34 days... and life still goes on

(Instagram 11.9.13)

The 2013 Federal election was technically 34 days long. On Saturday September 7, Australia peacefully changed governments and brought in Tony Abbott as our new Prime Minister.

Much of this is actually incredible considering the other political situations in the world like Syria, Egypt, Burma, K.Rudd's best mates China etc.

I am sure many of you were expecting me to write a post earlier than this. However, I have needed a few days to process all that has happened. And I also felt I needed to wait to see what would happen. It is interesting the process of voting. A few numbers on a piece of paper is all we have to do. But the ramifications of these numbers as a collective have massive consequences. I don't think many of us can or do realise this.

But life still goes on. I actually can't think of one thing that has changed in my life since Saturday except for the contents of my Facebook newsfeed. There is still laundry to be done, work to do, children to teach, train and feed; friends and family to love.

Here are some thoughts on the election results and post-election that I can poetically inscribed within an appropriate acrostic VOTE:

V - Victor. The victor of this election is Tony Abbott. Someone who, I confess, I have said to The Man a few times "if he ever becomes Prime Minister, can we leave the country?" Yet, in fact, this hypothetical has become a reality. I saw it coming but for some reason did not wish it to happen. Many of this is because of his policies on the environment (see previous posts). He probably has personal values that actually reflect my own more so than K.Rudd. I found this article very amusing.
One victor of  this election is also the Liberal member for my electorate who just won by an extremely small margin. (The sitting member was Labour) It has taken over 3 days for my electorate to be called. THREE DAYS!! Quite exciting!! This means they would of have to count every single number place on that green paper! I am glad the member is with the government as opposed to opposition.  Holding the seat with such a thin margin should guarantee he will read my (future) letters  (maybe rants) about climate change/asylum seekers/environment etc etc.

O - Opposition. I have a strange fascination with how the opposition will rebuild itself after defeat. You would hope they would listen to the electorates and tackle the issues of disunity and dysfunction. My interest in Labour does centre around what role Tanya Plibersek will have in the new opposition.  I have found her to be an impressive person in the way she conducts herself when she speaks both in a formal and unprepared way. When Ben Pobjie of the Guardian described her potential prime minister-ship as her "glorious regime", I realised I felt some infirmity with that. Not that I am in her electorate nor would vote for Labour just for her (though she would be a good draw card.) At the moment it appears the opposition leader could be Albo or Shorten. Neither seem impressive. But, it is a wait-and-see game. The way the Liberals were able to rebuild after they lost under Howard is pretty amazing.

T - Time. Being politically engaged takes time. A lot of time. Just trying to keep your finger on the pulse with not just what is going on but reading opinions that both agree and disagree with your own takes a fair amount of time that I don't think the ordinary person has. Or, at least the mum of two children who works 3 days a week and participates in extra-circular activities like me can do. I am glad that I gave my vote the time and thought it needed.  This vote was probably the most thought-through vote I have cast in the 15 or so years I have been able to vote. But it does take time. So I can see why the "sound-bite" policies and one-liners works for people. It would be good to be able to go to one place to get  information in a relate-able, human way. It also takes time to blog about this stuff.

E - Engaged.  Or more importantly, stay engaged. Going through this process has made me see that being engaged needs to be more than just one day, one vote. A lot can be done over the next three years and my minister is now accountable to me for decisions made on my behalf as the government. They won't know what I want unless I tell them. It's empowering as well as burdensome.

With that said, I think this may not be the last post on this blog. I had originally thought I would finish at post #34. 34 posts for 34 days of the election campaign (nice huh?) But I need to stay engaged and so I think I may keep posting (though maybe in a somewhat adhoc fashion) anything helpful I read.

Plus, the NSW State election is in less than 2 years time. Which made me realise... I don't even know who the NSW Opposition leader is... (Thanks in advance Google).

Saturday 7 September 2013

Election Day.

I thought I might get up early and vote as soon as the polls opened then turn the TV on and watch the coverage across the day to see the results. I thought I might listen to the analysis and the predictions and ride the tide of emotion with each refreshment of the vote count. I thought I would check my Facebook and Twitter and join in the online conversation about the way the count is going.

I even thought I might have an election party. And share the joy of watching the results unfold as a government is peacefully endorsed by the populous to go and govern over them.

