Now I wasn't sure whether to put this in debate or not, but I figure that this is an issue that relates mainly only to Australians.

I would like to have opinions from you guys. What do you think of each of the candidates? Who do you think will or should win the election?

I'm going to wait and collect my thoughts as I'm not quite in a thinking mode at the moment, but I would like to say that personal opinions on the candidates are allowed. After all, voting is often based on how voters percieve candidates personalities. If you think that John Howard is a brown nose or Mark Latham is a ruthless thug you're going to be unlikely to vote for them.

Discuss away.

I'm not one to keep up on political events, so my opinion doesn't count that much (until I get to the ballot box).

Howard has done some really good things(tm) for the country.. he is a sound leader and has made many sound decisions regarding our national security and international relations, though I don't agree with him following USA whilst sniffing it's arse.

Latham.. I don't really know much about the guy at all, but from what I've read in the Bulletin Magazine, he has been through some tough times himself and has the ability to make intelligent decisions and explore every avenue open before coming to a conclusion.

Who would I vote for?

....Mr Donkey.

I personally love Howard bout as much as I wanna kiss George W Bush's behind. I don't know enough about Latham to comment on him, however he will most likely get my vote as I always vote for Labour. (I come from the western suburbs, it's just wrong for me not to vote Labour :p )

Hmmmm...

I don't mind John Howard, but there are a number of things his government have done in the part few years which I can't stand. Medicare at the moment, that's something I hate. I might vote in favour of the Liberals, but I'm worried that if Howard wins the next election, he may stand down and Peter Costello will be our next Prime Minister and if that happens I'm getting a passport and moving to New Zealand.

Latham, well, like a lot of other people I don't know all that much about him to want to vote Labor at the next election. But, if he is deadset on bringing the troops home, i don't want that. You can't send them over there and then pull them out before they finish what they started. Plus, I'm not big on the current terms for the whole "reconciliation" issue. Not that I don't think it should happen, I'm just not in favour of the way Labor think they will handle it.

So, at the moment, I think I'm going to make an informal vote at the upcoming(whenever that may be) election. There isn't a single person in Politics at the moment who I'd like to vote for...or vote for that party.

John Howard all the way.I think what he's doing for Australia is right.Even though I can't vote yet I still say John Howard should go on to be the next Prime Minister.

Mark Latham.....well I think he hasn't been in the actual power position for too long and I don't think he's experienced in running a whole country.



Plus John Howard reminds me of my Dad :)

Plus John Howard reminds me of my Dad.

You poor, poor thing. :p

I know :o ;)

Okay I thought of something else,John Howard gets a lot of crap from Labour because of the troops being sent overseas but Labour must be really blind or dumb not to see that there is a war happening and a lot of people are dying.And even though our force isn't that big compared to say America's John Howard is still trying to help by sending more troops over.

I know :o ;)

Okay I thought of something else,John Howard gets a lot of crap from Labour because of the troops being sent overseas but Labour must be really blind or dumb not to see that there is a war happening and a lot of people are dying.And even though our force isn't that big compared to say America's John Howard is still trying to help by sending more troops over.
I'm personally not in favour of the Iraq war, so it makes it very hard for me to like or support John Howard. I agree that something should have been done to stop the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein, but by supporting the US whilst flouting UN decree is just stooping to Saddams method of rule. I believe that Howard has made too many mistakes regarding cover-ups. (Boat-people issue and Iraq)

I also totally agree regarding Costello. The day he runs Australia is the day I fling myself off the Rialto tower! :D

......My vote goes to Latham!!!

You finally made your choice!Is this your first year/time voting?

You finally made your choice!Is this your first year/time voting?
That it is my friend. I have always been a strong labour supporter and this year I get to have my say :D

Its actually a pity that our system works on a two party preferred system. Otherwise I'd be voting greens or democrats. I only wish Natasha Stott-Despoja was still leading them.

I don't like either of them. :| If I had to, I'd pick... um... THAT GUY! -points randomly-

Fortunately, I don't have to vote, so that's okay, then. :rolleyes:

....
Fortunately, I don't have to vote, so that's okay, then. :rolleyes:

Yes lucky us.No pressure.

i don't really care. i'm gonna add a extra box n vote for amy . i voted big dog last time.

Well, this year will be my first year voting and I'm pretty excited for some strange reason. I think I'm a nerd. Anyway, I don't know who to vote for honestly because I've never taken an interest in politics, I find it all way to boring. And that's bad, I know.

So, I'm pretty much just waiting for politicians to send me information in the mail about their policies and stuff so I can read up and become a bit more edumacated on the subject. Is that even how it works? See, I'm so ignorant about this stuff.

I will say this tho, I think we need a female prime minister.

To be honest I don't give a crap. So long as they do their job and keep out of my way we're 5 by 5. If they are'nt in the news then it's a blessing cause generally it means they're not up to shifty shit, or at least have'nt been caught yet.


http://www.theage.com.au/ffxImage/urlpicture_id_1062403450663_2003/09/01/always_greener.jpg
john howard? :rolleyes:

i'm not one for politics... but i'd have to say, i like the way our country has been run in the years since John Howard was PM, so why change?

