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.

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!

I will not be lectured on misogyny!

WOW! So for the last couple of weeks, the major theme, that has been an integral part of federal politics, has been females, feminism and men, trying to appeal to females for their vote (among other things). Increasingly, since the era of the suffragettes, have women fought for equal pay, rights and job opportunities, and as I look into the past, and into history, I can see a whole range of strong females that have paved the way for me. For me, to have a right to an education, and fought for my right to vote, and to be able to do anything I desire. I sometimes take what I have for granted, but I must be humble and remember what my female sisters did for me, and for other girls like me. Since the infamous comments of one, Alan Jones, regarding our Prime Minister, (which for the record, I believe his comments to be completely disgusting regardless of where they were said, and under any circumstances,) female politicians have been forced into the spotlight, to defend their rights, and to defend unimaginable comments that should have never, ever, been uttered. But alas, alack, they were, and so the strong women in our public, political domain, stood up and made us proud. 

Whilst women have fought for the right of equality, currently in Australia we, females, are in, quite a unique position, with all the 'top jobs', so to speak, being held by females. The offices of Prime Minister, Governor General, Attorney General, Speaker (and Head of State despite that being a hereditary position) all are held, by strong courageous women many of which are a first, especially in Australian Politics. Prime Minister Julia Gillard, has had to overcome adversity in the face of many 'faceless' power brokers, string pullers and sexist people, and with out losing her cool. The Prime Minister and Attorney General, in particular have been at the epicenter of discriminating comments from the Opposition Party and outside sources, but other female cabinet ministers have not been left out of the abuse. It seems disgraceful when nobody in politics, can be criticized on their policies, and not their gender, what does it matter if you are male, female or undecided? It should be the policies and ideologies you believe in,  that are debated, not whether or not having a penis makes you more entitled to utter hurtful and disdainful comments.

In the last month or so, Julia Gillard, has come out with fire and fight, defending horrendous claims against her made by a whole range of sources, and in a range of different mediums. For me, it makes me proud to be woman, when she comes out, 'all guns blazing', and even if you do not agree with her political ideologies, one must commend her, on being tough and resilient. Remarkably, this week also saw the metaphorical bashing of frontbencher, Kate Ellis MP, on the ABC's Q&A, on monday night. The actions of the male majority, on the panel, which included Christopher Pyne MP, Lindsay Tanner and Piers Ackerman were disgraceful, and horrible to watch but also sent shudders into many people, at the lack of humanity seen by some politicians, and public figures. Social media, during the hour long television show, went into total meltdown with public outcry at the treatment given to Ellis and the total overstepping of Pyne.  It seems that in the current political landscape with the 24 hour news cycle, social media is playing a large part in the formation of the people with similar ideals. Particularly during Q&A, on Twitter the hashtag #destroythejoint was being used as was the topic of resignation of the Opposition Leader (and Jones himself) during the Gillard/Jones saga. 

The one thing that has become apparent, since the introduction of alternative media, is that normal, regular people get to have a say, in events that are taking place, in real time, as they are happening. Even a few years ago, the events that took place in the last few hours would not have reached the amount of people it did tonight. Using tonight as an example, within just a few mere hours, has the former Speaker resigned, the acting speaker been instated as Speaker permanent and a new deputy speaker has been elected. This much action, in such a short period of time has not been seen since the introduction of the Asylum Seeker legislation after the Houston recommendations were handed down, just prior to the commencement of this parliamentary sitting session. Lyndal Curtis from the ABC, and host of Capital Hill, seemed especially glad that her long day and night was over, but the question still remains, during Question Time today, was it necessary to go into so much discussion about the Slipper case, and by doing so, bring up issues about Gillard's supposed lies and family? While it was not really a surprise given the no-issue-is-off-limits-in-politics-anymore attitude that the Opposition has been adhering to lately, it is still causes people to shake their heads and groan at the low standards put to the parliament by some members. And finally, we must remember that some politicians are kind and decent people, who truly want what is best for the country, and that on most issues gain bipartisan support from the Opposition and the Government, it is just the select few, which polarize the parties that make it into the news. So with us gawking and being horrified at events transpiring, let us channel our new Speaker and hope that all members can work in a  "dignified, effective manner," and, we as outsiders  are reminded that "It is indeed difficult challenge," and may we wish her luck, heaven knows she will need it. 

It is all a Juggling Act!

People say it is the hardest year of them all, they say that you will have no social life and be confined to the library and your office. Year 12, the year above all years, the one year your entire life has been leading up to. The year students hope that motivation will come and A grades will be plenty. Some students aim to just pass, so that the daily ritual of school, uniforms and classes will be over. For others the end of this 30 week teaching course, signifies not the end of an era, but the start of something great, something that will open more doors than it closes. The start of a 5 week exam revision period, for some, comes at the perfect time, one can relax, take  break and de-stress, for others, myself included, the 5 weeks will be a time of study, sleep and extreme stress, leading up to the night before my exams.  I guess I am being a bit dramatic, but I can honestly list a number of my peers in the same headspace and situation as me. Year 12 exams separate the losers from the winners, the kidders from the study nerds, and those who have put in effort all year as opposed to avoiders of work.

Planning out the next two months, I can see comparisons to a political election campaign. The hard work students like myself have put in all year, is the same as the period between elections, when a government, governs and the opposition tries to healthily scrutinse what they are doing. The extra hard work put in from the time an election is called up until the day of the election, is like the long hours of study that year 12 students around the country SHOULD be doing in the immediate future. Repeating the same political messages, is the same as revising subject material, both parties are trying to achieve a goal of success. The comes the day(s) of all days, and the pure hope and belief that you have done enough to gain/retain office or pass your exams to get that magical ATAR* score. If you do, then life is good and you now have 3 or 4 years of hard uni work to complete, just like 3 years of government, and if you fail, you must sit and watch others do what you failed to achieve.

There are support groups to help you achieve your goals, teachers, mentors and families do all they can to help stressed and freaked out year 12's, in much the same way that political parties help candidates campaign. They offer guidance and reassuring comments to help with motivation, and through good times and bad support us (in theory anyway) to become better. They say if you do not care about something, then it is not worth having
and I believe that is true, if people did not want to go in politics then they would not care if they were in opposition. Likewise if we did not care about our year 12 grades we would not  be studying like mad people, but we do, and politicians care about being government, and so the world continues to turn. And just a bit of handy advice, the nest two months, be careful in Adelaide (and places inhabited by year 12's) because you might come across some highly scary and freaked out students willing to rip heads off at any moment, so Beware!

*ATAR stands for: Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, and is the primary way that school leavers in South Australia and the Northern Territory gain admission to university.