But, sorry to say, there are other things to do. And particularly, more important people to be with on a Saturday. There are two precious little ones who I can play and laugh with. Sydney was a gloriously balmy 27 degrees today - a tease of summer to come - and therefore a call to be outdoors and run around. There is a Playgroup party to go to, shopping to be done and the last minute, friends-from-out-of-town catch up BBQ to go to.

I see a bit of the electoral count on the TV, that is on in the background as old friends chatter and our kids scream around furiously chasing each other, on a high of sugar from the ice cream. I see a prediction here, various red and blue graphs go up and down.

But now, at 10pm, when the house is finally quiet and tidy, I think I will just go to sleep. I am tired from a day full of good things.  The good things has brought on an accidently freeing social media blackout on my day (except for this blog!)

But I am also a little worn out from this tiring election campaign. There is an ignorance bliss of having done what you have to do and to have done that well and then not knowing what the result is. There is a hope that result will be good. Fantastic even.

The election result can wait til tomorrow.

There are other things to see and do today!! (6.9.13)

The night before the election.....

It is nearly over. The election campaigning that feels like it has been going on for 3 years may finish tomorrow. In the last 24 hours has seen one leader stand up and another stay quiet. Though all the polls and predictions point to Liberals, I cast my thoughts back to the 1993 Hewson-led Coalition who had the polls on their side but lost in the end.

The last 24 hours for me has actually made me realise who I  don't want to win and therefore who I will vote against tomorrow.

This article I found really kinda summed up the election well.

PLEASE dear readers, vote for policy and not personalities!!!

Probably my last post til the election, I want to share this lovely poem by a friend of a friend of a friend (I think), a Mr Jason Forbes. I thought it was appropriate!

Twas the night before voting
when all through the house
All were wondering
WHO THE HECK AM I GOING TO VOTE FOR??
including the mouse!

Dad considered the candidates,
the greedy and fair.
While mum just wanted the best childcare.

The idea of family
could see a new day
The prospect of marriage,
now free and gay!

Present leaders showed
as servants to themselves,
while arrogance abounded
their ignorance observed!!

The sick and disabled
seeing the end of their night
With te NDIC
to take care of their plight.

While the biblical faithful
prayed and sat tight
Looking only to Jesus
to come and make things right!!

Paid Parental Leave #2 which is really about childcare

(Hard to find good childcare... I mean eggs.... July 2013)

As a user and one heavily reliant on childcare 3 days a week, I am a tad ashamed I didn't really have childcare up there as one of my policies of concern. However, with the recent release of the Coalition's budget and position, something has to be said:

* I understand that the National Quality Framework has been a bit painful to implement as it tries to regulate a system that, in many ways, has been quite a casual arrangement by some groups to look after children.
* However, as someone who uses childcare regularly, the Framework provides assurance that childcare centres have a good standard to care for our children.
* I am unsure what the Coalition is proposing however the industry does need reform. Better wages, better qualified staff. It is extraordinarily hard to get affordable and good childcare.
* Access to childcare is intrinsically linked to the ability of women to go back to the workforce after children. It should be accessible to all without having to wait in ridiculously long waiting lists that we had to place our child just after they were conceived.
* I have been blessed to have experienced two excellent childcare centres. However, they are expensive and this is not the norm.

So I will vote for improvement and reform to the childcare system.

I found this and this helpful to read.

Vote Compass

I finally got around to using the Vote Compass and it is really insightful. It doesn't help with your Senate votes but it does help you see which of the main parties - Liberal, Labour or Greens you align to the most.

You may be pleasantly surprised and it may help you with your choice tomorrow. Enjoy!!

foreign aid #2

So the last 24 hours has seen an abundance of criticism to the Liberals budget cuts, especially foreign aid. It has called into question the public's ability to "trust" a government, that holds out details of its budget until it is too late. It also calls into question "trust" when they promised, not so long ago for large spending in foreign aid.

Paid Parental Leave

(George & Peppa - happy beneficiaries of paid parental leave - April 2013)

The last election issue I want to cover is the paid parental leave scheme. I am all for it and it appears so are the major parties.

I found this article very helpful. I also mention it in this previous blog post (wow... I have enough posts to refer to old ones already).

It appears Liberals will give me more (though I don't plan to have any more children). Funded, as in previous blog, but cutting resources to the environment and foreign aid.