With the war on Iraq, yeah sure i didn't like the idea to begin with... but now that our troops are in there, and the damage has been done, I believe we owe it too the Iraq's to stick it out until the end and help them rebuild, rather than pull out and leave them to fend for themselves.
So Mark Lathams big promise to bring the troops home by Christmas, doesn't really do much for me.

But that's me and i aint 18 yet so, until then... :p

i say Vote For Skippy... he's usually pretty reliable in a tough situation :D

I'm not too impressed by Latham or Howard at all to be honest.

I cannot say that there is one party whom I come even close to remotely agreeing in general with on the important issues (health-care, education etc). They all complain about the other parties' ineptitude with those areas but they are just as incompetent and amazingly stupid with them as well.

Plus of course, there's the issue of "We won't stick to our promises once we're in power so screw you" attitude common with all political parties.

can i vote for amy ?

Vote 2 for Skippy. His mic work has to be heard to be believed. Very inspirational. *tear*

Mark Latham.....well I think he hasn't been in the actual power position for too long and I don't think he's experienced in running a whole country.

But then again, no one is ever experienced until they actually become the leader of a country.

Ive been raised in a labour family and well I hope Mark Latham comes to power. But on the other hand I dont really want him to pull the aussie troops out of iraq, mainly because I reckon it will severley damage our relationship with america, and if the time ever comes in which we may need the U.S I dont really no if they will help. But I reckon Latham will win because of the recent polls.

P.S i want the troops out of Iraq, but it could effect our relationship with Americans

I think I'll vote for the liberals. Australia has seen good times over the last few years when the Libs have been in power. The economy is in really good shape and I think he has shown he has the courage to make the tough decisions even if they are unpopular (eg the GST). Labor on the other hand has a bad track record with the economy......interest rates always go up when they are in power, and they tend to send the budget into deficit as they can't resist increasing welfare payments to low income earners/single mothers etc - the very people who always tend to vote for them.

http://www.johnhowardlies.com

Hmm who are these people again? spose i will hav to know when the time comes for me to vote :P

wankers that spend our money.. oh and people that tell the banks to charge us for keeping our money in the banks. and make us pay to go to the doctor.

and helped me go to school, sponsor traineeships, ya know...run the country

I felt really sorry for Johnny * :D * today.It was his birthday,same day as my nephew and friend,and he had all these ermm.....what are they called again?Oh yeah protestors following him around.Come on!He is also a human being that would like to enjoy the Aussie morning with his run.

So, looks like an October election. Would be in Howards interest to have our election before the US election.

Still have no freaken clue who I'm going to vote for though. It's a question of picking the lesser of the two evils.

To borrow the AvP tagline; whoever wins, we lose :p :rolleyes:

I'm not old enough to vote, but I'd definitely go Labour. I think Mark Latham's a terrible candidate, but I just couldn't bring myself to vote for John Howard - he's a plain and simple liar. He lied about the refugee boat incident, he jails refugees, including children (who have been proven to suffer mental damage), he helped America to invade Iraq without fully proven reasoning or support, and he's always refused to say sorry to Aboriginals. He may have kept the main part of Australia 'stable' and happy, but we can't say the same for the refugees suffering in detention centres right now, having their human rights violated. And we can't say the same for all the Iraqi civilians who have died at our hands.

I'm not old enough to vote, but I'd definitely go Labour. I think Mark Latham's a terrible candidate, but I just couldn't bring myself to vote for John Howard - he's a plain and simple liar. He lied about the refugee boat incident, he jails refugees, including children (who have been proven to suffer mental damage), he helped America to invade Iraq without fully proven reasoning or support, and he's always refused to say sorry to Aboriginals. He may have kept the main part of Australia 'stable' and happy, but we can't say the same for the refugees suffering in detention centres right now, having their human rights violated. And we can't say the same for all the Iraqi civilians who have died at our hands.
*Applauds*
You just said what I would've. He's far too unsympathetic to people in those situations, pulling all the strings to avoid breaking the agreement about refugees, and he obviously doesn't give a ..... about Aborigines. He's definately not the right person to lead Australia and as he's nearing retirement, he won't be doing it for much longer :D

I hope Mark Latham will be the next Prime Minister but as I'm not an Aussie citizen, I can't vote.

To borrow the AvP tagline; whoever wins, we lose :p :rolleyes:
Oh that is brilliant. HA! I should make a t-shirt with that on it and wear it on Oct 9.

