GETTING AN ELECTION: Praying for our very own Justin Trudeau
As the runway becomes narrower and narrower in the US election, most Australians have turned their attention to the first double dissolution election since 1987. Except me. I'm still in deep veneration for progressive and spunky Canadian PM, Justin Trudeau.
Labor has focused its campaign on fairness, with a strong emphasis on traditional Labor policies such as education and health. Meanwhile the Liberals have boasted optimistic economic growth and conservative reform.
Turnbull’s ratings have fallen but he remains the preferred PM over Shorten. Studies unsurprisingly suggest that public perception of the party leader is important to the outcome of an election. With a steady decline in Labor’s primary vote, the prominence of popular Greens leader Richard Di Natale has turned him into somewhat of an MVP.
Over the past 30 years, the Greens have evolved from a minor party to an influential powerhouse. Di Natale’s approach is progressive. He is driven first and foremost by social justice, and departs from a somewhat inflexible environmental agenda. The two major parties must be willing to consider these views whether it is in coalition with Labor, or through a balance of power in the Senate.
JG's deal with the Greens helped her form government in 2010. Alan Porritt
Polls are tight. Neither candidate has faced an election before, but we know Australians love new PMs therefore it is likely they won’t face another election again. 5 relatively average PMs in 5 years demonstrates our standards and expectations of our leaders have heightened.
The unprecedented access to information has turned us into highly critical creatures. Our social media feeds have turned into an oration of personal attacks aimed at other commenters and politicians. Arguably in some circles, the conversation has moved more toward an interest in contrariness and provocation. It is important that we respect each other and engage in fair and constructive discussion.
Don't forget to vote.
