Musings on Rudd

So yeah, when Typhoon Tony said that the 44th Parliament would be different I pretty much figured it was just another slogan but oh, nope, no, think again! I knew there would be no leadership spill, or attempted leadership spill every five minutes, nor would it be impossible to get through a Question Time without suspending standing orders at least twice, but never did my imagination concoct something like this. 

As everybody was turning their radio onto the jazz station, cooking tea and generally winding down for the evening a certain individual was psyching himself up for the last hoorah. The immediate former Prime Minister Kevin "KRudd" Rudd retired, plucking himself from the squabble that is the daily grind of federal politics - and more so, federal politics in opposition. As I wrote earlier, many I am sure one can only feel relief that really the Rudd/Gillard/Rudd era of politics is over. The extraordinary legacy they leave behind include the introduction of the NDIS, the NBN, the building revolution in schools, the navigation of the Global Financial Crisis and the list could continue. The pair may have done great things but at the end of the day all good things must come to an end, and the self destructive nature of federal politics caught up with the both of them. Changes to the way in which ALP leaders are elected may help history from repeating itself but time will only tell. The mourningful way in which members from all sides of politics remembered one of the most popular PM I found quite astounding, I know they all have media and public personas, distorting their one true selfs but seriously, if this man was as loved as everyone made him out to be, then why the hell was he deposed in the first place?? Huh?? I know you are not supposed to speak ill of the dead (or in this case the recently retired) but guys c'mon i know 'shit happens' - quoting our newest Prime Minister but still! 

After the fact people remember the good, the better and the best times and maybe that is all we should look at, but this is politics and the one thing I am constantly reminded is that it is a bleak and murky area. Despite the fact Praise the Ruddinator will be on every Facebook page tomorrow and the fact Kevin07 will get another 5 minutes in the spotlight, and maybe he will even take another leaf out of our former former PM Julia Gillard and after taking some time out have a 'conversation with the male equivalent of Anne Summers' one thing is certain; the 44th Parliament will not be like the last. That is unless Rudd gets to Liberal climate believer Malcolm and injects some libspill virus creating an even more hectic parliament to come. 

Looking back over Rudds reign it is apparent he could muster up momentum like the best of them, conjure a fighting army of T-shirt wearing supporters like no other and rally the troops for war. What is also quite apparent is that another generation of young people may turn off, tune out and give up on (most) our decrepit old pollies that line the walls  of the new parliament. My friends can call bull8$it like it is an Olympic sport and honestly I don't think they would give five minutes to wonder about the lack of transparency that is about to become commonplace in the Government. While Rudd leaving perhaps finally cleans the ALP slate to start fresh, it exposes the party and in order to capture the young vote in time for the next election it will take something special, and only time will tell how uninterested young people will become.    

Let the Circus Begin!

Ahhhhh, so after a day of pomp and circumstance opening the 44th Federal Parliament yesterday, our Politician's used today to get down to business... kind of... Or shall we just say they used today to get the show on the road!?! Anyway some say today marks the beginning of the end for transparency in Government and others are still so happy the ALP aren't in control they are going to make the most of it!

We the people were promised a new level of competence, a new level of decorum and a new level of governing under a Liberal Government but if this morning is anything to go on, that may be harder for Tony and his Government to achieve. The Treasurer said to the Opposition, after a particularly curly question in Question Time today "I know you're excited; its the first day. This will be your best day in Opposition, trust me" and speaking from experience he would be the one to know. But then again today proved Government may not be so fun for a while, at least until the new Senate arrives. Yes the Liberals have a majority in the Lower House, a feat not achieved since the 2007 election but the new Opposition has had 3 long years of hellish debates and will not go down without a fight; learning standing orders must seem so small in comparison to needing to compromise on every piece of legislation. 

Some people say that it took 76 minutes, others say it was as low as 74 and some say as high as 79 minutes, but one thing is certain Typhoon Tony as Green's deputy Leaders affectionately calls our PM, introduced into the House of Representatives legislation to repeal the Carbon Tax. Our Prime Minister's mantra of CARBON TAX CARBON TAX!!! BOATS BOATS BOATS! DEBT DEBT DEBT!! JOBS JOBS JOBS!! ALP SUCKED ALP SUCKED!! is back. And people, get excited because that is what you will be hearing everywhere. On the television, on the radio and in papers, not how many boats have arrived, not the increase in temperature due to the climate change but how less boats have arrived (no specific number of course) and how much more money people will have after July 1 2014. 

Watching parliament today though was interesting. People sitting in different places, a new batch of pollies lining up to ask dorothy dixers of the Government, a new Speaker wearing in her chair and all my favourite tweeters back tweeting.  We saw Barnaby Joyce get in the good books of the new Speaker, giving her a loving 'fangirl' moment "You are the best speaker that I have ever experienced. In fact you are without comparison." What more, It is probably true as he has just moved to the House of Representatives from the Senate, where they call the Speaker-Equivalent the President. Outside Parliament, Senior Ministers on both sides were back to their name calling, bickering selfs and both major party leaders have new beautiful nicknames; Electricity Bill as our Opposition Leader is now commonly known as and our Prime Minister Typhoon Tony (not sure that will stick though). The good news of the day, was our most controversial MP Clive Palmer, was in fine form declaring he would abstain from the vote on the Clean Energy Legislation (Carbon Tax Repeal) Bill 2013 as well as turing up for the first Question Time. Not sure for how long that will last, but doing something once is the first step for doing it a second time! 

As as the day is slowly coming to an end, and newbie pollies are thanking their lucky stars they got through day one, the only thing getting me through tonight is the thought that we are all going to do this again tomorrow! Until then Folks... 

BREAKING NEWS!!! So I thought that we has seen the last of major federal politics for this evening, but alas KEVIN RUDD is now retiring as of the end of the week. Out of left field, after (or during if you live in South Australia) Prime Minister Abbott was on the 7-30 Report Rudd calmly walked into the green chamber and rose in his seat using words like "I believe in the politics of hope not fear" and uttering the phrase many looking into the fishbowl think but do not say "be gentle with each other". As a tear rolls down the eye of the former Prime Minister one can only feel relief that really the Rudd/Gillard/Rudd era of politics is over. The legacy they leave behind include the introduction of the NDIS, the NBN, the building revolution in schools and the list could continue. The pair may have done great things but at the end of the day all good things must come to an end, and the self destructive nature of federal politics caught up with the both of them. Tony can rest easier tonight, and GIllard will be having another glass of wine thanking her lucky stars she got out in time as the People Prime Minister has left the building! 

PLEASE! The world is not ending....

I guess a lot has happened since the Election, a new Government has been sworn in and has caused controversy since day one and yet at the same time I feel like nothing has been accomplished and that the Nation is just twiddling its thumbs until parliament resumes, at least that way we can see the mess the Electorate has imposed on us for the next three years start to take affect.

The right side of politics was so vocal over the Rudd Gillard Rudd reign that it seems to me, they have lost the need to say anything at all. Not that gloating is a good thing, but I feel like after a few days of celebrating everyone kind of got over it and are now at a loss at what to do. Oh yeah, apart from a few Coalition MPs needing to repay money for improper claiming of expenses. Conversely the left side of politics was so concerned at not looking outside their own walls at what the public were saying during their time in Government, that now they are in Opposition, they feel like they are ready to combat the issues that have plagued them for years. After the ALP Federal Electoral loss in 1996 to the infamous John Howard the ALP were in a state of denial and went through leaders like underwear before they put all their eggs into the basket of Mr Kevin Rudd. Rudd the Wonderful; Rudd the Fabulous and Rudd the Media Superstar! There was nothing he could not do, no section of the community that did not want to be his friend and humanized on Channel 7’s Sunrise with Joe Hockey. We know all this obviously, but at the end of his reign (the second time) it was probably his popularity that let him down. Currently I am looking at some of the Leadership data from the Australian Electoral Study from the 2010 election and the more data I look at, the more I can't wait for the next round of data to be released, so that I can see the impact of bringing back the Ruddinator. It may seem like a strange musing from me, all this talk about the last two Labor Prime Ministers but I feel like it is the place to begin our journey into a new era, the era of Abbott.

EVERYBODY has an opinion on Abbott, from the Die-hard Abbott supporters to the Abbott loathers, to those who love the Liberal Party if Abbott was not the leader, to those who just want anyone but Rudd-Gillard-Rudd in power. While I sit somewhere in the middle, and feel that Gillard was unfairly criticised, that Rudd had good intentions just sometimes misguided, I feel that no one can really have a fully informed opinion of someone until they have actually tried to do something. And no I am not talking about saying they will review the GST, or saying they will repeal the Carbon Price, I’m talking about actually doing something. Rudd’s biggest downfall was probably not sticking to the plan he set out during the last part of Opposition, he had great potential, and maybe if the Global Financial Crisis didn’t happen he could have achieved it, but in every great endeavour obstacles occur. To be successful, not only do you need to put every fibre of your being into achieving your goal, you also need outside help, something the ALP struggled with from 2009. The 2010 Federal Election was the turning point, it was the election that the ALP should not have won and pretty much secured their demise in 2013. Since the Coalitions loss at this election, Tony Abbott and his team have been trying their hardest to make everyday a living hell for the Government. People say the worst day in Government is better than the best day in Opposition, but I am sure there would have been some days Abbott was happy not to be a part of a party and more importantly a Government crumbling at every turn.

Since the election in September, there has been much criticism of Abbott at the lack of females in his Cabinet, his Fire fighting abilities, his so called ‘mandate’ to repeal the Carbon Price and the list goes on, but what is correct is his willingness to not give up. His female issues could have been the end for him as Prime Minister material, or the seemingly endless list of ‘dad gaffes’ he continued to make during the course of his Opposition Leadership but they weren’t. Regardless of his intense negativity towards all things ALP he was still able to put the putsch in motion to become the 28th Prime Minister of Australia. He didn’t use social media in the same way Rudd did in 2007 but it seems as though he is going to be just as successful were it counts – in Parliament – especially when the new Senate is sworn in half way through next year.