I'm not old enough to vote, but I'd definitely go Labour. I think Mark Latham's a terrible candidate, but I just couldn't bring myself to vote for John Howard - he's a plain and simple liar. He lied about the refugee boat incident, he jails refugees, including children (who have been proven to suffer mental damage), he helped America to invade Iraq without fully proven reasoning or support,

On those points I will agree with you. I felt dirty and cheated once the truth was brought out about the "children overboard" incident.

and he's always refused to say sorry to Aboriginals.
That's not true. The Australian public is so caught up on the word "sorry". John Howard stated in an interview that he was something along the lines of... "utterly regretful" over the treatment of Aboriginals in Australia.



re·gret·ful http://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/AHD4/JPG/pron.jpg (https://secure.reference.com/premium/login.html?rd=2&u=http%3A%2F%2Fdictionary.reference.com%2Fsearch%3 Fr%3D67%26q%3Dregretful) ( P ) Pronunciation Key (http://dictionary.reference.com/help/ahd4/pronkey.html) (rhttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/AHD4/GIF/ibreve.gif-grhttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/AHD4/GIF/ebreve.gifthttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/AHD4/GIF/prime.giffhttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/AHD4/GIF/schwa.gifl)
adj.
Full of regret; sorrowful or sorry.
I realise it wasn't a formal apology, but people don't realise or choose to ignore the possible implications of a formal apology.

He may have kept the main part of Australia 'stable' and happy, but we can't say the same for the refugees suffering in detention centres right now, having their human rights violated.
Yes, I think it's completely ridiculous that a small number of people are still being detained in the detention centres.

i think i'll be voting for fat cat this year

Labour will get my vote. I have never liked Howard. He lied about the children overboard thing, and won't say sorry...he led us into a war that about 70% of Australians did not want.
Howards friendship with Bush scares me...
I will vote Labour, because I think Australia needs a change. Latham deserves a chance at least. He might turn out to be a great PM!

i think i'll be voting for fat cat this year
:eek:
I LOVED fat cat when I was little!! Damned stupid political correctness :mad:

I was going to vote for Labor, but I've changed my mind... why?

Because our economy is sure to hit some bumps in the road in the next few years regardless of who's in power, I'd rather see Howard take the blame for that then Latham.

Howard can take the blame for everything, then next election no one at all will vote for him. I think we need a change anyway. Give Latham a chance.

Howard can take the blame for everything, then next election no one at all will vote for him. I think we need a change anyway. Give Latham a chance.
If Latham gets in on this election any problems with country faces in any area will be blamed on the Latham government, and that would be completely true... it would depend on the issue. As far as economics is concerned, anything could happen and people are too stupid to take into account outside international influences on our economy and blame a jump in interest rates on the Latham government. I'd rather see that happen to Howard and Costello.

Speaking of Costello, that's another reason why I wouldn't want to vote for the Liberals... I've got a sneaking feeling that if Howard wins this election it won't be long before Costello is the PM. If that happens, I will move to New Zealand.

no i'm voting for amy . i'm putting a extra box and putting "amy"

no i'm voting for amy . i'm putting a extra box and putting "amy"
"Amy" who? :D

*shrugs* I dunno, but I think people should have a say and vote. If people don't vote they can't bitch later when it's all going to hell.

no i'm voting for amy . i'm putting a extra box and putting "amy"

LoL, that reminds me of something I read in MX on the train last night, cept that one was someone voting for Harry Potter.

Unfortunetly, the voting thingys have codes on them or something, so you can't actually do this.

I wish us Aussie's didn't have to vote.

I wish us Aussie's didn't have to vote.
It's better for us that we do. We've got a fairly small population, and we're lazy... if we didn't have to vote a lot of people wouldn't be bothered going to their local school to vote and that leaves something as important as an election in the hands of a small number of people.

I have a lot of American friends who hate Bush... did they vote in the last US election? Most of them didn't... they have no right to be upset with the actions Bush has taken.

It's better for us that we do. We've got a fairly small population, and we're lazy... if we didn't have to vote a lot of people wouldn't be bothered going to their local school to vote and that leaves something as important as an election in the hands of a small number of people.

I have a lot of American friends who hate Bush... did they vote in the last US election? Most of them didn't... they have no right to be upset with the actions Bush has taken.

Yeah, you make an extreamly good point and I agree with what you say, I guess just in this situation where there is no one in the voting who I'd be happy with running this country. Maybe I'll vote for the Greenies LoL

Yeah, you make an extreamly good point and I agree with what you say, I guess just in this situation where there is no one in the voting who I'd be happy with running this country. Maybe I'll vote for the Greenies LoL
Yes I know, isn't it horrible!? I'd vote for Latham but I don't know enough about him to be confident in voting for Labor.

The Greens, yes... so they can legalise drugs! W00t! /sarcasm

Are One Nation still a party? HA! I'll end up voting for the Family First party, or something.

Yes I know, isn't it horrible!? I'd vote for Latham but I don't know enough about him to be confident in voting for Labor.

The Greens, yes... so they can legalise drugs! W00t! /sarcasm

Are One Nation still a party? HA! I'll end up voting for the Family First party, or something.


I'll prob end up voting Latham cos I've always voted for Labour, hellooooooo I live in the western suburbs of melbourne :p

The Greens cos they have no issue with anything relations to homosexuality... or is that the other smaller party? i can never remember, I really should though LoL.

I'll prob end up voting Latham cos I've always voted for Labour, hellooooooo I live int he western suburbs of melbourne :p

The Greens cos they have no issue with anything relations to homosexuality... or is that the other smaller party? i can never remember, I really should though LoL.
So the Western suburbs of Melb is labor land? Yeah, that's like Port Adelaide, ohhhh, just realised, Port Adelaide is in the Western suburbs of Adelaide.... wow, isn't that exciting? HHA!