Labour will maintain the current arrangement and also investigate an overhaul in the childcare system (which as a regular user of this system, I think its really important).

The Greens promise to do a combination of both, though the funding is not clear.

As I have previously said, I think paid parental leave is a really important "welfare" benefit, especially for mums as they manage the change (financially, socially and emotionally) of becoming a mother. And for partners to get some of this money, helps with the whole family. I think this is especially for low income families where money is tight.

The additional aspect of review the current childcare system and possibly increasing the wages of childcare workers is very appealing. As someone who has had to experience the stress of limited childcare places, and witnessing first hand the large spectrum of "care" that is available, the system cannot be sustainable in its current form.

This policy is very close to being one that feeds straight into my back pocket, but I would hope it would also benefit many other parents in the future.

The faith vote and how to vote

(Vote above or below the line?! April 2013, Blackheath)

I found these below articles helpful for those who are faith based in their ideals and values.

A Christian case for the greens

http://www.jimsphilosophy.com/politics/279-why-do-some-christians-vote-green

And how to vote 

http://drummoynepresbyterianchurch.wordpress.com/2013/09/02/how-to-vote-this-election/

And this article about voting below the line

http://www.biblesociety.org.au/news/vote-fred-risk-getting-pauline-dilemmas-for-christian-voters-2

My favourite quote: 

Election expert Antony Green has pointed out that according to law, voters are allowed to miss out ten percent of the boxes below the line, and mess up the numbering three times, yet still have their vote accepted as formal. This is good news for the preference plodders

So, don't be scared to vote below the line!!! It will make your vote that much more worthwhile!!!

Foreign aid

(From World Vision Facebook 5.9.13)

Though foreign aid is not specifically one of my election policies of interest, this just had to be shared.

http://www.worldvision.com.au/resources/media/13-09-05/Coalition_aid_cuts_leave_Australians_broken-hearted_World_Vision.aspx

$4.5 million cut from the budget to fund inhumane refugee treatment, exorbitant parental leave scheme and a climate change policy that doesn't work.

If you have a roof over your head, clothes on your back, food on your table and a bed to sleep in, you are richer than 75% of the world's population. Please vote for the poor and not for your back pocket!

I think foreign aid should be one of the many instruments used to reduce refugees seeking asylum in Australia and elsewhere.

(and I confess the thing that makes me most angry is that this is announced less than 48 hours before the election.)

The green vote #2

Now, I am sure readers, when it comes to the Green Vote, the Greens party is the most obvious choice.  However, as we all know, the Greens party will not (and probably should not) be the governing party considering Australia's current political situation.

However, what each party is saying about the environment and particularly climate change is important because this particular issue is one that has long term ramifications, far greater than our economy.

So, it is alarming that a few more articles have come out in the last 24 hours that target the Liberals' stance on the environment. This article is quite detailed. This one is just damning, (by former Greens Senator Bob Brown). It scares me though because I am unsure what voter Liberal is aiming for, but it seems like it is ignoring science (not just climate change but anything remotely natural history related) and also valuing resources on only economics (read extraction) value only. Short term. Business.

The nail in the coffin for me is today's discussions about the budget from the Liberal party. This article summed up that a lot of party's holes in their budget will be funded by cutting resources to climate change, resource management and foreign aid.

I understand the argument that jobs are lost when timber mills are closed. But in a capitalist society, one area of restriction leads to another area of growth? Tasmania has enjoyed a boast in tourism, eco-tourism and organic farming of all types as such produce, fishing and dairy.

I am particularly sad to think that my children may one day not get to see the Great Barrier Reef or the Tasmanian Wilderness (or enjoy the clean air and water these ecosystems make) because a mining company, a timber mill or a farm want to make a 10% profit for the next 5 years.

I am glad I can vote and have a say (even if it feels small).

(From Earth - The Operators Manual)

Asylum seekers #3

Unlike the environment issues, it appears the two main parties are similar on this issue.

This very helpful article compared Labour, Liberal and the Greens asylum seeker policy, showing that not much is different between the two major parties.

Both major parties will have mandatory detention, offshore processing and a inflexibility with bridging visas. The Greens support increasing Australia's refugee quota, onshore processing and increase rights to refugees settling into Australia.

It seems like it is really a vote between Labour/Liberal hardline asylum stance vs Greens softer approach to refugees.  After this, it seems like the main difference is the choice between our current set up and using extra money for the military (Liberal's policy) for maintaining border control and buying boats in Indonesia (to stop them coming here).

