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!
Monday, February 25, 2013
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
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
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
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
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.
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.
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