Might be the Democrats on the Homosexual stuff.

I hate deciding, it involves research and I hate researching.

So the Western suburbs of Melb is labor land? Yeah, that's like Port Adelaide, ohhhh, just realised, Port Adelaide is in the Western suburbs of Adelaide.... wow, isn't that exciting? HHA!

Might be the Democrats on the Homosexual stuff.

I hate deciding, it involves research and I hate researching.



Yep, west subs of melb is mainly the little people. It's all very exciting :p

hmm, I'm going to have to research, or find someone else to do it lol


EDIT:- eh, I searched, you were right, it's the Democrats :)

Yep, west subs of melb is mainly the little people. It's all very exciting :p

hmm, I'm going to have to research, or find someone else to do it lol


EDIT:- eh, I searched, you were right, it's the Democrats :)
OMG! I got something right for a change! Natasha whats-her-name, she's not so bad... she often writes into the Adelaide Uni newspaper ranting and raving about something. :D

OMG! I got something right for a change! Natasha whats-her-name, she's not so bad... she often writes into the Adelaide Uni newspaper ranting and raving about something. :D


yeah, she's ok. i dont think she's running for any party though, which is a shame, would be cool to have a female PM

yeah, she's ok. i dont think she's running for any party though, which is a shame, would be cool to have a female PM
Yeah I'm not sure what she's doing now. I thought she was still with the Democrats, but I have no idea.

Female PM would be different, but I don't know if Australia is ready for that... well not so much "ready" for it... I don't know if Australia would accept it.

Okay, these are some of the election promises so far. I hope those of the voting age will take this on board to make their decision **coughLaborcough**

ALP:

Reverse the 25% HECS increase
Add 40,000 University and TAFE places
youth guarentee policy for young people to learn or earn
restore bulk billing
ease the backlog in dental care
Liberals:

Haven't found info yet but will repost when promises have been made
Maintain economic growth
Greens:

Restore bulk billing
free education from kindergarten to university
revoke Free Trade agreement with the US
revoke ban on gay and lesbian marriages
Family First Party

introduction of a Families Commission
income splitting for couples with children
Citizens Electoral Council

improve FTA with US
introduce a national peoples bank

Okay, these are some of the election promises so far. I hope those of the voting age will take this on board to make their decision **coughLaborcough**

ALP:

Reverse the 25% HECS increase
Add 40,000 University and TAFE places
youth guarentee policy for young people to learn or earn
restore bulk billing
ease the backlog in dental care
Liberals:

Haven't found info yet but will repost when promises have been made
Maintain economic growth
Greens:

Restore bulk billing
free education from kindergarten to university
revoke Free Trade agreement with the US
revoke ban on gay and lesbian marriages
Family First Party

introduction of a Families Commission
income splitting for couples with children
Citizens Electoral Council

improve FTA with US
introduce a national peoples bank

*cough*What happened to the Democrats?*cough* ;)

Labor: The first two things the Labor party are "promising", I disagree with... and I'm a Uni study. Go figure.

Liberals: Meh!

Greens: I disagree with most of that... but I'd like to see how they plan on funding free education from kindy to Uni... if they can see me the figures on that then I might be interested. Oh wait, I didn't read the Greens one right... YES! Kill that bloody FTA, it will cause this country more problems in the long run.

And the other two, I have no idea what they are on about other than the FTA, so I don't know what to say.

Thanks for posting that info... it would be good to have a bunch of info for the election on hand.

::misses the democrates::

something in my head just keeps telling me to vote labour, but I dunno, I'm also leaning towards the greens.

bleh I hate polotics, thanks for posting that info though.

Agh!

I know we spell words like labour with a "u", but the Labor Party doesn't have a "u" in it. Honest! It doesn't!

Sorry, I'm such a nitpicking bitch. *slinks away...*

Agh!

I know we spell words like labour with a "u", but the Labor Party doesn't have a "u" in it. Honest! It doesn't!

Sorry, I'm such a nitpicking bitch. *slinks away...*



lmfao, well... i knew there was a reason why I failed yr9 :p. Thank you for correcting my spelling, now I'll always remember that there's no "u" in Larbor Party.

lmfao, well... i knew there was a reason why I failed yr9 :p. Thank you for correcting my spelling, now I'll always remember that there's no "u" in Larbor Party.
Ah, school is overrated. ;)

Sorry guys, I just transcribed out of the paper and the democrats weren't listed :o I would do more research, but can't be bothered, 'cause I'm the laziest person in the country :D

i jus voted, and it became 9 for howard, 9 for latham, and 9 4 dun care!
how kewl is zat?
wonder hoos gonna win dis election
even though i hate them, u jus stand there and tick these boxes..
waste of paper...
LMAO

Sorry guys, I just transcribed out of the paper and the democrats weren't listed :o I would do more research, but can't be bothered, 'cause I'm the laziest person in the country :D
HAHA! Are they that bad the paper didn't even have any info for them? Actually, saw Andrew Bartlett and the other Democrats starting their campaign here in Adelaide today... should probably see some election "promises" from them soon.