Now don’t get me wrong, I love politics and I think there is something magical and spectacular about voting and debating issues in a place where change can actually occur, but I do have a problem with hate and unjustified negativity. I am not naive enough to suggest that everyone must get along, and I recognise that our ‘National Leader’ as a friend of mine calls our Prime Minister was instrumental in fanning the political demise of our first Female Prime Minister, but those on the left (and right) who are using the bushfire to attack Tony Abbott should go to hell. In another life, in another world a picture of a man in a clean-ish SES uniform would not be given another thought, and perhaps our Leader should be in a office with department heads trying to organise logistical support for those who have and will lose everything in these fires but he is not. He obviously thinks this is his way of helping. Moreover to those who feel the need to yell and scream about this should be using their brain space to think of constructive ways to help those who need it most. I understand the need to debate Climate Change, but it is not the time to do so when people are losing their homes to savage bushfires. Climate Change is important but not this week, not when people are suffering.

Therefore I think people need to just chill out and dare I say it, give Tony Abbott the benefit of the doubt and wait until we see what he does in the coming months. I know that it is not a favoured opinion of the left, and the right are still celebrating their electoral win, but people, Whyalla did not fall in a hole when Carbon Pricing came into effect and I don’t think Australia will fall in a hole now that we have a Liberal Government.

Election Wrap-up part 1!

So, this magical thing happened earlier today; I was asked my name, my address and whether or not I had voted at a previous polling booth and then I was given a little green piece of paper and a beautiful long white page and told to make my vote count! It was an almost sure fire thing that the Opposition Leader Mr Tony Abbott would become the next prime minister - it was just a matter of time! Despite the inevitability of this fact, a record number of people postal voted and well as voted before the day had arrived - not that you would even know! Shopping centers were packed and I spoke to people working on different booths and they said it was a constant stream of people all day. It was grass-roots democracy at work, and the excitement in the air was palpable. 

Now I must point out the obvious before we go any further as not to do so would indicate nothing has happened which frankly is not true. WE HAVE A NEW PRIME MINISTER!! Exciting for some and horrifying for others Tony Abbott in all his budgie-smuggler-glory will be looking out for the young, old and in-between as the next prime minister of Australia. While left leaning people have uttered the phrase 'if Tony Abbott becomes prime minister I will be leaving the country!' currently I know of only one Husband and Wife following through on this promise - legitimately jet setting to our cousins across the lake in New Zealand! But if you know of others please let me know!!

On social media (Facebook and Twitter) as well as around town there were mixed reviews, people sad for Rudd but victorious about Abbott, with commentators predicting a Labor wipeout and a Coalition landslide with really only the possibility of a few strays - Palmer, Katter, Independents and the Greens. But by golly the voting Australian public delivered on their promise to shake things up! Crazy stuff can happen on Election Day (and subsequent night), and tonight was no different! You learn things about your peers that they try to keep hidden, some for better and some for worse! Closet alleged political know-it-alls come out of the woodwork claiming to have great political insights - most of which are misguided and wrong no matter how articulate they may be. Despite these people being frustrating and clogging up newsfeeds, these individuals are a loved part of the election coverage. Everyone has an opinion, but a word of advice, if you do not agree with them you will be labelled a communist, socialist, fascist or arrogant, but that does not matter. After you have your deep and meaningful conversation with your ballot papers (and possibly a sausage after voting) you comes home, sit on the couch and start to relax as the hard work (for many) is over. Most local bottle-O's would have had a run on all things drinkable and as the night progresses the more you drink (alcoholic or not) the worse off your favoured party must be going... Right? Regardless of your political affiliations, election night is always fun!

As a young person I am in the minority for my generation, I do not enjoy the ritual of late night partaying or clubbing or binge drinking, and yet after my first 'drinking' election I think I have come to enjoy some of the drinking games associated with election night - or maybe not! As the night goes on, and more results come in, political journalists, writers and current politicians join forces to sit on panels feeding the hopelessly politically obsessed information in real time. Add in Twitter and the communication is endless, 140 character bits flood the twitter-sphere at lightening speed discussing the trivial (OMG what is he wearing?!?!) to the raw data (the swing against ......) with people from around the country and the globe wanting to know the details of what has happened! 

So far the ALP have retained 53 seats (55*), the L/NP have 87 (91*) the Greens 1 and the so called 'Others' have 2 (3*). Not the Labor wipeout most predicted, but in no way are the ALP in a position to take office once again, and I am only taking into consideration the Lower House, as the Upper House is a whole other kettle of fish - one for coming days ahead! However, the stats we do know include being sure Palmer has made it into the Australian Parliament ensuring the fabulousness of Question Time continues! One thing is certain though, when you wake up tomorrow with a hangover and feeling poorly, our-mate-Kev will be feeling even worse! 

*predicted to win

ALP V Greens! Who will come out on top??

A question I have been pondering lately has been to do with the left side of politics, The Greens and the ALP. Should the contemporary ALP become more 'green'? Does Labor's future depend upon reconciliation with The Green political agenda or can Labor take over Green Issues? Dennis Glover in A Red Green Coalition, stated that Labor must take environmental politics more seriously and The Greens must take electoral realities more seriously, presumably if either are to survive in the long term. While I see it quite unlikely that either will be eliminated from the Australian political scene any time soon, it does pose questions around the post 2010 Federal Election minority government agreement and more importantly about the future of Australia's political left.

While I am obviously no expert when it comes to the ALP or The Greens, it does not take much to look at the current political scene and see what some would call generously describe as chaos, not just in terms of ALP leadership but also in terms of policy ideology. While not trying to outright bag the ALP, they seem to have lost focus, they undoubtedly seem poll driven and geared to winning elections - at any cost. Which I mean is fine and in an election year, even expected, but what the party fail to recognise are the changing desires of the electorate, something Kevin Rudd is only just beginning to realise, coming out earlier this year pro marriage equality. While they claim to be part of the 'left' , a progressive party of sorts, they fail to see their once solid voter base, unions and union movements are scarcely as influential as they once were. Once every so often will a union conduct a full out strike, but I have read countless articles and journals which quote union membership to be falling, and even more importantly active union action among members to be falling. Regardless of the outcome at the election in just under a week, I think there will be a fair bit of soul searching within the ALP in the foreseeable future to try and redefine their core voter base.

The Greens have the left of politics pretty much in the bag, I mean they are pro choice, pro onshore processing, pro carbon tax, pro marriage equality, for voluntary Euthanasia and the list could go on. The point is if the ALP want to be regarded as a major party of the left or even center left, one should be able to identify most of those sentiments with that party as well. Although if outlining the traditional policies of the ALP you  would also include, pro protection, pro republic, secular and pro environment some of which are core policies values but not all. The minor parties have an easier time finding their niche in politics because they know they are only looking to satisfy a proportion of the population, and increasingly so. Hence it is The Greens who are winning out, increasing their polling numbers on the back of the rate of voters fleeing the mess that is called the Australian Labor Party - or so their current television commercial wants us to believe. The commercial which has 'everyday' people talking about voting for The Greens given 'Tony Abbott scares me' and Labor "aren't serious" or are "disappointing". More and more, in conversations I am having with friends and at work people seem to think that The Greens will be better than either of the major parties.

The major parties on the other hand, in recent years have decided that in order to win government (outright) they can't be seen to be alienating any sector of society, from farmers and workers to small business owners and families regardless of their once, core voter base. In general terms both the ALP and the Coalition have differences in their Asylum Seeker policies, Malaysia or Nauru, buy the boats, turn the boats around, more money, less money blah blah blah! However, fundamentally both parties wanted them any place that is not here, in our own backyard. The Independents could not decide who to support, sprouting variations of both policies, it was only The Greens who believed that onshore processing was the way to go. It is almost hard to believe that Malaysia or Nauru were the hottest political news going around Canberra pre and post mid winter break in 2012. 

Furthermore despite the ALP being very much poll driven <insert possible leadership spill here!> all throughout the 43rd parliament, it did start before that. According to polling data since pretty much late 2009, the popular support for Kevin Rudd and Labor has been in decline. Yes it spikes every now and again but only when a new favourable policy is introduced or passed and then only for a short time, nothing of significance. Not only has the move towards the middle of the political spectrum been in vain (see current opinion polls) it has had a adverse affect as all indications are that Labor are still as unpopular under Rudd and they were under Gillard, with reports out recently that Tony Abbott has overtaken Rudd as preferred PM!

Furthermore will it take another long period in Opposition for the Labor Party to rediscover its core voter base, or more so allow the ALP or reconnect with them? Will it take them a formal agreement with The Greens to dominate Federal Politics once more? And if this were to occur which party (ALP or Greens) would give up enough power and influence within the electorate to make the formation worthwhile? Or will Rudd be able to pull a number of rabbits out of the election hat and defy the polls and win outright? Only 5 sleeps to go! 

     

Voting Day 101!

Most people do not like voting. Most people do not see the point in voting (my vote will not make a difference). Most people dread even the thought of going near a polling booth. During the US Presidential Campaign, a YouTube video of a young girl crying at the thought of another few weeks of campaigning went viral and I am sure many people can relate to her pain - even if she was a mere 4 or 5!

