the Australian Motoring Enthusiast Party, and yes, it's exactly what it sounds like. But it's important to note that this is not some joke party, like the UK's Official Monster Raving Loony Party or Church of the Militant Elvis. Speaking ahead of his election win, Muir told Ausmotive, "I am a committed supporter of the AMEP and the freedoms it seeks, but also very conscious of the responsibility I will be taking on if elected to the Senate."
The group, whose core values webpage is summed up by the phrase "We take pride in our vehicles, pride in our Nation and promote the notion of a 'fair go for all,'" seeks to represent the wants and needs of the Australian motorist. Its platform promises improvements to driver education, including road safety and vehicle maintenance, while also supporting upgrades for Australia's roads. Finally, the party supports a unifying Australia's road and vehicle modification policies, as current laws vary from state to state. As the party's site says, "It is un-Australian to be penalized when crossing a State border simply because two States can't agree on what is right."
Muir is quick to point out that the AMEP will not be a haven or lobby for hoons, however, telling Ausmotive, "I want to emphasize from the outset that driving which endangers life is not acceptable to our Party, nor the people who represent it." We like the idea of a car enthusiasts in office and representing our often scapegoated and villified group. As Muir starts his first six-year term for the state of Victoria, this news has us wondering if it's too late to put Autoblog Editor-In-Chief John Neff up for a congressional run in 2014.
Muir is part of the Australian Motoring Enthusiast Party, and yes, it's exactly what it sounds like. But it's important to note that this is not some joke party, like the UK's Official Monster Raving Loony Party or Church of the Militant Elvis. Speaking ahead of his election win, Muir told Ausmotive, "I am a committed supporter of the AMEP and the freedoms it seeks, but also very conscious of the responsibility I will be taking on if elected to the Senate."
The group, whose core values webpage is summed up by the phrase "We take pride in our vehicles, pride in our Nation and promote the notion of a 'fair go for all,'" seeks to represent the wants and needs of the Australian motorist. Its platform promises improvements to driver education, including road safety and vehicle maintenance, while also supporting upgrades for Australia's roads. Finally, the party supports a unifying Australia's road and vehicle modification policies, as current laws vary from state to state. As the party's site says, "It is un-Australian to be penalized when crossing a State border simply because two States can't agree on what is right."
Muir is quick to point out that the AMEP will not be a haven or lobby for hoons, however, telling Ausmotive, "I want to emphasize from the outset that driving which endangers life is not acceptable to our Party, nor the people who represent it." We like the idea of a car enthusiasts in office and representing our often scapegoated and villified group. As Muir starts his first six-year term for the state of Victoria, this news has us wondering if it's too late to put Autoblog Editor-In-Chief John Neff up for a congressional run in 2014.
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