I guess the most disappointing part of this election issue is that there isn't much "thinking out of the box" with a possible solution to deterring asylum seekers to Australia via leaky Indonesian boats.

This sponsorship option is something I would of liked to have seen more. Or something like Sweden?

It is articles like this that remind me how inhumane the current refugee/asylum seeker process is in Australia. It is good it is a big election issue.  Sadly, there doesn't seem to be any really good options by the major parties. It seems it may have to go to a Senate vote. The below graphic just shows how small a number we are talking about.

The green vote

I have been pretty clear that there are three main election issues for me:
1) Humane treatment of asylum seekers
2) The environment
3) Paid Parental Leave

(18.3.13 - Which straw man to vote for?)

The two main parties are very similar on issues 1 & 3 (will discuss later). Issue two, the environment, is one that is coming across as the issue that will sway my vote.

I want to reinforce that I am not a member of either party.  I equally distrust both parties.  However, it greatly disturbs when I read that Tony Abbott, the opposition leader, who has, in the past, denied climate change, would straight out speak something as per this article, misrepresenting the carbon tax, clearly not understanding an emissions trading scheme and suggesting that an expensive, ineffective "direct action" of financing limited, outdated fossil fuel technology to stop polluting will actually benefit the environment.

See article below:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-09-03/llewellyn-smith---abbott-climate-change/4931534

It is amazing that we should comprehend the "direct action" strategy when it looks like it won't work - even confessed by the Coalition themselves.
http://www.theage.com.au/federal-politics/federal-election-2013/carbon-target-may-be-missed-abbott-20130902-2t16g.html?rand=1378166667641

Then, to read, four days before the election, that the Coalition will sponsor coal seam mining has really tipped me over.

Now I am not a card carrying greeny. I do not campaign or march. I am not an "activist" in that regard. But, the logic of trying to rely on very limited, polluting, fossil fuels instead of investing in renewable energies seems to be beyond the comprehension of the opposition party.

See article here: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/election-2013/use-or-lose-offshore-gas-leases/story-fn9qr68y-1226710075172

What annoys me is that this news doesn't even touch on the sensitivities of coal seam mining - the environmental risk, the loss of farming land, the impact of small communities. It's a throwaway election promise that has some awful consequences.

I do not mean to be so bias in my blogs, but I feel that this issue might be the one that helps me decide where to put my numbers on Saturday.

Lethargy

Apologizes for the absence of posts in the last week or so. It is hard to believe that in less than 7 days a new Prime Minister will be elected. Will it actually change anything? 

One thing I have noticed, in both myself and others, is the lethargy of election talk in the air. People are tired of K.Rudd, economists are tired of Australians whining (or the Liberal party telling us) we are poor & the economy is the top election issue, people are tired of no humane action on asylum seekers. Everyone is tired of the election! 

I know the busyness of life has stop me from tuning in. However, there is also another, more subtle reason for my disconnect - that belief that nothing has or will change. Both major parties are offering, what appears like similar offers. Both PM hopefuls are as distrusted as the other. Their policies have not changed in the last week. Both have hard-to-believe promises.

With only 5 days to the polls, I am trying to rouse myself back from political sleep. Like falling asleep in a uni lecture, I know I need to pay attention to what is going on. But like uni, there are so many other things to check out (AFL finals footy anyone?) As I wake myself I hope that the rest of the country stays awake and that Saturday's winner will be the best for the country. 

(27.8.13 - PPL experience #2, asleep on the couch.)

How to vote

Here is a useful link about how to vote below the line.

http://belowtheline.org.au

Just put your electorate in and it will produce a print out that you can decide in the time and comfort of your own home and then take to the election booth.  This way you don't let the major parties decide your Senate choices for you!

Seriously funny election stuff

The election period brings up some really funny satire of the most important people of the moment. We have great TV shows like the Gruen Nation that resurrect themselves for the election. My favourite is the Chaser boys and their Hamster Decides. A whole blog could be dedicated to these types of things, but it won't be this one. However, the above video was just too good not to share. Enjoy a bit of rock for your day as you decide who to vote for!!

Climate change link

Picture by me 28.7.13. (Climate change discussion requires a picture with the beauty of mother nature against the constructions of man with automobiles in it just to emphasis the GHG emissions, right?)