Now there must be reasons for this right? I mean it is not like when you go into the polling booth you have to have an injection / cut off your hand / stick a needle in your eye... do you? Nor do you get laughed at / shot at / looked down on depending on which way you swing, so what is the big deal? I guess people who are voting for the first time in a couple of weeks could be a tad nervous or apprehensive at the thought - God knows what is going to happen when it is just you, a pencil and two pieces of paper in that tiny little booth.  But rest assured you still have plenty of time before September 7 to get ready, and here is my list of things to do before you go and get your name crossed off and cast your vote.

1. Learn who the major parties and minor parties are. This is really really important for those first time voters as not all parties will endorse or put up candidates in every electorate.

2. Find out which electorate you are in, especially if you live on an electoral boundary it may have changed! 

3. Look up your local candidates either on your local stobie poll or political leaflets that will no doubt flood your letterbox. That or you can go to the AEC website for full details on candidates and voting places, among other things of course!

4. It is also vital to have at least a basic understanding of the different voting systems in play at the Federal level. In the Lower or Green House Preferential voting is used to elect the 150 members. This type of voting requires voters to place a number in the box next to the preferred candidate and subsequent numbers corresponding to the level of preference for all other candidates. In the Upper or Red House voters need to decide whether or not they want to vote above the line (1 number only) and let parties decide preferences or below the line and number  EVERY!!!! box.

5. Read all the leaflets that get sent to you, some of them may even be important! Most, if not all political parties, groups and Independents will want to secure your vote and this means nagging you until you give in. Phone calls, text messages, emails and sometimes even personal visits are just some of the ways they will try and make contact. And it won't stop, it will never stop .... well maybe on September 8th but the road is long before you get there!!

6. The Debates. The Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition have so far encountered each other twice in a debate ... of sorts. The second one was dubbed to have covered more ground and was probably more exciting than the first but that does not mean they weren't important. Debates, however unexciting, gives candidates more of an opportunity to cement their every changing views in the public arena. Despite flip-flops, backflips and policy turnarounds, these two people and their subsequent parties are trying their hardest to sway voters to vote for them. Promises, 'core' promises and political sweeteners are all part of the game, the game to win office. 

7. Have Fun! I have said it before and I will say it again, we in Australia are part of a privileged group of people who have the choice about who our representatives are and ultimately who will form the Government. Barry Cassidy on the ABC says that this parliament was a 'mixed bag' which got a lot done but was very politicized throughout its three year term. Whether or not that was a result of the people inside parliament or those outside fueling the fire remains to be seen but one thing is certain, it was a hectic time and political speculation was always at an all time high. Vote Liberal, Labor, National, Green, Katter, Palmer, Democrat, Sex Party, One Nation or Independent I don't care, all I care is that you vote and vote properly, no donkey vote, no invalid vote and no writing on the side of your ballot. You have no right to complain about the work the government is doing, if you could not be bothered or you intentionally messed up your vote! Your vote is sacred and use it well!    

Hey You!

When I tell people I want to grow up and be a psephologist and that my favourite thing to do is look at political and voting systems and just politics in general, 99.95% of the time I am met with a look of disdain and total horror; but also skepticism at what I could possibly see in the policy makers and representatives who line the walls of Parliament Houses around the country and world. The first 1000 times I laughed and said, well some people have to love it, in the same way some people have to love solving crimes, fixing people, collecting and storing money and run around fields in the name of national sport. But now I am kinda getting annoyed. Why? I mean, yes I may take my obsession a little too seriously (studying politics on holidays and requesting political books/plane tickets to Canberra for my birthday) but nonetheless the institution of Government and electing our Government is a fundamental part of a democratic society, and as such should be celebrated not given eye rolls and put to the back of peoples minds. 

There is a Federal Election Campaign going on in Australia at the moment (no way! I hear you say!), and for most people, the thought of turning their television sets on at the moment, is met with a sense of dread and is a vastly unpopular past time until about the 10th of September. If you are unlucky enough to have momentary lapses in judgement and do turn the television on, you will be met with vision of baby kissing, hard hat and high-vis wearing pollies and pollie-wannabes sucking up and smooth-talking potential voters in anticipation for the next three-ish years. Nothing we did not already know.  Right? Also what we have been told is that young people have turned off, not interested and unavailable for comment, when it comes to voting/elections/politics/policy ... you get my drift. And a year or two a go I might have said, yeah I am in the minority, 6 in my politics class, 20 in my politics lecture, party signup on the decrease blah blah blah. But something strange is going on. . . Young folk are getting converted. Not in plague proportions or anything, so no need to call the police, but I can see something happening.  People who are studying Biochemical Engineering, Animal Science,  Speech Pathology, Radiology and English have started caring who says what, and why and when. They will post a little rant on Facebook, ask a policy question, YouTube a Politicians' most recent speech or borrow a political textbook to find out an answer. Boom! And suddenly my quota of politically literate friends has gone from about -5 to 30. 

Obviously I am not so naive to think that this has no correlation to the fact in less than 3 weeks they will find themselves walking into a polling booth for probably the first time, nor the fact they have been bombarded with political paraphernalia in their newsfeed and letterboxes since halfway through May. When newly re-elected PM KRudd was sworn in, in late June he called on young people to 'come back' stating that he could see why they had turned away but stressed the importance of government in their lives. Well Mr Prime Minister I think they are coming back. Not necessarily in the form of ALP loving, center-left voters that you were hoping for, but they are joining in the national conversation anyway.   My friends vary from right-wing Fascist's to economically conservative but socially progressive to left wing ecological Greenies campaigning for Senator Sarah Hanson-Young. They come from low socio-economic areas and Upper class affluent suburbs and are wanting to contribute. I also have the closet interested political friends, who you would never know could even list the last 3 Prime Ministers much less hold a substantive conversation with, but they are out there.  Watching and absorbing. Ready and waiting for their day to shine. September 7. 

I am not saying that every young person could accurately describe and quote the latest Pre-election Economic and Fiscal Outlook but what I am saying is you probably should not write-off their vote. Most young people will vote above the line in the Senate, vote in accordance with their parents and quite frankly not care 'until the next election' (because that is when I will need a 'real' job and care [no lie!]) but not all. And in the end even 100 votes will not change the outcome of this election but it is a start. Rome was not built in one day, and this election, despite everyone wanting to take the 'moral high ground' will be about slogging the opponent, there are a band of newly educated young people out there who will use the world as their oyster, and September 7 is just the starting place ....    

The week that was not...

Writing a blog is very similar to writing is a diary. The writer, writes (or types) their dreams, aspirations for the future, what happened to them that day and countless other random thoughts that the think might be interesting to look back on one day. Some people are dedicated diary writers, some only write in diaries when they are on holiday or some, like me only write when something happens that is worth sharing or savouring. I mean what is the point in writing something down, when countless other people have said the same thing over and over AND OVER AND OVER!!! The only difference between blogs and diaries that I can think of, is to do with theme and consistency. Most blogs have a theme, cooking, politics, trains, weight loss etcetera and diary entries are more like opening your brain and spilling the content onto a notebook at random invervals.

Everybody, well unless you live under a rock and in which case you probably would not be reading this, would know about this little thing called the Federal Election which is happening on the 7th of September. It is a magical thing really, I mean who knew that we, the people of sorts, all get to go to a similar place and to the EXACT SAME THING is just a few weeks time. Vote. YAY. Since our Prime Minister, Kevin Michael Rudd called the election all hell has broken lose on the streets. Random peoples faces (I mean our local Federal Candidates) are plastered all over stobie poles enticing us to remember to vote for them in a few weeks time. The more posters the better the chances of election or re-election, or so the theory goes. Furthermore our omnipresent Federal Representatives have taken to personally phoning us and coming to our houses to try and persuade us to vote for them. AND don't even think of mentioning television advertisements sponsored by either of the major parties, who by the way claim to be above 'dirty' politics but engage in it at every opportunity. 

So lets have the highlights from the last week or so. The media have been telling us for months (make that since the 2010 election) that the ALP have stood no chance at gaining office again this year and that the leadership tension and message problems were making voters tune out and ignore the hard facts and realities of life. Not anymore hopes Kevin-im-just-here-to-help-Rudd, who is trying to bring relevance back into Australian Politics. Oh, and not to mention that the Opposition Leader would 'stop the boats' at any cost- a favoured saying by my dad currently but really do people really care? Should we take The Greens approach of onshore processing? Maybe, Maybe not. 

One thing people do care about (according to Facebook, Twitter and posters all around university) is Marriage Equality. Tony Abbott this week came out and called the push for Marriage Equality the 'fashion of the moment' and it probably is, but what does that matter? If it has public support and people want it why not say something like 'yeah ok people, I don't agree with it, but what do I care what people do in their own time?" If it is not hurting anyone (which I can NOT see how it would be) and no one will die because of it, just sign a document and move on. Personally I do care either way, but I do believe, that, the way in which Ellen DeGeneres described gay marriage when she wrote a letter to the US Supreme Court says it all "Portia and I have been married for 4 years and they have been the happiest of my life. And in those 4 years, I don't think we hurt anyone else's marriage. I asked all of my neighbors and they say they're fine." Drug abuse rates would not drastically increase nor would the world end due to homosexuals being able to marry. Lets just do it and move on and as Tony Abbott says "get on to more important things."

THE DEBATE! Last weekend the Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader engaged in what most describe as a hour in which both leaders gave heavily rehearsed answers to some questions asked by senior political journalists. My favourite part was after the main festivities, when analysts and political journalists and commentators got to discuss every tiny detail and  Channels 7, 9 and 10 all declared someone else the winner. Abbott, Rudd and a draw. The debate did not really see any new information released nor did it really allow for a combative debate between the leaders, and if anyone really thought that their opinions of the leaders would change after watching the debate, they were surely mistaken. 