And you're allowed to be lazy... that's what we're good at. ;)


i jus voted, and it became 9 for howard, 9 for latham, and 9 4 dun care!
how kewl is zat?
wonder hoos gonna win dis election
even though i hate them, u jus stand there and tick these boxes..
waste of paper...
LMAO

Somehow it comforts me that you aren't yet old enough to vote. :D It's not a waste of paper, voting is good stuffs.

look at the pole resaults upside down :p hehe

I finally have my lazy arse into gear and I am going to highlight some of the more interesting or unusualy policy ideas. We'll start off with the Greens.

Greens:

3.9 disallowance of the use of intoxication as a defence in crimes of violence and negligence

3.23 disallowance of the use of drug intoxication as an excuse to mitigate sentences or penalties for crimes of violence and negligence

3.19 the decriminalisation and regulation of cannabis cultivation and possession for personal use, while monitoring its effects on the health of young people

3.6 measures to ensure that smoking does not endanger the health of others

2.3 removing criminal sanctions for personal drug use

3.13 legalisation of marriage and de facto relationships between two people irrespective of their gender identity and whether or not they cohabit

3.14 fair and equal treatment of all such relationships in taxation, superannuation, social security, immigration, family law, the Commonwealth Public Service, the Australian Defence Force and any other relevant federal area

3.22 removing convictions for homosexual acts from legal records

1.17 The Australian Greens support equal access for women and men to recreation facilities, coaching, sports education, competition, media coverage and funding. The need for programs that encourage girls to continue sporting and recreational pursuits beyond early secondary schooling is a priority.

2.4 a review of all relevant laws which have bearing on violence against women, and treatment of victims and perpetrators

2.34 repealing laws relating to sex work

3.10 removing existing tax incentives for hard-core pornographic films.

3.16 ensuring access to legal, affordable, humane and safe abortion for all women, and provision of counselling pre- and post-termination.

3.32 amending the De Facto Relationships Act to recognise de facto relationships (including same sex relationships) in law as equal to legalised marriage (see LGBTI Policy).

and finally

2.4 support the right of people from the age of 16 years to vote and to hold public office, in recognition of the increasing awareness of and responsibility towards current issues of young people

I agree with most of these policies, so I am now going to wait and see where the Greens allocate their preferences. I have to say one thing though. I had no idea that hard core porn films had tax incentives. I guess you learn something everyday.

Well kids, that's all we have time for today. Tune in next (insert random time frame here) for another installment of: "Policies R US" :cool:

I finally have my lazy arse into gear and I am going to highlight some of the more interesting or unusualy policy ideas. We'll start off with the Greens.

Greens:

3.9 disallowance of the use of intoxication as a defence in crimes of violence and negligence

3.23 disallowance of the use of drug intoxication as an excuse to mitigate sentences or penalties for crimes of violence and negligence

3.19 the decriminalisation and regulation of cannabis cultivation and possession for personal use, while monitoring its effects on the health of young people

3.6 measures to ensure that smoking does not endanger the health of others

2.3 removing criminal sanctions for personal drug use

3.13 legalisation of marriage and de facto relationships between two people irrespective of their gender identity and whether or not they cohabit

3.14 fair and equal treatment of all such relationships in taxation, superannuation, social security, immigration, family law, the Commonwealth Public Service, the Australian Defence Force and any other relevant federal area

3.22 removing convictions for homosexual acts from legal records

1.17 The Australian Greens support equal access for women and men to recreation facilities, coaching, sports education, competition, media coverage and funding. The need for programs that encourage girls to continue sporting and recreational pursuits beyond early secondary schooling is a priority.

2.4 a review of all relevant laws which have bearing on violence against women, and treatment of victims and perpetrators

2.34 repealing laws relating to sex work

3.10 removing existing tax incentives for hard-core pornographic films.

3.16 ensuring access to legal, affordable, humane and safe abortion for all women, and provision of counselling pre- and post-termination.

3.32 amending the De Facto Relationships Act to recognise de facto relationships (including same sex relationships) in law as equal to legalised marriage (see LGBTI Policy).

and finally

2.4 support the right of people from the age of 16 years to vote and to hold public office, in recognition of the increasing awareness of and responsibility towards current issues of young people

I agree with most of these policies, so I am now going to wait and see where the Greens allocate their preferences. I have to say one thing though. I had no idea that hard core porn films had tax incentives. I guess you learn something everyday.

Well kids, that's all we have time for today. Tune in next (insert random time frame here) for another installment of: "Policies R US" :cool:
Meh, there's a lot about that I don't like or I can't see them being able to do if they got into power.... but that's very unlikely to happen... but they might get some seats in the senate, yes?

wow, the poll is neck and neck at the moment




this one, not the actual one :p

How is the actual polls on voting at the moment?

How is the actual polls on voting at the moment?


i have absolutely no idea, I haven't been watching the news lately, it's too depressing.



