As I write this, speculation is rife regarding the imminent announcement of the date for the 2010 Australian federal election. All signs point to August 28th being the day when Australians will go to the polls and decide who will lead us through the challenging times ahead.
As a voter, I can’t help but feel somewhat short changed by the calibre of candidates vying for the top job.
ALP – Julia Gillard
Since her controversial move to the top job, Gillard has been leaving no stone unturned in her efforts to differentiate herself from Kevin Rudd whilst trying at the same time not to rock the boat too much for the ALP generic supporter base. In my opinion, she has given us very little of actual substance and the vast majority of announcements have been nothing more than smoke and mirror tactics to try and shore up mortgage belt and “working family” vote. Off the cuff announcements, a massive backflip on the mining tax and a deputy PM / treasurer without a shred of economic credibility left in tact has done nothing for the Gillard cause. For me, the fact that she is a women is neither here nor there. It is irrelevant and doesn’t play a part in my thought process. Actions will speak louder than words and her whilst her sex might play for some voters, it definitely won’t influence my vote in anyway.
Liberals – Tony Abbott
The ‘Mad Monk’, this political train wreck would be a laughing stock on the world stage as PM. He’s just so out of touch with the Australian people it isn’t even funny. The thought of him leading the country keeps me awake at night. It’s just not a good proposition for the Australian people. His ultra conservative views just are no longer relevant in today’s society. We are looking for more tolerant, welcoming Australia that judges people by their characters and not by their sexual orientation or religious beliefs. In my opinion, his biggest downfall in the eyes of the public is his trademark negativity, Abbott never has anything positive to say about ANYTHING! His first reaction to every situation is to tear down the ALP, Greens or anyone else in his way instead of highlighting the good things that he and his Liberal party would bring to the table as an alternative government. All of this Abbott nonsense is the biggest frustration for me in the lead up to the election. The Liberal party has two, perhaps 3 members that I would have as PM in a heartbeat. Costello & Turnball definitely, and possibly Hockey would all do us proud and be outstanding leaders. I just can’t see it happening with Abbott.
The Greens – Bob Brown
Senator Bob Brown has always been someone who I have had a lot of time for as a politician. I do not agree with the position of the Greens on many topics, though his stand of asylum seekers is one that should be applauded. The political hot potato that is the asylum seeker debate is fast-becoming one of the main battle grounds on which this campaign is going to be fought. The Liberals want it buried, the ALP want it buried just as much, though are trying to avoid coming clean on their real intentions. The Greens are fighting for the rights of these asylum seekers. Australia needs to be more compassionate here. We are going down a slippery slope of racism and bigotry being veiled as ‘frank discussions’…… there’s just something wrong with this debate from both major parties here and I’m glad that the Greens as speaking up and taking part.
Me – Liberal / Green……. swinging????
I just don’t know anymore, I’ve always been a Liberal voter, I generally like the main concepts and beliefs of the party as a whole. I’m just so far against Abbott I’m not sure I can vote Liberal as my primary selection.
I can’t vote Labor on principal. My values are polar opposites to much of the core ideals of the ALP. The Greens don’t provide any practical framework for serious leadership and future vision, they cover a few issues well, but just don’t provide a serious alternative,
I guess the upcoming 6 week campaign will show me what our potential leaders are all about. I am looking forward to it with much anticipation, though with a slightly deflated sense of optimism.
….. clearly I’m not a Wordsmith by trade, I just have a few ideas and opinions that I want to get out and share. I’d love any feedback or comments on my post and you can always find me on Twitter (@danielfisher).
- DF