And on side notes, big speculation has been aroused as to whether or not the Coalition will increase the GST after their tax review comes back, should they win government, is the 'honeymoon' period over for Rudd, should words like 'sex appeal' come out the mouth of the alternative PM and what the heck is going with the Liberals candidate in the seat of Greenway. All perfectly good questions and all of which, I'm sure will be answered very soon but until then folks... 

Where to begin?!?!

Oh God! What a day! Where does one even start? Obviously all the events of today have lead to the de-throning of the first female prime minister Ms Julia Gillard, to the former prime minister Kevin Rudd, but it was a long and treacherous ride to get to this point. 

The day started with Independents Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott announcing that they would not contest the next election in the seats of New England and Lyne respectively.  Now on an ordinary day, in an ordinary parliament this would not make more than be few hours worth of news, but most people know the last three (some say five) years have been anything other than easy or straightforward! 

One of the other key Independents Bob Katter, then came out and said that he would support  his BFF Kevin in a Rudd lead ALP government, because in his words 'no one was driving the bus' anymore. At that point, I had Simon Crean flashbacks, of him eventually being the sacrificial lamb that was put up as a catalyst offering, in the hopes of sparking a Labor leadership vote, when in actual fact he lost his cabinet position and there was no leadership vote. 

Going into Question Time there was a rumour a flying around that a petition was making the rounds, to Labor MPs to force a caucus meeting to determine the leadership. It spread like wildfire, but no one could say, with absolute certain, that this was true.  When the Leader of the Opposition Tony Abbott, rose to ask the first question of the day, people waited with bated breath as to how soon Abbott would call to suspend standing orders and seek to initiate a vote of non confidence. Very surprisingly, it was towards the end of questions today that the theme of leadership was brought up.  But alas the vote is not gain a majority, let alone an absolute majority. 

Adding to speculation also, was Foreign Minister Bob Carr making a personal executive decree that states that Foreign Ministers will not talk about domestic matters. How horrendous for a person hand picked by the then prime minister, to suddenly stop worrying about domestic affairs.... 

Julia Gillard then came out and proactively sought a caucus meeting for later in the day to decide/silence/fix/change the ALP leadership one final time before the election - presumably still on September 14. Kevin Rudd came out shortly after,  and agreed to put his name forward - a step up from last time. The condition both sides agreed to was, whomever loses the leadership battle, would bow out of Federal Politics and not contest the next election, and at this point it s still anyone's game! 

The battle lines were drawn, ALP members held 'secret' meeting with each other and Bill Shorten held a doorstop meeting with journalists ... The result, Shorten flip flopped to join forces with ex prime minister Kevin Rudd. It was a sombre affair, but the vibe I got, was that it needed to happen. After months of denying there was a real polling problem within the ALP, Labor MP's  had decided that if they wanted to be in a job come the election (according to the polls) they needed a change. 

One thing that stood out tonight was, at no point today did any Labor politician look happy about what was transpiring. Julia Gillard I can understand, but the other members, it was like they were doing something just because it was part of the bigger picture. Like when someone needs to get a vaccination to travel to some parts of the world, the needles aren't fun but the places you will go are. Only in our scenario the place is Canberra in a post-election Parliament. 

It emerged after nearly an hour of voting and deliberating, that in fact Kevin Rudd had made is long awaited return to the top job, ousting the one, who ousted him! 45- 57, by no means a landslide but a win is a win right? The tables have finally turned, and after years (we can say that right?!) of leaks and politicking, apparently Federal Labor is back on track. With the man who brought us Kevin07! Probably he will need to re-label to something more current Kevin13?  It doesn't have quite the same ring to it, but I am sure it will look just as good on a T-shirt and a poster and a stubby holder and a cap and as a Facebook picture and a ... Well you get the picture. Anthony 'Albo' Albanese was elected Deputy Prime Minister and a range of quasi cabinet appointments i am sure will follow. I say quasi appointments because in the not to distant future there will be an election (sooner if Abbott had anything to do with it) and who knows what will happen now! 

Julia Gillard has copped a lot of flack since she assumed the prime ministership in 2010 some justified and some seriously quite petty. One this is certain, she will go into the history books for a range of reasons. 

Looking back over the day, there is one thing I am not too sure about, and that is the reasoning behind Bob Katter coming out to the media,and professing his unwavering support for his BFF Kevin Rudd. We all know that Rudd and Katter are friends, but I don't recall any Members of Parliament (other than from the Coalition) ever coming out forcefully supporting an alternative Labor member (not the PM) for the leadership.  The language he used, of " no one is driving the ALP bus" and that "Julia Gillard can not control the party any longer'' was almost like he was hoping a spill would going to happen for the sake of his friend. The only difference between Katter and Crean, is that Katter would not (or could not) be dealt any punishment by the party as he is an Independent. A friend helping a friend, and not even making the ultimate political sacrifice in the process. Yes Katter did say was going against his party in doing so, but when you create a party, who is to say you can't go against yourself?

All I can say with certain is two things. 1) the word BREAKING: is now no longer relevant when discussing Australian Politics - especially after a day like today, and 2) That tomorrow will be just as crazy, given the Lower House in parliament has one more day of sitting. 

Baaa Baaa, but I am NOT a sheep.

I haven't written in over a month! Golly Wolly!! Why, you may ask? Suddenly have I lost the ability to type on my little iPad keyboard? Lost the will to live? (Almost, but no), No I have been dreading my next blog post because I do not want to become a sheep. Baa Baa. 

In the week after budget week, political commentators, journalists and nerds were talking about the governments need to administer an aggressive legislative agenda, as there were only 4 more parliamentary sitting weeks before the Federal Election in September. Important debates on policy were promised, and, like a misguided fool, I believed them. Wonderful I thought four glorious weeks in which the media, the journalists I look up to, and the public will be captivated by the magnitude of political debates on offer. But no, the next week Kevin07 came out in favor of Gay Marriage, and that in itself triggered another round of leadership speculation. When would the Prime Minister be out of a job? Would it be hours, days, or a week? Shock horror, she, after another month, is still in her job.  

Honestly, the Abbott Coalition must be sleeping easier, knowing the biggest threat to the government, and the prime minister come from within the party. I am currently re-reading Mungo MacCallum's How to be a megalomaniac (or, advice to a young politician),  and a quote about enemies, frighteningly resembles the ALP and the position Julia Gillard is currently in. "A newcomer took his place in the House and looked across the chamber. 'There they are,' he breathed. 'The enemy.'  An old hand sitting nearby smiled sardonically: 'No son, that's the opposition. The enemy are the ones sitting all around you.' The sad part about the current situation, is that, one only needs to think, let alone say the words 'leadership spill' and it becomes the mainstream media's front page news for the next week. That being said however, at the moment, Kevin Rudd just needs to leave his house in the morning, for him to be apparently 'contesting the prime ministership'. 

My, my how far have we fallen. One of the sad parts about watching the ABC's documentary on Gough Whitlam, is that I can see how much as changed in the way of political discourse. No longer, do we have question times, where the questions aren't rehearsed or predictable. Already, we know the Coalition will ask questions on: The carbon Tax, the budget 'black hole'  and either try to get a no confidence motion passed, or play with standing orders until Speaker Burke tells everyone to shut it or get lost.  

I do not want to be a sheep when it comes to political matters, but the way I see it, at the moment you are either a sheep (being disgruntled with the stupidity of federal politics) or an emu with its head in the sand. You are either shaking you head at the lack of any substance in the political sphere, or don't give a dam and plan to donkey vote, come Election Day. Neither of which, are options I like.  So instead, I am re reading the 2013-14 federal and state budget papers - a fun alternative really. 

I am mad, at the fact I can not turn on my tv / open a newspaper (or my iPad for online news) and find that, since the last time I looked, the government have come to a real, working compromise with the <insert: Greens, Coalition or Independents> on <insert issue here>. I am mad that it feels like every blog post I now read, is about one of three things, 1) Leadership speculation 2) Someones disdain with mainstream media and the way in which they report 3) Kim Kardashian's pregnancy (and apparent baby girl). Why are they my three options. 

From all reports, the 2010 Federal Election was one of the worst elections ever, and produced what the Leader of the Opposition claims is the worst government in the history of governments, but what about the 2013 election? If the last two and then some years have been anything to go on, the coming election may be even worse! Perhaps not in terms of a government at the end (polls show am almost landslide for the Coalition), but in terms of an election campaign, this one looks set to be as crappy as they come. The more ridiculous the better.  

And so, with so little time remaining before the election, (I have already received my first round of election propaganda!!) I beg people to stop engaging in the crap (cough, I mean leadership speculation/ politician bickering) that is engulfing our news, and care about making a difference in someone's life. A favored quote of mine is, "courage is not the absence of fear, but rather, the judgment that something else is more important than fear. The brave may not live forever, the the cautious do not live at all." Let us all be brave and have the courage take a stand against what is right. Life is short and we all are too busy to care as to whether or not Kevin07 will run again for the ALP leadership. If he does yay. If not, who cares. Focus on the tangible and with a bit of luck the 'scratchy feel' politics has, according to Annabel Crabb, will dissipate.  

The 2013/2014 Budget

I have never woken up the morning after a big night hangover (or even a bad headache), but waking this morning I wondered if last night really happened. Admittedly I did only have 4 hours sleep, watching all the Budget commentary, analysis and interviews before and after Treasurer Wayne Swan's budget speech. It was all fun and games, as Journalists, Economists and political commentators were let out of Lockdown, we knew things were about to get worse. Budget leaks just prior to the speech hinted at the abolishment of the Baby Bonus and all indications were that the cuts would not stop there. Last May the narrative coming from the Labor Government went along the lines of 'spreading the benefits of the [mining] boom' and 'a fair go for all Australians', this May it seemed like it was more a Budget of legacy with hints of regret, sadness and pain.