As I have said in my intro, one of the three policy concerns I have in this election is about the carbon tax. Or, more broadly speaking, what-the-government-plans-to-do-about-the-environment, be it climate change, management of resources, reduction of fossil fuels etc.

I found a page that had some good discussion and comparison on Labour's Climate change policy and on Liberal's Climate change policy.

Though I think Labour has not been very successful in their climate change strategy (the carbon tax & mining tax are both a bit lame), I don't think they are as lame as the Liberals proposing to pay polluters to pollute less. Huh? With my tax money?! That seems crazy! Or have I got that wrong?

This articles from SMH has a really good analysis (though a little long). It is really helpful and detailed (especially for a greenie like me)

Comparing these two, I confess my vote is going towards Labour. However, the Greens should really win my vote in this "environmental" policy area, partly because that is their main game, but I particularly like their stance on biodiversity and protecting the Great Barrier Reef. I think that being able to vote on these big national issues is a very important part of a Federal election. (Also their policies on refugees, university, duopoly of supermarkets and paid parental leave are attractive)

Any other good links to climate change policies?

The importance of voting

For those of you feeling unsure or disillusioned with voting in the upcoming election, I found this cute cartoon from this site really helpful. All vote counts!!!

Today's mail......

Debate #1

So, in the midst of feeding and putting kids to bed, I missed the first debate last night between the PM and the Opposition leader.

By the sounds of it, it wasn't worth watching. From the videos and replays and articles I have read it appears that they K.Rudd and Abbott battled it out on known territory, appealing to the hip-pocket of middle class voters (yes like me).

Here are some of my thoughts:
* Wasn't a game changer. I don't think the debate would of changed or helped you with your vote
* K.Rudd appealing to his good management of the GFC (fair enough)
* Abbott attacked for the potential to increase taxes
* K.Rudd playing the gay marriage card (remember the Apology to Indigenous Australians anyone?)
* K.Rudd seemed more nervous than Abbott (a little bit of a surprise)
* Liberals adamant that the carbon tax will be scrapped. Sorry, but I do not believe that the "direct action" Abbott is talking about will do ANYTHING. (BIG thumbs down)
* Both men, but particularly Abbott appealing to voters with really broad, abstract vision and (frankly false) promises. The best is Abbott's "We can make your life better." Seriously? (Promise the world...)

(for some articles I found helpful - link 1, link 2 & particularly link 3 - love Natalie Mast's opinions!)

Speaking of debates, there was one on Wednesday night between Bob Car and Julie Bishop about Foreign policy, but (for some reason) I cannot find much information on it or what is was like. Anyone out there in the wide world web have good info??

The verdict of the debate: same same but different kettle of fish (or prawns)??

Watsons Bay, October 2012

Opinion pieces #1, 2 and 3.

Opinions came in all shapes and sizes. 

Shapes - by Peppa aged 3 & 1/2.

It has been 1 week since the election was called. Since the previous PM set the first election date there has not been a shortage of opinions and articles about how to vote.  Since K.Rudd became PM again, setting the next election date has, in many ways, made everyone a little jittery about "when will it all happen!!"

There will be, no doubt, a prolifia of opinion pieces about who to vote for and what to think about various parties' policies. These four from this week are ones that I found interesting, insightful and felt resonating with me and my values.

First piece resonated with me as I am a child of migrant parties (though not refugees or boat people) and of Asian descent. Though I need to see how the various parties' policies stack up next to each other, I can see myself being like this author: a reluctant Labour voter

http://www.smh.com.au/comment/my-vote-for-labor-will-be-a-ballot-cast-in-betrayal-20130804-2r7is.html

Second piece is probably even more like me (though possibly a 8-year younger version of me). When K.Rudd became PM again, I felt very much like "I don't want to vote for any of you!!" And so this blog was born.... in hope of openly thinking through the various policies and politicians as we go into the Federal Election.

http://www.news.com.au/national-news/federal-election/why-i-don8217t-want-to-vote-for-abbott-or-rudd-in-the-september-7-election/story-fnho52ip-1226691429245

Third piece is an interesting take on Abbott and how he has come across to date and K.Rudd changes his game plan for the election.  I thought this was helpful in how it compares the two men and their strategies.

http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2013-08-05/crabb-old-two-in-opposition-election/4864484

Lastly, a little environmental piece and a great reminder that there are things more important than politics but sadly politics dictates so many important things:

http://www.smh.com.au/comment/failing-duty-to-protect-treasure-20130710-2pqhc.html
This article particularly, has lessen my desire to vote Liberals as they will increase the port activity in the area. 

