Australian Election

There are both advantages and disadvantages to a system that has fixed term elections I think. The advantages are that you can plan your life if you know just when the election is going to be held. At the same time, we would know that the government only had a certain amount of time in power. Also when there is uncertainty, the opposition can often show their true colours. Disadvantages include the fact that if it was a 4 year term, we could be stuck with someone we didn't like and who was ruining the country for that time. Also they could really hurt us for the first 3 years then introduce an excellent budget in the last term, so that they get re-elected. Personally I am hoping that the current Government is re-elected because I do not think that Kevin Rudd is the man who can successfully run our great country. I also remember the days of VERY HIGH interest rates under previous labour governments, and would not like to return to those days. Despite what is said, there are many skeletons in Kevin Rudd's cupboard. Those he, and his party, would want kept hidden from the voters which is why they are wanting the election to be called now. He is just way too glib for me and is a real media animal who has honed his skills over many years while clawing his way to the top of the labour party. Now, John Howard and his government have given us a good life with many benefits. They are experienced and knowledgeable, our taxes are the lowest ever and our standard of living is high. Certainly some people are in financial trouble BUT if you borrow 100% of the value of your house, then it is highly likely you will have problems meeting the mortgage payments. Cut back on other things and forget about some luxuries, and you will have an excellent life here in Australia under a conservative government. With regard to voting and having other things to do. Voters do have the option of getting a postal vote and in many instances you can actually go to the electoral office before voting day, and cast your vote then. Our son is currently overseas and he will apply for a postal vote. If we have something to do on the day of the elections or are away from home, we vote during the week at an electoral office.

I hope little Johnny Howard wins the election. I couldnt see us with Kevin Rudd as our prime minister. Johnny is known world wide and has some good relations with the other countries and their leaders. He has also brought good community spirit and economic greatness in his reign and lets hope it stays this way! Also, Kevin is not really interested in sport and we all know that us Aussies like sport very much; especially in the home of sport, Melbourne!

Hi Lilaclady. Well I am not Australian of course - I am British - and we always have set dates. They have to be agreed by the Queen - but that is only formality. I am not so keen on politics and must admit, try and avoid the whole thing as much as possible. I certainly couldn't bear the idea of the whole thing dragging on for so long like the US ones appear to. They seem to have election campsogns that last for years - I am bored with ours in 6 weeks which is pretty much the maximum amount of time they are allowed to actively campaign before an election.

Hi lilaclady, I live in Canada, and our system has been the same, but changes are about to be made. Some provinces have already set a four year term, with a fixed date for an election, unless the house is defeated in a confidence vote. The federal Government has attempted the same, and I believe this may soon be the case everywhere in our country. I agree with you that it makes sense. Blessings.