It is official, not only were there no real election 'sweeteners' in the 2013/2014 Budget, the tone and mood surrounding the documents are at best gloomy and more accurately one of sadness and inevitable doom. Last night many commentators compared the new Budget to that of a funeral, sad and 'sombre' Jessica Irvine said, and almost everybody seemed to be fixated on what was being cut, altered and changed rather than the limited high points the Government wished. It seems that the forward estimates in the 2012/2013 Budget were highly optimistic, and given the continued concerns over the Global Economy for the next Financial Year, the Government have chosen to focus on School Education, NDIS which will now be called DisabilityCare and Roads and Rail rather than the 'S' word (surplus). 

Even last year, the large majority of Economists were saying the need for a budget surplus was more a political state of mind rather than an imperative part of the immediate future in Australia. It should not be high on the lists of priorities, they said, Politicians only see a budget surplus as a way of gaining votes in the upcoming election year they said, and last night it seems the Government finally agreed. Given all indications in the Opinion Polls suggest the Government will lose out considerably in the September 14 election, the Budget was one that would assist people in the future and set the groundwork for the Labor legacy in the future. In his speech Wayne Swan said that they (the Labor Government) made the 'choice to keep our economy strong and to invest in the future' and the Governments choice of programs to spend money, reflect that. Investment in Cancer care, the NDIS and increases in Health Funding by 40% since they gained office, show the Gillard Governments priorities quite clearly. Schools, DisabilityCare and infrastructure. 

Politically the general consensus in Australia, is the Federal Government have lied, failed to deliver and gone back on their promises. Budget Surplus, Laptops in schools, Budget Surplus, Carbon Tax, Budget Surplus, Mineral Tax, Carbon Tax did I mention Budget Surplus?? I could go on. Despite the sound of doom ringing in my ears as I listened to the Budget Speech, one thing was clear, Wayne Swan had a message and he got that across. A valued friend of mine once said, that if you can not capture the essence of your speech in the first 5 minutes you will have lost your audience anyway, and no one will care what you say. Last night the Treasurer did just that, in the first 5 minutes he said, Schools, DisabilityCare and infrastructure. The Australian people may not recognise what the Labor legacy is until it is too late, but there it is folks Education, DisabilityCare and Road and Rail Infrastructure. That will be how the Gillard Government is remembered.

Early this morning Prime Minister Julia Gillard introduced the DisabilityCare legislation into the House of Representatives. One of the beautiful things about our political system is bipartisan support.  All political parties may not fundamentally agree on everything - hell if they did life would be boring - but, sometimes an issue arises and it just has to be fixed. Regardless of your political ideology, Disability will have affected the lives of someone in your family, one of your friends or someone in your social group. Disability does not discriminate it can affect us all in some way or another.  In her speech the Prime Minister said, 'In March, we gave it a place in our nation's laws. Today we inscribe it in our nation's finances. DisabilityCare Australia starts in seven weeks - and there will be no turning back.'  No turning back, pretty big sentiments for a Government facing inevitable doom right? No one knows what the future holds, everyone wishes their future was bright and full of joy, and for those living with a disability that light just got even brighter. 

Tomorrow we will see the Leader of the Opposition give the Budget Speech in Reply, a chance for the nearly voting public to see the alternative Government in action. Does anybody care? Will anybody watch? If you do, can you bring the popcorn? 

The budget is approaching!

Since my last blog post so much has happened in the wonderful world of Australian Politics. It is hard to know when to start, the NDIS legislation has been in the news quite a bit as some States have signed on, including Tasmania. Also Tony Abbott released his Industrial Relations policy yesterday and Prime Minister Gillard went on the ABC's Q&A program on Monday night. However, given we have just entered into the month of May there are bigger fish to fry, and so, let me begin by telling you a little story. 

Wednesday just gone, was the May 8th. A year ago on May 8th saw Wayne Swan give his Budget Speech for 2012. The highlights we saw include; spending on Dental Care, the Tax free threshold increasing from $6000 to $18000 and the introduction of the School Kids Bonus $410 and $820 for primary and secondary students respectively. However we also saw cuts in Defence and Foreign Aid spending, decreases to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and further deferment on the Millennium Development Goals (MDG's). I remember that day like it was Yesterday.  

I had Australian and International Politics that fateful Tuesday, they sang Happy Budget day to me as it was my 17th Birthday and we had a Budget day cake. I remember being so very excited something major was happening on my birthday. But I also remember way too much from the budget papers as well. The next day I wrote that the narrative the Labor Party was trying to portray a 'fair go for all Australians' budget, and that it would be 'spreading the benefits of the [mining] boom around'. It was aimed at taking money from the people who had higher incomes and redistributing it to those who were not so fortunate.  The sticking themes within the Budget, were still to get it into surplus by 2013, and that the Clean Energy Futures legislation was not going to end the world. What I guess I am trying to say is, overall the Budget breakdown seemed quite optimistic given the uncertain economic times that laid ahead. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but my notes from the rest of the Budget week show even in May last year the Treasurer was concerned about a number of external factors. The high Australian dollar (which has still not fallen even after the RBA cut the Targeted Cash Rate again to 2.75% on Tuesday) was a issue, as was the Global Economic Outlook given the problems within some European Economies and the overall Global Slowdown on trade and exports. Therefore, it is with hesitant excitement I wait for next Tuesday night. 

Given the economic conditions have not really improved since last years Outlook,  all indications suggest that treasurer wayne swan has his work cut out for him. come tuesday night, he will try and convince the Australian public that the labor party is still the best option for government come september 14. furthermore as last years treasury predictions were highly optimistic many critics of the labor party will see tuesday nights budget as the nail in the coffin for an already dismal government. however that being said, advocates for the labor party hold their breath at what next wednesday will bring when the opposition leader tony abbott delivers his Budget Speech in reply. The 2012 Budget reply speech was more a speech on the labor party's downfalls rather than a position of alternative government. However, given all pols suggest a coalition wipeout come the election it will be interesting to see the differences in mr Abbott's speech from last year given the alternative government will more than likely be in power by the end of the year.

In the last few weeks, the Treasurer and the Labor Party have been on a path of trying to win support for their Budget. All indications suggest that it will be brutal and will begin to reflect the economic turmoil the rest of the world has seen since the GFC in 2008-09. While Australia for the most part came out unscathed from the GFC, our dealings with the rest of the world and poorer than expected economic figures really do fall in line with how most of the rest of the world have been feeling since going into recession. Polls show politically the fall out of not delivering a surplus will be huge for Labor, but will a Coalition Government be able to bring the Budget back to Surplus ASAP, while still repealing the 'Carbon Tax' and the MRRT? Unless they get a majority in both the Upper and Lower House the answer is probably not. But Nevertheless they will try. 

It is now only 4 sleeps to go until Parliament resumes and the Budget is introduced to the Lower House. So people get excited and HAPPY BUDGET DAY for Tuesday.  

Its not much. But it is better than nothing.

Its not much. But it is better than nothing. The archaic ritual that is democracy. The question that I have been pondering is whether there "Are there any features of a democracy that you would fight for, or even die to protect?" not for any real reason other than it is one of the question posed for me to write about. Not that I am picking this essay question but still, one can dream and speculate. I suppose to begin you need to start out with a fairly comprehensive outline at what it means to be a democracy and if our Governmental System (or really any of the Governmental Systems in the Western World) was taken away from us, would we care and if so would we do everything (or anything) in our power, and then some to retain it.

As a (young) very-nearly-able-to-vote voter I would say that it is important to me that I don't have to tell anyone who I will vote for (even if many people my age will ask for advice) nor do I have listen to anyone who will tell me who to vote for. As an adult (pretty much) I have the choice to decide on my own merits which candidate and which party gains my vote. Whether my chosen candidate and Political Party gain or retain office is another story entirely. My ability to cast a ballot is even more impressive given I am an (unmarried) female, when through out history I would have had very few rights and definitely not the right to vote. Although South Australia gave women the right to vote in 1894, the women before me fought many battles to try and become equal to their male counterparts. Would I fight for equal rights on the basis of gender? Yes.

Free and fair elections are taken on the whole for granted in Australia, a country that despite its political turmoil at the hands of our politicians, has seen fairly consistent behaviours when it comes to how elections are run. It was brought to the forefront of my mind today that Australia was one of the few countries in the world that was created not out of War or uprising, but by people who saw it time for a change and a unification of separated colonies. I do not wish to discredit the Indigenous lives lost and the heartbreak and sorrow they endured in the struggle for the land we call home, I just wish to point out we did not fight a revolution to get where we are today like some people in some countries did. Would I fight for free fair and compulsory elections? Probably, but then I have never known anything else.

Compulsory voting in elections seem like a huge injustice to the many people who dread the day of a election, because they have to, like, umm you know, get out of bed and go vote but this practice is not considered universal around the globe. According to an article written for the The Guardian in 2005, only 31 countries, including Australia, Italy and Peru had enacted compulsory voting laws; Which is not to say some people in all other countries vote, just perhaps not all of them. Increasingly, more and more people are asking me what I am looking forward to most when I turn 18 next month, and many if not all are surprised when I say the fact that I will be allowed to vote. Not the clubbing/drinking/getting wild all weekend long/getting legal tattoos answer they were looking for. Yes I am 'unique' and probably take politics way to seriously sometimes (read always) but hey a young girl can dream. So would I fight for the right to vote. In no uncertain terms YES.