::waits for jade to correct her spelling::

i have absolutely no idea, I haven't been watching the news lately, it's too depressing.



::waits for jade to correct her spelling::LMAO! I am not going to correct anything, ya big goober!! :P

And yes, the news is depressing... I was crying again tonight watching the news report on the Beslan school stuff in Russia...

But I did find out that the polls are now neck and neck tied.

This Saturday.

Shit.

Get me a donkey, preferrably one that doesn't look like Latham. And I'll vote for the donkey.

if you dont mark your card thingy correctly (eg. leave a boc blank) then the cote automatically goes to the party currently leading yes??

As far as I've been told the vote does not count at all unless you have filled in the entire ballot card correctly.

I don't see that it could possibly be a fair vote if all blank votes went to the leading member.

As far as I've been told the vote does not count at all unless you have filled in the entire ballot card correctly.

I don't see that it could possibly be a fair vote if all blank votes went to the leading member.


thanks, was having a debate about that with a family member :)

Correct u have 2 fill it all out
damm that sux I gotta count them coz I'm working for the election this Saturday lol
but in all honesty who ever we get as a PM we r screwed either way

but in all honesty who ever we get as a PM we r screwed either way

it's so true, where have all the decent candidates gone

They ever existed?
2020202020202020202

If the Liberals win and John Howard hands over the reigns to Peter Costello, I'm moving to New Zealand.

I'll call you from the States.

i'm gonna be making a extra box and putting AMY LEE

hehehe

well i cant vote yet... and im glad cos i dont think i have paid enough attention to the politcians parties to make a good decision... but i just saw on the late ten news... they are doing a poll on who you are voting for... and so far it has latham 49% and Howard 59% or something... i fotgot now... but Howard was in front... just some extra info :o

well i cant vote yet... and im glad cos i dont think i have paid enough attention to the politcians parties to make a good decision... but i just saw on the late ten news... they are doing a poll on who you are voting for... and so far it has latham 49% and Howard 59% or something... i fotgot now... but Howard was in front... just some extra info :o
49% and 59%? I think you need to work on your math skills ;) :D

I'll call you from the States.Well, that would be the same distance still I guess. I might go to the States, depends on who wins their election.

The best part of the election campaign so far... the fact that neither Howard or Latham have said anything about petrol prices. Greedy little bastards.

Well, that would be the same distance still I guess. I might go to the States, depends on who wins their election.

The best part of the election campaign so far... the fact that neither Howard or Latham have said anything about petrol prices. Greedy little bastards.


RO-SHAM-BO

We can line em both up and kick em one after the other in the nuts

A poll in the Herald Sun today shows Howard at 52% prefered PM, and Latham at 48%, which is unfortunate. I would have thought people would have grown brains in the last year or two, and decided to give Latham a go. As much I would like to see Latham win, I doubt that will happen. With 18% of voters undecided, I have a feeling they will vote Liberal.

49% and 59%? I think you need to work on your math skills ;) :D
I know i do... i was trying... it was late for me... i was tired :(

I know i do... i was trying... it was late for me... i was tired :(dont worry *hugs*...i have absolutley no maths skills, they just left my brain as soon as i left high school, cept i know how to do simple subtract and addition...and some of my timestables :rolleyes: .
i dont know who im gonna vote for...i might follow ChaosBererich and make up my own box...but instead i will put Killing Heidi....they are pretty smart!!

i voted. yay me . blah gave me this massive bit of paper .. i was like stuff that. folded it back up n didn't bother with it

i voted. yay me . blah gave me this massive bit of paper .. i was like stuff that. folded it back up n didn't bother with iti voted too!! my brother did an invalid vote...the dork

i voted too!! my brother did an invalid vote...the dork


don't blame him . it's so gay mebe if we had better ppl to choose from.

VOTE JOHNNIE! i dunno i go for johnnie, cause mark looks suspicious *rubs chin* ... and johnnies done a great job . I mean the whole war thing annoyed everyone, but he's pretty good....GO JOHNNIE...johnnie is hot! JOKE JOKE.... lol ..ah ha im hypo

Wooooooo
Finally got everything all done. Did an absent vote so I got to walk straight in, vote and walk straight out. It was good. I had every intention of filling in all those boxes, but there were just too many!!! :eek:
I don't really care who wins, as long as its not Coward....erm I mean Howard. Oh well, we'll find out soon enough. :cool:

*GO GREENS*

I voted for a legend...Latham. I hope he wins, but it looks like bloody Howard will scrape through yet again...that means Costello in about two years.

stoopid howards in :(

VOTE JOHNNIE! i dunno i go for johnnie, cause mark looks suspicious *rubs chin* ... and johnnies done a great job . I mean the whole war thing annoyed everyone, but he's pretty good....GO JOHNNIE...johnnie is hot! JOKE JOKE.... lol ..ah ha im hypo


\m/ :D \m/

onya dude

howard again, whats new lol.
nothing changes.. thats why i think voting is useless. as nothing aver chances.. he will always get in
ugh

ADVANCE AUSTRALIA UNFAIR

Australians all let us be scared,
For we have fallen again;
We've bought the lies and fear campaign;
Our home is in bad hands;
Our land abounds with shamless tricks
Of interest rates, terror and fees;
In history's page, let every stage
Advance Australia UnFair.
In painful strains then let us scream,
Advance Australia UnFair.

