To win the bush, Australian politics needs to embrace its 'curves' | Nick Rodway

Regional voters are often stereotyped so I propose a new demographic category ahead of the election: conservative, uncommitted rural voters with environmental sympathiesSign up for the Rural Network email newsletterRecently, an arborist operating in my town in remote north-western Australia put out a public statement. He found it necessary, given the number of queries he had received, to explain his reasons for cutting down native vegetation.It sounds like the start of a joke, but what this contractor's earnest explanation illustrates is how in tune regional voters can be with their environs.Sign up to receive Guardian Australia's fortnightly Rural Network email newsletter Continue reading...