Would other people look at this differently? Absolutely. While you may not believe that compulsory voting is vital to democracy nor might you feel so strongly about equality under the law, the point is that at some stage, when your rights start to be undermined or your views and opinions are no longer taken into consideration, everyone would, at some point seek to rectify the situation. I am by no means saying lets start a protest tomorrow over the fact our favored politician was elected out of office or over whether or not traffic lights or a roundabout should be put at a particular intersection, Im saying stay vigilant. I had the opportunity to listen to a lecture given by South Australian State Liberal Parliamentarian Martin Hamilton Smith last week, and he said "we will face challenges" in the future and perhaps let us not make one of them the quest to reclaim our democracy. We can not escape the politics of governance so let us embrace it and make sure it happens on our terms.

I may not need to fight for democracy but knowing that without the love and attention it deserves, it may disappear puts me on edge and in words of British Politician Sir Winston Churchill "It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried." So maybe we should seek to protect and nurture it...

The aftermath and AUS VS US

The question I am posing today, refers to our system of Government, and do we, Australians or do the Americans have a better system of Government? Currently in Australia, many people would strongly argue that our system of Government has let the people down, given the perception that the Parliamentary Standards (especially in the Federal Lower House) have been slipping. Furthermore, the unenlightened voting public believe a massive wrongdoing has been set against them, with the possibility of a Prime Minister Leadership spill every other week - or so it seems. The style of electing governing officials in America is fairly different to our standard ''only-pick-your-immediate-representative-from-a-prescribed-list" soirée Australia has bought into. There are pros and cons to each Political System and I plan to scratch the surface some more.

Despite the massive 'let down' of a Leadership spill within the Federal Labor Party the day of the last sitting day before the Autumn break, the aftermath would suggest differently. The carnage currently stands at 8 Ministers resigning or being fired from the Governments Front Bench. Many of which, publicly came out on the Thursday advocating the need for a Leadership Ballot, and of whom, all are avid Rudd supporters. While some people saw and described this 'purging' of the Cabinet as just another example, in a long list stacking up against the Government, might this further Cabinet Reshuffle be seen as a good thing? All I am saying is that, despite our Prime Minister showing her 'feisty' and tough exterior, it doesn't help to be surrounded with people who are categorical friends and not foes ... right?

The imperfect separation of power seen in the Australian Political System is further cause to rejoice in the effectiveness of our system, when comparing it to the American Style, and yet many Australians forget how much our Parliament has done and is capable of. The Executive and the Legislature are intricately woven, with the Government's Front Bench making up the Executive Cabinet (barring the Governor General). Unlike in the United States, where the President and his (or her) Cabinet are excluded from Congress, and are forced to push their own Political Agenda from the White House and not Capitol Hill. Furthermore, given the perfect separation of power, the President cannot decide the legislative agenda in the House of Representatives, like the Prime Minister and Cabinet do in Australia. Hence the Prime Minister of Australia has more domestic control over political affairs than the President does, as her (or his) direct involvement in the Parliament allows them to do so.

For example, unless the President's party is in the majority in congress, their ability to create legislation becomes highly improbable, and in cases like this a 'watered down' version of legislation would be the only hope of success. Now think about the current Political Climate in Australia (possibly forgoing the last fortnight or so), despite the Greens holding the balance of power in the Senate, the ALP Government has been quite successful in its legislative outcome. Regardless of whether or not one agrees with the bills, the ALP have been able to pass some major reforms, including the MRRT (Minerals Resource Rent Tax), Tax on Carbon (Clean Energy Futures Package) and the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) despite the hostility of the Senate and Minority Coalition with the Independents and Green in the House.

Saying all that however, one of the major flaws voters speak about in Australia, comes from the party-room or caucus electing the head of each Major Party rather than the people themselves. Despite the constitution having no mention of a Prime Minister or a Cabinet these things exist, obviously, but with no recognition of these offices come no solid way of electing people to these roles. This again, contrasts to how the United States operates, as they have primary elections in each State before the General Election to elect the representatives the people want, as well as the Presidential Candidates. It is an interesting concept to imagine, and with voluntary voting in the US it is a wonder people turn out twice to vote on their own accord. Another major difference is the voluntary versus compulsory voting idea. The argument for compulsory voting being, it forces the public (who are an Australian Citizen and over 18) to vote and to have some input onto the running of the country. Whereas advocates for voluntary voting say that in a democracy it is up to the people to decide whether or not they participate.

So the debate about who has a better system of Government is still a contested issue while the grass supposedly always looks greener on the other side, sometimes we should just be grateful for what we have. Neither country has major civil unrest or extreme poverty like other countries and yes no one could have predicted the state of either economy before the GFC, but still maybe we should just take a step back and think about what we could lose if the Political System changed. I am definitely not saying if Australia became a Republic and elected out Head of State, there would be rioting in the street, and many people say it is time for Australia to become a Republic, but I am saying think about how good we have it before we critisise the Australian Political System. As honestly it could be much much worse! And remember there is nothing wrong with changing the Political System, but do it for the right reasons and not just because the perception of the US system is better than what we have now.

The big day nothing happened!

So, umm, this is not the blog post I was intending to write this evening. I had planned to discuss political ideologies or the Federal Constitution and whether is still serves its intended purpose. But alas, after the day some of us have had, it only seems right to try and digest the events that surrounded Parliament House today. So here goes...

When Collingwood and Saint Kilda drew in the 2010 AFL Grand Final, immediately after the game there was a sense of shock which quickly spilled into a quite eery feeling of nothing. Not dread a such. Not sadness per se. Definitely not happiness, but a feeling of 'what the hell just happened?' Speaking to a pair who attended the game, they remarked at just how silent the walk out of the MCG was. Saints and Collingwood fans equally depressed with the fact NOTHING happened. After the build up of Grand Final week the outcome (that week) bore no resemblance to the expectedness of what should have happened. What was expected. And the fans walking out of the MCG together that fateful day, were in mutual agony at the result. With that in mind, going to sleep tonight feels a lot like the Grand Final Draw.

Most people went to bed last night wondering if and what would happen today and/or tomorrow. It was the huge stampeding white elephant in the room/chamber/house and everyone - from Political Journalist/Commentator to average person on the street had an opinion on whether or not the Prime Minister should still be PM, or in fact resign/step down and make way for . The so called 'facts' were that SOMETHING would happen in regards to the Labor Leadership it would just be a matter of when and by whom, rather than if and maybe. Well not only does it turn out everyone was so epically wrong, the IT this everyone was talking about didn't even happen. In a whirlwind day in the hallowed halls of Parliament House in Canberra, the leadership spill that was supposed to mark the end of the Gillard Government never even made it passed speculation as caucus didn't bring forward another candidate.

My newly acquired book 'The Rise of the Ruddbot - OBSERVATIONS FROM THE GALLERY' by ABC's Annabel Crabb (so far) has depicted the last months in office for the Howard Government. Hilariously humorous but not completely earth shattering. However the thing that strikes me as fabulous is, that the way Crabb describes Howard, is the same way the media now is portraying Gillard. Deeply unpopular yet still somehow able to retain leadership. Another non political example is in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, one of the main themes specific to that book is History repeating itself, which effectively is what is going on here. Granted Howard's demise, came after, over a decade in the Prime Ministership and the current state of politics looks set to dispose of Gillard after one 'outright' term.

The contest for the Labor Leadership, which has been bubbling for a long while now, finally spilled over again this week, after the ALP looked set to try and rush through Media Reform Bills before the Autumn Recess (which starts when Parliament adjourns tonight). So when Prime Minister Julia Gillard stood up in Question Time on Tuesday, and said "The election which I have called in September [will be a] choice between "a strong feisty woman and a policy weak man" [and] "I will win" frankly, many thought shit was about to hit the ceiling. Wednesday saw the enlarged elephant in the room as the leadership problem and was not helped at all by (former/ex) chief Government Whip Joel Fitzgibbon fanning the fire late Wednesday night.

Why does everything happen on a Thursday? People die, Universities are overloaded and people are at their crankiest on a Thursday, so why should anything else happen. Last year it was Asylum Seekers before the Winter Break and today it was Leadership speculation before the Autumn break. Thursdays are just crappy days. But I guess the only thing that is good about a Thursday, is that Friday follows. Nevertheless, the day that was intended to D Day for the Government turned out to be a flop for everyone whose name is not Julia Gillard. Not only do we go to sleep tonight with her as Leader, she is also Leader unopposed. What even?!?! After Simon Crean burst the puss filled pimple that is Labor Leadership, in a Press Conference earlier this morning, where he tried to call (some might say blackmail) Rudd into contesting the leadership he also volunteered himself as a possible deputy. Why? Was it just as simple as he said? To help fix and bring about change in the Labor Party, or was there something else? Never mind now I guess...

The point being, Im pretty sure someone should have consulted our friend Kev on this matter before the Press Conference, because really it was his decision right? He didn't get a voice in his political assassination, but maybe he would like a voice in his apparent comeback? And you know, if someone had, you know like asked, maybe the hoopla of today would need not have happened. As Rudd came out and said something like (but not quoting) 'hey guys, I'm the good guy and I keep my promises, so you won't see me on the ballot paper today' Just a thought. As between the real looking, fake Twitter accounts, and the MSM how is one, let alone a political junkie supposed to even grasp what the heck is going on in Canberra. At least 3 authentic looking, Rudd Twitter accounts were made and confused the living braincells out of many people today. Who knew an ill-placed underscore in a Twitter name would cause SO much shenanigans!

Nevertheless, as we close our eyes tonight and switch off our love affair with Canberra for another 7 weeks, while our representatives go out and mingle with society, let us remember our fallen pollies, who tonight might be feeling a little bit silly. And maybe even our pollies, who like our courageous Prime Minister has wiped the (metaphorical) sweat after today's proceedings from her brow, ready to face another onslaught of mind-numbing questions tomorrow.

And remember the only thing more exciting for this Opposition other than a Labor Leadership spill, is the lack of a budget surplus come May. So hold on to your horses as when Parliament resumes things may get even stickier!