Well, that was the worst thing I've ever written! :D

How did people get so sucked into the bullshit ad campaigns the Liberal government were running?

So we're all fine with the fact that Telstra will now be sold.

HECS fees will be increased as will the number of full fee paying places in Universities.

The Liberal Government has been the highest taxing government in history, will that trend continue over the next three years? Of course it will.

The Free Trade Agreement with the United States is not going to benefit Australian producers, farmers, manufactors, etc.

Medicare is fucked.

Why are we paying so much for petrol at the moment? It's got nothing to do with the current Oil prices of around $50US a barrel. We produce 80% of our oil.

Now... what the hell was wrong with the Labor party? Not once did they really use any scare tactics of their own during the election campaign and obviously that has cost them dearly.

I heard John Kerry earlier today in the Pres Debate with George Bush. He said something about Weapons of Mass Deception. See, Latham could have used things like that. I would have liked to see a little toughness from him.

Anyway, I'm moving to New Zealand now.

I'm glad Johnny got back in, honestly compared to Latham he is a much better choice to run the country. Latham is cocky, annoying and his promises just won't meet. After how he got smashed in yesterday's vote count, I wouldn't be suprised to see if Labour kicks him off the top spot. I never trusted him to run the country, he fucked up Sydney so much that to put him in control of the country to me seems like a stupid fuckin' idea. According to a majority of voters, they agree.
How did people get so sucked into the bullshit ad campaigns the Liberal government were running?
I wasn't sucked in, but again. Latham vs Howard. Experience vs one fucked up mayor.
So we're all fine with the fact that Telstra will now be sold.
As an employee, I can see that it will be a big step for Telstra. As per being a government department (of sorts), it is still bound by bullshite government departmental rules and stipulations. I see the privitization of Telstra being a good thing for both consumer and wholesalers alike. The way it operates now is a joke, from head to toe.
HECS fees will be increased as will the number of full fee paying places in Universities.
....and our education systems are still more accessable to Average Joe then most American institutions?
The Liberal Government has been the highest taxing government in history, will that trend continue over the next three years? Of course it will.
But while Labour has been in government, interest rates have constantly soared?
Medicare is fucked.
The whole concept is, it needs to be rebuilt from the ground up. Labour wouldn't be able to handle such a task, at least the coalition has some weight behind it.
Why are we paying so much for petrol at the moment? It's got nothing to do with the current Oil prices of around $50US a barrel. We produce 80% of our oil.
Did you notice no one mentioned petrol prices in their campaigns?
Now... what the hell was wrong with the Labor party?
More like, what is wrong with Mark Latham. His track record just doesn't scratch up when it comes to Howard's experience in the position.
Not once did they really use any scare tactics of their own during the election campaign and obviously that has cost them dearly.
Nope, they decided at the last week of campaigns to 'save the Tas forest', pissing unionists off left right and centre. It's Labour for fucks sake, they are there to support unions. That's where they fell flat on their face.
I heard John Kerry earlier today in the Pres Debate with George Bush. He said something about Weapons of Mass Deception. See, Latham could have used things like that. I would have liked to see a little toughness from him.
Because Labour would probably do the same thing Johnny did?
Anyway, I'm moving to New Zealand now.
Oh, don't get me wrong. Costello takes over, I'll see you there.

i might just go to germany. least i got a cousin that has a very very very stable job there. systems programmer for Siemens and a uncle in the police force . go me.

oh well looks like mr howards gonna be introducing that hex tax shit for uni

Howard didn't look after the economy, he sat on his arse let the RBA do that, and IMO, our growth rates will probably hit a grinding halt fairly soon. We were lucky because of overseas factors. We were pretty much well ignored at times like in the Asian Financial Crisis, and ended up faring better than other Asian nations for that. Yes, our decentralisation of wage worked very well to encourage more flexibility, but increasing the level of income inequality is a side-effect of that, which is a pretty big factor in undermining society.

Oh, and roughly 6-7% unemployment for our average growth rates over the 1990s? Put it this way; unemployment should be at around 2-4% IIRC considering that level of growth.

Privatisation will probably end up screwing over Telstra customers far more worse than they put up. I say this, because there is more incentive to slash costs as a fully, and the easiest way to do that is to cut jobs and services. Telstra sucks at the moment, but I believe its service now will be godly compared to what will happen. Australia really doesn't have (look at Germany and its privatised rail systems for a comparison) much of a "benevolent private enterprise providing essential services" attitude.

And Family First aka "WON'T SOMEBODY PLEASE THINK OF THE CHILDREN!" got a seat. Brilliant. Back into the 1950s we go.

So has it officially been announced who has won? Or does everyone just assume that Little Johnny has? Either way whoever's running the country, everyone is gonna hate them and they're bound to make mistakes and piss everyone off so I don't think it really matters who runs it.

