A New Year of fun Political Times!

It's a new day, it's a new dawn and it's a time for new beginnings ... Probably not, right? Well not when it comes to the Federal Parliament anyway. Christmas decorations have come down in shopping complexes and 'back to school' signs are plastered everywhere trying to entice children back into the classroom, but what has been going on in the political scene? Over the New Year period the Reserve Bank did not meet on the first Tuesday of the month, so the target cash rate remained at 3.0% (inflation 2.0%), Happy New Election Year was said amongst friends and the Fiscal Cliff in America was averted... at least temporarily. So not much when you think about it. Also New Year's resolutions were sought, promised and are probably already broken, and a whole bunch of Year 12 graduates cried in joy and disappointment as University offers were announced. The Prime Minister has been out and about visiting towns that have been devastated by bush fires, while the Opposition Leader went out as a volunteer firefighter to help in his own way.

This year has already delivered heartache and sadness to some but with great sadness comes great anticipation as well. The loss of a loved one makes you re-evaluate what is important in your life, just as much as the ringing in of a new year. Unfortunately I had lived though both by January 3. Nevertheless we continue on to the next great endeavor and for me, that means Flinders University in Adelaide to study Politics. The roller coaster I have been though in the last fortnight allows me to see how lucky we are to live in a country with a democratically elected government, safe streets and to be protected from the violence and war that other young children grow up thinking is normal.

Our politicians do not agree on most things so it seems, but then neither do you or I, we are all individuals  who think and act according to what we think is the right thing. We are lucky to have fixed election terms and a law that forces compulsory voting at elections, to make sure that people have the opportunity to elect individuals who represent what they believe in. Constituents were may be frustrated with the introduction of new 'taxes' and that the parliament held a minority government, but you must remember that it was you who elected them to office. Yes there were contributing factors that helped you make up your mind, but when you walk into a voting booth on the day of the election you and only you can cast your vote. So I think it would be wise for us all to remember that during this election year, pay attention to what your elected representatives and candidates are saying, question their policies and ask the questions you want answered to make an informed decision come voting day. So roll on this new political year, and the fun, wacky and horrid things to come!