Why can't we be friends?

When you are at Primary School teachers, parents and other adults tried their hardest to make sure everyone had a friend, someone to play with at recess and lunch. The adults acted as peacekeepers and conflict negotiators, resolving problems so that everyone could get along. As we grew up, moving into High School, us as 'mature' young adults begin to understand that there are just some people we need to avoid - for a range of reasons. Whether it is just that we think differently to them and believe different things or just because our interests and lives are different. University or life after school comes along and we make our own friends and just get on with living, those who don't enjoy, like or are not interested in politics chose not to engage in debates and forums where ideas can be discussed. Yet it is about this time young people turn 18 and whilst most look forward to 'getting smashed' (drunk) these same 18 year olds also now get to vote. Becoming active members in society, who have the opportunity to help influence the way our country is run. However this blog post is not about me harping on about the sacred right to vote, Promise. More so, I am exploring the idea of why people think our politicians have to get along. I am sick and tired of listening to people say our politicians need not to fight but to get along. Why do they HAVE to get along? They believe in different things, come from different parties, and if parliament was high school, the politicians who cant 'get along' would probably choose not to encounter each other and walk the other way.

Uninformed, misguided people ask why our politicians can't just 'get on' and forget their differences - as if that would be an easy concept at the best of times, but nevertheless they ask, seeking a real answer. When I hear this, I always wonder if they realise what they are saying, because in a nutshell they are asking why their representative and the other 149 members (in the House of Representatives and 76 in the Senate) don't all believe in the same things. Granted our major parties are moving towards the center of the political spectrum in terms of policy and party lines, but on the whole all sides have their differences. Political Ideologies on a whole, might be on the way out , for example the current traditional left winged Government may not be particularly in favour of Same Sex Marriage or Republicanism in Australia. But something do never change, with the ALP Government aiming to provide assistance to lower income households to try and counteract the Clean Energy Futures Legislation and MRRT.

Now, yes I do read the paper, and yes I do watch the news, and yes I see that Question Times is more a case of brattiness but other stuff still happens in Federal Politics. Legislation does get announced more often than people think and if one hooks into the live stream of the House of Representatives at any other time than the hour or so allocated for Question Time OTHER STUFF HAPPENS! Shocking I know!

If all our politicians 'got along' the level or criticism and critique would surely be diminished. The, "I'll help you if you help me" mentality would create an even more secretive and behind closed doors Government if there wasn't a small amount of hostility amongst our representatives. Maybe Australian Politics has hit a few lows in recent times but I think our minority Parliament has been able to produce some greats things as well despite the at times childish nature of the Lower House. Will the Tax on Carbon (NOT A CARBON TAX!) be looked upon in the same way come 20 years? Who knows it might become as historic and important as the Native Title Act did for Keating in the 1990's.

The point being, that sometimes I think we get caught up in the trivial parts of what goes on in Canberra, to the point that some people believe nothing good ever comes from our Representatives regular meeting in Parliament House. Whether or not this view is accurate remains to be seen. I understand the analogy of a child growing up may be too simplistic when it comes to comparing our Federal Representatives, and I also know a lot of the time all sides of politics agree on many things. It just seems to me, that when someone says "why can't they all just be friends" that person has no idea what is going on around them. Maybe a better question would be, "why can't they grudgingly accept each other and discuss policy without throwing a tantrum?" At least that way said person acknowledges the role of government in our society. The textbooks all say (well the seven or so scattered around me right now anyway) that in the Parliament, during Questions without Notice (Question Time), Ministers are asked questions directly related to their portfolios and from which Ministers must reply complying with the standing orders from each House. Whether this happens in such a straightforward matter remains to be seen but the idea is clear.

Be friends. Be friends, I find that funny also. How many times have you met 149 people (or 75 even) and instantly love all of them despite some of them being male, female, tall, short, obese, pompous, shy, smart and the list goes on. Yes professionalism must come into the mix, and for the most part we, the public don't hear all the wonderful bipartisan action that occurs daily, we just get the hating on each other part. Which does make for a good story... I guess. Sigh!

So people, the moral of my story is question why you want our politicians to "make up and just be friends" because maybe it is you that needs to look at how you view politics and view it in a different light. Nice is well nice, but nice doesn't mean things will automatically get done.

In a perfect world what democracy would look like ...?

Yay, the time I have been waiting for has finally arrived. My purpose has returned, Im glowing and I am once again actively studying Australian Politics. Even though I am constantly looking for 'breaking stories' or new news articles, I love that I am back inside a politics classroom once again. Hello highlighters, sticky notes, books, textbooks and pens.

Reading the course notes for first year Political Studies, the immediate weeks ahead are spent looking at democracy, what it is, and unpacking left and right winged views. Not probably as fascinating as looking at the current Victorian Parliament with a new change in Premier's and nor is it probably as exciting as examining the new South Australian Labor branding but it is a good start I guess. All the textbooks I can currently find, start out posing the question "why study politics?" and go on to say things like "its all around you" and "It's not as boring as you think". I guess those who are not quite as obsessed as some people need some help getting excited about the prospect of 3 x 50minute 'lessons' a week, on the subject.

A question I have come across in my readings is, In a perfect world, what would a democracy look like to you? I asked a friend of mine and they said it would be exactly like communism. Why? Because everybody would be equal, just taking what they need, rather than what they maybe want. I did agree with them at the time, but thinking back I am not completely sure. Sure there would be a level of equality amongst all the participants within the community governed by this so called 'democracy' but at the same time, I am not sure communism would always ensue. According to David Beetham in his book Democracy, Democracy is "understood as a procedure for taking decisions in any group, association or society, whereby all members have an equal right to have a say and to make their opinions count." Rather implying that all participating members of said democratic community have the EQUAL RIGHT to have their opinions counted, not necessarily to be in the majority.

In Australia and in most developed nations which call themselves democratic in Government, Citizens over a certain age have the option or are forced to vote, making their opinions heard by a higher power. Communism on the other hand is devoid of having a higher power IE: a Government at any level. In many cases Communism has proved unsuccessful, none more so than the wonderful Animal Farm by George Orwell; Where the commandment of "All animals are equal" was eventually changed to "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others," referring to the leaders having more authority than the common folk. Hence going back to what is a perfect democracy, is it where everybody has a say on every issue? To me that is justified with the words "in a perfect world", In a perfect world counting votes would be instantaneous and everybody could vote on every issue, with the need for politicians eradicated. Or is a perfect world referring to a world where there are no constraints as to being allowed to vote. Currently in most voting countries either, age, location, gender or race can severely effect your ability to cast a ballot, in a perfect democracy would this be a problem? Likewise in a perfect world illnesses and diseases would not exist, thereby creating an avenue to be even more democratic when it comes to decision making, because more of society would be voting. Does a perfect world automatically account to a higher voting population? Or turnout rate? Or does it simply mean more people having the OPTION of letting their opinions be heard.

But we must always take into account that even in a pure democratic environment not everyone will get what they desire. In Australia we say our Government is democratically elected, but a member in the House of Representatives may only have 51% of their constituencies vote, and the number (or quota) is smaller in the Senate. Would a perfect world force the elected officials (if we even had them) to be elected in with more than 51% of the vote? A perfect world is nice to imagine, and in the countless textbooks scattered around me the definition of a democracy is quite similar, democracy can also be in the eye of the beholder. How? The US election in 2000, the Right thought it was democratic, Bush had won enough votes for the media and officials to call it, but the left felt robbed.

Those who despise politics always say to me, "why can't they all get on? Its all a load of rubbish anyway" probably wish for a perfect world free of all things political, but then some of the people I admire would be out of work, so I am just going to leave you with my feelings of a perfect democracy. It would look like a place where One) voters make informed decisions and Two) factors like age, gender and race have no place when it comes to elections. But then again I do like Beetham's expression of democracy also.

Thinking is Dangerous!

As dangerous as it sounds, I have been thinking (crazy I know a soon-to-be-student-at-university thinking), about how people say they feel disenfranchised when it comes to politics. I mean, one minute people say things like 'oh that bloody pollie again' and the next they are saying 'it is all crap, nothing means anything anymore' but really is it solely the politicians fault? Now I am not saying either one of us are to blame, but surely it is a two way street. Follow and see...

A voter and a Politician have a symbiotic relationship, they both need each other to survive - kinda. A politician needs voters, their constituency, to stay in power, right? But at the same time, we the common folk need a group of elected people to run and oversee our country. Ok, so maybe technically we don't need ELECTED officials, we could have a Dictatorship or Absolute Monarchy or something, but according to our Constitution we have a 'Federal Parliament' (see Section 1 of the Constitution) and we regularly elect people who are supposed to represent our needs and beliefs.

So going back to basics for those who are confused, my local member in the House of Representatives has the support of at least 51% of the people I live near (in the same electorate). So why then do people feel disenfranchised. They voted didn't they? Their voice was heard wasn't it?

I know my opinion is fairly blunt when it comes to executing your sacred right to vote, but seriously people, GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER! The 2010 Federal Election saw more of our Politicians than ever before, use social media as well regular media outlets to interact with the community, and this year things the same thing will happen on an even bigger scale. One can never again say, 'I just don't understand it [politics] at all' or 'it doesn't effect me' or 'I'm not sure', with the introduction of mandatory voting in Federal Elections in 1924, it is our responsibility and duty to seek the answers we are searching for! Google'ing Australian Politics leaves you with a plethora of sites, blogs and articles (scholarly and commentary) on the subject, ranging from using the most basic of words right up to nerd territory. And geez, if you are so inept you can't fathom google'ing maybe you should just give up. (joking!!) But if an anti technology Grandma can master Google anyone can (see http://helpmygrandmahasanipad.blogspot.com.au/ for further explanation). My long winded point is, that due to technological advances I don't believe that one can really call themselves disenfranchised when it comes to Australian Politics, or really Politics in general because of the wealth of knowledge available on the subject. For every new policy announcement, one can find the Parliamentary discussion papers, watch Government debate, see Press Conferences and discover all the wonderfully crazy journalists, bloggers and tweeters (I'd call myself 2/3 of those) writing about it as it happens or within 10 minutes!

