Reasons for voting.. my way
Here’s my voting intentions and my reasons. If you’ve read my blog a bit, you’ll figure that the coalition is not going to get my vote. Here’s a summary of my reasons, and some thoughts on who will get my vote.
Tax and cash handouts
Firstly, I don’t vote based on how much money one side or the other is going to give me, or who is giving me the best tax deal. A wise accountant once said to me: “focus on earning the money, not on tax deductions.” Since then I’ve noticed how Australians seem to be obsessed about tax cuts, where similar effort could just make some more money.
Interest rates
Howard spreading fear and doubt about Labor while pouring huge amounts of cash into the economy has no credibility. I believe the markets and economists on this one. Also, his selective use of history is misleading.
Free Trade Agreement
The FTA was a dangerous and stupid idea. We are yet to see the damage it is going to cause. Those of us in the internet and creative industries will see the worst of this thing. The coalition bought the whole package on this one, and Labor made a couple of tiny little amendments before accepting it. Both the Democrats and Greens sensibly rejected it.
Human Rights
The coalition: children in detention, mandatory detention, failing to uphold human rights treaties, bombing other countries, leaving our citizens to rot in Gitmo.
Labor: yet to find their voice.
It is the Greens and Democrats again that get it.
Depth in policy
It is hard to find any depth in a Coalition policy. They hand out cash while crowing about ‘economic management’.
Labor sneak in the occasional depth in policy, like in childcare for example, making them worth consideration.
War in Iraq
My bottom line is that nothing should have happened in Iraq without at least UN support.
Coalition: War for the wrong reason, or no reason at all.
Labor: Forgot about UN support. Followed along half-supporting the coalition.
Opposition has been strongest from the Greens on this one.
Environment
Coalition: Hopeless. Need I say more?
Labor: Ok, but still caught in the old economic metaphors.
Greens: They actually understand what sustainability is about. Thank goodness somebody does.
My vote
I’m really happy the way Green preferences are flowing to Labor, for I’m hoping for a Labor majority in the lower house. It makes it easy for me to give the Greens my votes in the lower and upper house, knowing that preferences will ultimately fall to Labor. Unfortunately, the Democrats just seem a spent force now, torn apart by supporting the GST and other deal with the coalition.
The thing about the Greens is that you need to read their policies. There is a lot of good stuff there. A lot of depth. A real indication that they understand the issues, and want to take them on, not just seduce the swinging voters with cash or a “I’m doing good” halo.
So, go the Greens. I’m handing out how-to-votes for the Greens today. Maybe see you down at the polling booth.
No comments yet.