Helpful article/page #2

For those of Christian faith (or at least sympathetic to Christian ideas) this website by the Bible Society is quite insightful.  It has great articles about each parties different policies which will help anyone, even if they do not have faith in Jesus.

I found the leader profiles particularly interesting - K.Rudd & Abbott. I have not particular opinion about if I think their faith is a good thing for a PM as I do not think it will sway my vote as much as their policies. 

Hoping this will help others. Let me know what you think.

Propaganda #2

The one thing that an election brings is the large amount of propaganda as every party and independent tries to win your vote through inspiring you to their ideals (Greens) or criticizing the other parties (EVERYONE!)

This is probably one of the my un-fun-est part of being in an election. Watching the politicians slag it out on the TV; the condescending ads that like to strike fear into ignorant hearts; the ridiculous amount of pamphlets that flow into the letterbox and the large mug-shots of prospective candidates that are nailed to electricity poles all around the place.  All this propaganda reaches a climax on election day when one must wade through the flapping arms waving more paper in our faces because we think it might change out vote.....

[ take a deep breath!]

The thing that gets me the most is how some of the propaganda has turned deceptive.  This article was really interesting to me as I received one of these letters just the other day.

I first thought  - "Wow, we can do a postal vote straight away!".
2nd thought was "Wow, there is Liberal Party crap all through this!"
3rd thought was "How can the AEC send this stuff out? It's so one-sided."

But now I know.

I have been amused by my various FaceBook friends who have "liked" either Abbott or K.Rudd. Social media is yet another avenue where the parties can try to get you with their message. I noticed Youtube have lots of ads for the Liberal Party (just when I thought I could be safe from just turning off the TV).

What is your experience with the election propaganda? Maybe I am being a bit harsh and really should just go to sleep?

Propaganda

As we near the end of week 1 of the official election campaign, I thought I might address some of the "information" that is given out at the election time.

I am not a supporter or sponsor of any major party but I was taken back by this cover on the Daily Telegraph on Monday's paper, the day after the election date was announced.

(image from the Australian newpaper 7.8.13)

The shock came from the very one-sided view this major newspaper was communicating and how it was influencing its readers to vote. It is very in-your-face and aggressive in its opinion.

I am glad that I was not the only one. This FB campaign has started, saying we should complain when the "information pamphlets" cross the line.

I would be interested to hear what others have seen and heard on the campaign trail so far.

This type of propaganda has to make you realize that we, as voters, need to be really discerning with what messages we allow ourselves to read and believe. The media is not a neutral medium that is just providing information. After this came out there have been many articles about the political agenda of a certain media owner.  (see here and here)

I actually see parallels with the communist propaganda posters of the former USSR and of China. The way that posters and other media was and is used to control the masses and to make a large number of people conform to a socialist way of thinking. There is good and bad socialist undertakings (public health is an example is good). But, at all points, discernment is required.

Love to know your thoughts on the election propaganda (or of socialism in Australia)

Thought this was an interesting way to fight back:

Kids and politics

As a mum of a highly socialised near four year old, I found this article very funny. Not just because its a break from the tit-for-tat that comes during a political campaign, or the heavy duty battle of fighting policies head to head but because I just love how kids can make what is suppose to be serious really rather humorous (and bring things back to earth)

http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/federal-election-2013/all-smiles-as-fouryearold-photobomber-upstages-pm-20130807-2rf9f.html.

GAME ON!!!

For those who nearly missed it this morning (like me in the rush to get to work with kids in tow), the election date has been set SEPTEMBER 7!!! Mark it in the diary and stay tuned for the election craziness that is about to commence!! 

Asylum seekers week 2

For another week asylum seekers who arrive by boat have been front and centre of the political talk this week.

The more I read and engage with the issues, the more complex and difficult it seems. The intricacy of the "problem" (for want of a better word) actually makes me dislike our main media news outlets even more as they seem to paint the problem as black and white. The propaganda is quite unbearable.