John Howard has won the election. That was positive at about 7pm last night.
I think if Labor hadn't have said about saving Tassies forests, they might have had a better chance. They lost marginal seats in that area, I believe.

So, Howard will be running the country yet again. That means no same sex marriages, Medicare will collapse, Uni students can pay to jump the queue, our troops will not be returning from Iraq, and Costello will take over when Howard steps down, which he will.

I hope the Liberals are happy.

I'm glad Johnny got back in, honestly compared to Latham he is a much better choice to run the country. Latham is cocky, annoying and his promises just won't meet. After how he got smashed in yesterday's vote count, I wouldn't be suprised to see if Labour kicks him off the top spot. I never trusted him to run the country, he fucked up Sydney so much that to put him in control of the country to me seems like a stupid fuckin' idea. According to a majority of voters, they agree.
The worst thing Labor could do now is to drop Latham and have yet another fight for the leadership of the party.


I wasn't sucked in, but again. Latham vs Howard. Experience vs one fucked up mayor.


That statement proves you were sucked in like a rest of Australia. You bought into the L-Plate Labor leader who fucked up the Liverpool council. The fact is Mark Latham didn't cause as much of a problem in the Liverpool council as the Liberals would have you believe. The ABC run a story on it about 6 months ago and yes there were problems but no more than another local council in Australia.

I see the privitization of Telstra being a good thing for both consumer and wholesalers alike. The way it operates now is a joke, from head to toe.

It may operate like a joke now, but you saw me a company or service in this country that has been privatized which has given people are better deal or service?

....and our education systems are still more accessable to Average Joe then most American institutions?
And that is exactly where our educational institutions are heading under the current Liberal government.

But while Labour has been in government, interest rates have constantly soared?
Look at world markets and world ecomonies when Labor have been in power and you'll have your reason for why interest rates were high at those times. If Labor had been in power over the last 9 years interest rates would have been exactly the same. The government doesn't set them or control them, the RBA handles all of that.

The whole concept is, it needs to be rebuilt from the ground up. Labour wouldn't be able to handle such a task, at least the coalition has some weight behind it.
Of course Medicare needs to be rebuilt, but you honestly believe Howard wants to do that? Of course he doesn't. Medicare will go, just like a lot of other things.

Did you notice no one mentioned petrol prices in their campaigns?
Of course they didn't, the Liberals didn't because they make far to much money from GST on petrol to say they would lower prices and Labor would probably be no different.


Oh, don't get me wrong. Costello takes over, I'll see you there.

Ha! We'll have to start working on our eccints then. :D


So has it officially been announced who has won? Or does everyone just assume that Little Johnny has?

Even with all the undecided seats, the Coalition government has won. Which is just fantastic because the Liberals now have control of the Senate. This is not a good thing.

Oh, and roughly 6-7% unemployment for our average growth rates over the 1990s? Put it this way; unemployment should be at around 2-4% IIRC considering that level of growth.
The funniest thing about our unemployment rates is it's a bullshit lie. If you are on the Dole and work a grand total of 1 hour a week you are classed as no longer unemployed, so of course our unemployment rate of 5.7% looks soooooo good. It's a lie!

What I don't understand is how people forget about things. Howard, like Bush and Blair, lied about the WMD, and don't tell me they were just going on what their "intelligence" said. They lied, plain and simple. He lied about the "child overboard" incident, which if I'm wrong please correct me, but that all happened around the time of our last election?

There is a seat in Parliment House to be won yet...if the Liberals get it, they will have complete control over something, I am not sure what.

I am going to sit back now and watch Telstra get sold off, Medicare collapse, trees in Tassie get chopped down, gay people discriminated against because they are not entitle to the same rights as straights, and never will be under a Liberal government. I will watch the whole of Australia screw up under Howards leadership, and I will watch Costello take over in a few years time.

With interest rates, there was a report on the news recently-Howard was being interviewed by Channel 10's political reporter.
The interest rates under the Menzie's/Liberal government were higher than that of the Whitlam/Labor government.

Fact is, interest rates will be the same under any government. You can't stop interest rates rising.

It warms my heart to see some lefties on a board that has an outspoken right wing population. :)

I voted Labor. Dammit.

yay for johnny boy! NOW GET ON ROVE DAMMIT!

ADVANCE AUSTRALIA UNFAIR

Australians all let us be scared,
For we have fallen again;
We've bought the lies and fear campaign;
Our home is in bad hands;
Our land abounds with shamless tricks
Of interest rates, terror and fees;
In history's page, let every stage
Advance Australia UnFair.
In painful strains then let us scream,
Advance Australia UnFair.

Anyway, I'm moving to New Zealand now.
HAHAHAHA! Best song I've ever encountered. Good plan, get your ass out of here quicksmart. I'll be right behind you :D I'm serious, I'm making plans to move back to NZ in March. I cannot believe they actually wanted Howard back, they must be happy being broke while the government takes all the money they earned.

I am moving to a far off country, I hate Howard, and how dare Bush say he is the right man to lead this country> Bush should dpend some time over here before he dares to say that.