First time voter. The Australian federal election is coming up. I know nothing about politics?!!?

Question

Im an Australian. Its embarrassing to admitt i know nothing about our government. Its all mumbo jumbo to me. I want to know more. I think as Australians we are given the privelidge to vote and decide what is best for our country. I dont want to waste my vote. By no means am i asking for you to tell me who to vote for. But could someone please tell me what both Kevin Rudd and John Howard are offering to do to if either of them win the federal elevtion and become prime minister of our country

Answer 1

If you are at university, why not talk to an "Australian Politics" lecturer and/or to an "Australian History" lecturer.

If not at university, talk with you parents if possible and talk with the people you work with.
If you are not at university and also amongst those not working, then talk with the parents of you close friends and try to talk with others about the various parties.

Generally speaking --
The Liberal Party is a big-business orientated party.

The National Party is a country-orientated party with similar ideals (but not always the same) as the Liberal Party.

The Australian Labor Party (Labor is spelt the American way not the British/Australian English way) is a union-based and generally union assisted party that looks after the interests of the average citizen. Their policies have moved closer to those of the Liberals in more recent years, but it is still "for the average person".

The Democrats are a middle-of-the-road party with a lot of very good policies on the environment, education, health and other topics.

The Greens are also a middle-of-the-road party with a strong environmental policy, and a number of good policies on other areas.

There are other political parties, but none that are really important. Certainly the "Family First Party" has policies that are not friendly to families or the ordinary people.

Answer 2

I am a definite Liberal voter. But i wont ask you to vote for my fav party nor the other one. You have to ask someone older who know some of the past history of the relevant parties and how many years each has been in power. Also ask for any significant events both good and bad that respective party has been involved in. weigh the pros and cons and then vote how much you feel inside is the one to best benefit you and YOUR future. Even though each of us has one vote we are voting for ourselves and hope that the one we voted for delivers what we see as better for us and the country. Time along and you will get to see the trends of the parties and voting will come easier to you. I wish you the best. Remember though who we vote for might not get in nor that party gain government - just remember that the Australian People make their choice what they think is better for Australia. Johnny isn't looking too good in the polls but its the election day that gives a party that Democratic right to Lead us and hopefully lead us well. How lucky in Australia we are that we can vote and get a result without riots and deaths like in other countries.

Answer 3

Then dont vote. I think its worse for people to vote for someone they know nothing about because that defeats the purpose, I'd say just wait study up and vote in future elections it might not be good in the short run but it'll pay off in the long run.

Answer 4

Vote Green
Rudd is as bad as Howard.

Answer 5

i presumed i might ever agree will God, yet what he says is solid. Congrats for asking this question. develop into counseled with the information. i for my area am against Howard, however the alternative is yours and the different destiny electorate. thank you, here have a famous individual!