However, one must remember and be careful of the B word... That's right Bias. The naughty word that seems to be creeping up in the MSM (mainstream media for those not as obsessed as me!) everywhere lately, and I must confess to my own bias. Most of my posts are skewed towards persuading everybody to vote, and to enjoy doing it when they do. The wise words of a woman (hint- Penny Wong -hint) I met last week ring clear in my mind "Politics will be part of your life regardless, so why not be interested!" and I can't agree more. Despite my obvious love, our Federal Politicians are everywhere, on our televisions, on radios, in papers and sometimes in our letterboxes! We can't escape so let us embrace what is really inevitable, and maybe then our Politicians working in this symbiotic relationship will stop the stunts and work with us and together, rather than against themselves for the greater good.

Granted MOST of my peers have better things to do than googling Politicians, political Journalists/ Commentators or watching the news I think it is important to embrace and understand our political system and what is going on rather than relying on parents or caregivers advice on who to vote for come September 14th.

So talk to me haters of all things Political, if you were embrace politics what would be the biggest thing you would struggle with? Maybe people aren't disenfranchised when it comes to politics, maybe my year 11 textbook had it wrong! You never know until you try!

Community Cabinet rundown.

The best early birthday present was delivered to me (one up only that the Federal Budget was handed down on my birthday last year!) tonight, in the form of the first Community Cabinet meeting for 2013. Most people assume that nothing happens in little old Adelaide but not tonight, the political juices were a flowing!! Ministers including but not limited to, the Hon Julia Gillard, Hon Anthony Albanese, Hon David Bradbury, Hon Tony Burke and Sen the Hon Penny Wong descended onto the Aberfoyle Park Recreation Centre and really blew my mind.

Despite the path leading to the event being lined with protesters chanting "ban live exports. No ban No vote" a feeling of anticipation and excitement hung in the air and the peoples gathered to see some of Canberra's finest were quite reserved and dignified. The live band played harmoniously until the event commenced, and the crowed grew quiet. The applause as the Prime Minister walked in was incredible and one would have no idea as to the latest polling data. Introduced by SA Senator Penny Wong, the PM looked quite moved by the kind words of her colleague. Overall, the only let down for the night was the range (or lack thereof) of questions asked overall, which seemed concentrated to just a few areas. Jobs/wages, Health, Foreign Aid and Asylum Seekers - and most of which were answered by the PM herself. Fun fact, for most of the question and answer time, one Minister (I believe to be the Minister for Broadband but I could be wrong) studied his iPad/tablet as all of 2 or 3 questions were directed to other minister and not the PM.

Nevertheless the night was memorable. Favourite quote? Came from the Minister for infrastructure and Transport, "Hi I'm Anthony Albanese and I am the Minister for building things" - Can't get much more blunt than that right? However the person whom I was sitting next to said he could have said "Hi I'm Anthony Albanese and I am the minister who fights with Christopher Pyne the most in the House" Any takers?? No matter, with the distant rumble of "no ban no vote" the PM and her Ministers spoke eloquently and with the drive and determination that is rarely seen in the public arena, given the crap, scandal and mess we impose on them instead. Refreshingly no one uttered the dreaded names of Craig Thomson, Peter Slipper or Kevin Rudd nor did they mention the other numerous scandals plaguing the Labor party at the present time. It was almost a complete hour of policy-ish discussion with the electorate. Favourite question? Came from a girl asking about how many Asylum seekers are in our care, but that is not the best part, the best part is, she was asking in relation to her Research Project, a compulsory Year 12 subject in SA. And as a Year 12 graduate in 2012 and heavily obsessed with politics I could not think of a better reference than, Oh yeah I interviewed PM Julia Gillard!

Now this is going to make me sound incredibly vain, and I do apologise because that is the last thing I want but here goes. It is true that our PM Julia Gillard does sound different in real life as opposed to the edited snapshots we see on our television. As does the Minister for Finance and Deregulation. However unfortunately the Hon Jenny Macklin does appear to be that vertically challenged in real life and does sound like she does on television. As for the men, I have to say the cameras make them seen more scary than they appear standing in front of you. However, none of this really matters when it comes down to it, because it should be whether or not they can perform their jobs not materialistic things that make up our minds when we cast our ballot on September 14th.

Well I am leaving the best part until last, after the PM had left a few unlucky Ministers were swamped by eager people begging to have a photos taken with, and me being one of them, had the lovely pleasure of meeting Senator Penny Wong! Which honestly was the icing on the cake after a great evening. The lovely people gathered made up tenfold for the protestors outside, and tonight the Community Cabinet restored my faith in our Political System and Government. My only regret is that more people do not have the opportunity to attend such functions, as the engaging session allowed for a discussion away from the drama and hoopla which currently surrounds our political scene. It was completely an awe inspiring night!

Full list of Ministers in Attendance:

Hon Julia Gillard, Prime Minister
Hon Anthony Albanese, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
Hon David Bradbury, Assistant Treasurer, Minister Assisting for Deregulation
Hon Tony Burke, Minister for sustainability, Environment, Water, Pollution and Communities
Hon Mark Butler, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health reform, Minister for Housing and Homelessness
Hon Jason Clare, Cabinet Secretary, Minister for Home Affairs, Minister for Justice
Sen the Hon Stephen Conroy, Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Digital Productivity
Hon Mark Dreyfus QC, Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Management
Hon Kate Ellis, Minister for Early Childhood and Childcare, Minister for Employment Participation
Sen the Hon Don Farrell Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water
Hon Jenny Macklin, Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Reform
Sen the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Finance and Deregulation

I don't even care!

Sigh! Is it just me or are other people getting a feeling of predictability when it comes to Federal Politics at the moment? Don't get me wrong I love politics and for as long as I can remember, the thought of a good sparring match in the Lower House has excited me, but not anymore. The buzz from the election announcement has worn off and because uni has not started yet I'm at a loss of how to fill my time. Ok so maybe I have 4 paying jobs and spend at least a day a week with my Grandma, but when it comes to politics my love and passion seem to conk out. Currently, the anticipation of Question Time is better than Question Time itself, and I have come to the conclusion that I'm either having a mid teenage crisis or a crisis of political faith. Neither of which I am happy to admit. Why? Because since I was 10 I have loved politics and now at a really old 17 (18 a week before the Federal Budget is released) I just don't know anymore.

My daily routine includes reading 2,3 or 4 newspapers, a few Australian and International news sites, watching some news bulletins and a morning check of Twitter, so that by 9am I am up to speed on everything that has gone down since I went to sleep. During a sitting week I also tend to read the House of Representative's Daily Program for anything interesting, why? Just a (bad) habit I got into during Year 12 Politics. But then what? Wait for some politicians to give a Press Conference so that I can see some uncensored bitching? So that I can see that someone doesn't like someone else? Or so that I can see the L &NP or Greens blaming the Government for something else or vice versa? I have come to the point where I can ascertain what will happen in Question Time, so now I figure why even bother watching?

I guess I could read one of the many books on politics I have bought in the last 12 months but due to year 12 refrained, however even then people bickering on twitter is much more hilarious. My parents have never really understood why I love all things political, the debates our elected officials can have over the important issues, and the wonder of going into a building (Old and New Parliament House) that has seen great leaders walk its corridors, even just thinking about it makes me smile. The thought of having to go and vote come September makes me happy, but also in the next second sad at how woefully ignorant some people are, preferring to vote informally or to cast a donkey vote because they either don't care, understand or bother, because they think their vote doesn't matter, that their voice will not be heard. It saddens me to think that even though children are told at school they can do anything they want and be whomever they want to be, many young people could not give a toss who the Prime Minister is, or for what she (or he) stands for. Many people with whom I interact couldn't tell me who the Governor General or who the Leader of the National Party is, or traditionally what the Labor Party stand for (let alone the Liberal, National Party or the Greens). If myself, a self confessed political junkie doesn't feel the need to listen, what hope do those who think they are disenfranchised have at knowing what is going on?

It is a flaw in society to think politics should only be taught in schools, it is a flaw in society to think that the media have sole control over peoples views, and it is a flaw in our society that we are letting our politicians get away with running amuck. We (the voting population) have the choice on who we send to Canberra (and to our State Parliaments for that matter) and it is up to us to demand more. In our schools, workplaces and homes we should be having healthy debates about political issues rather than it being the elephant in the room. Given that here in Australia we have compulsory voting, political debate should not be shunned and pushed in the corner to deal with it another day, people should be excited about the prospect of engaging in diverse conversations and stretching the mind. We will not always agree with each other, but that is the exciting part of politics, it is a domain where two people can debate and it be called a job. We have different political parties because it is obvious that there are a diverse range of views and opinions in the community and that is a great thing. We should be attacking the issues, the topics and arguments not the people who say and believe in them. If we spend too much time attacking the person we will never be able to come to the best solution to fit the problems we face together. As at the end of the day, regardless of who is in power, the number of those unemployed could be reduced, and inflation needs to be maintained and our economy needs to keep running.

So maybe I will wake up tomorrow enthusiastic and be ready to start a hard day of living and breathing all things political... but then again maybe I will wake up and decide that I could clean my car. All I really know is that we need to have some smart conversations about the issues that are with us long term and forget the superficial crap that we seem to be so caught up in, because honestly I just want to jump up and down and be excited about politics again.