Thanks to a friend who works in international policy, I see there are three main issues working in tension that make the "problem" of boat people hard.
1) The need to deter human traffickers;
2) The need to maintain border security; and
3) The need to have compassion for people desperate enough to try to come to Australia by boat.

The stories from the people on these boats are heart breaking. As a mother particularly, I find the stories about the children and the babies drowning just plain awful. Yet, the solution is not to just let everyone come to Australia if they want. This article opened my eyes to see the current asylum seeker policy in a positive light. I still do not think it's ideal but it is trying to find a happy medium between the three tensions that pull at this issue.

Any solution that has a strong emphasis on compassion for the boat people needs to also appeal to the residents in Australia and (selfishly or sadly) needs to appear as a benefit to Australia (not a negative). Stories like this are heart-warming and exciting but we need larger figures of the benefits of increase immigration (including asylum seekers that come by boat).

One piece of writing that challenged me this week is this article about the "why" of Australian's aversion to boat people particularly (not asylum seekers in general). It is easy to use the compassion card to get away from racism but to be challenged about why we need to "defend" our lifestyle when we have actually not done much to deserve it is confronting in a good way. It aligns with how I feel that as Australians we have a life and a lifestyle that is the envy of probably at least 75% of the world's 7 billion population. Us lucky 20 million who live in the land down under.

Lucky Country, Austinmer Jan 2013

A funny

The news this week has continued to be about asylum seekers who come to Australia via boat. I have not had a chance to read enough articles to recommend, but I did see this come through my FB newsfeed and had to share.

Greens are GO!

(Hobart, February 2009)

For those of you who are wondering if there is another option than Liberal and Labour, the most obvious candidate for "the other guy" are the Greens. And (thanks to The Man), they have listed out the policies that they will be pushing in a rather clear way.

http://greensmps.org.au/content/media-releases/greens-plan-australias-future

I realise that the 2 major parties may not be able to spell out their policy-points this clearly, but it would be awesome if they did!

My favourite bit:

"To secure the innovative industries of the future, Australia must stop spending billions subsidising the fossil fuel sector and redirect money to science, research, education and innovation," Mr Bandt said.

The part I am most cynical about:

"Every policy announced by the Australian Greens this election will be fully costed by the Parliamentary Budget Office and we will collect the revenue to pay for every single one of our policies.

Asylum seekers - Asylum seekers - Asylum seekers

(Looking at boats October 2012)

In the news this week, if you missed it (which may not be surprising if you are anything like me and between work, kids, cooking and cleaning are lucky to catch the news of the day let alone read an article) has been about ASYLUM SEEKERS, or the term used by the media BOAT PEOPLE.

At the beginning this blog I raised one of the key policies I was interested in was Australia's treatment of refugees. In my naivety, I thought that onshore detention was better than offshore. I confess I am still trying to get my head about all the issues involved with asylum seekers who come to Australia by boat. The most common sense, human feeling is to think that people who are so desperate to flee their own country to come to us via a dingy boat must need help. So, when Labour released their Refugee policy this week, and brought this to the forefront, it has provided a lot of fodder for me (honestly, maybe too much).

I haven't worked out what I think yet, but this is what I am thinking at the moment:
* Separating child from family should not be allowed, no matter how the child arrived in Australia;
* Mandatory detention seems wrong. Should this not be on a case by case basis?
* Not allowing asylum seekers to work reduces their existence even further.
* What happened to the the words in the Australia anthem that says "From those who come across the seas, we've boundless plains to share"? (Yes, I have seen the memes.)

Here are some articles that some of you might be interested. Please let me know how they make you think:

Highly informative and huge article (ie, need time to read this) http://m.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-opinion/youve-been-misled-on-boat-people-here-are-the-facts-20130718-2q5rv.html

Poignant, first hand, personal challenge point of view: http://christinemead.wordpress.com/2013/07/20/so-you-think-its-a-good-idea-to-welcome-refugees-excuse-me-while-i-burst-your-bubble/

A Christan take on things: http://markrglanville.wordpress.com/2013/07/20/australian-refugee-policy-for-dummies-1-disingenuous-rhetoric/

Slightly sad/realistic viewpoint: http://theimmigrationblog.com/2013/07/19/so-what-should-we-think-of-the-rra/#more-430

Let me know your thoughts!!

Wanna a man?

Firstly, apologies for such a big gap in posts. I will strive to blog weekly but please forgive me when this doesn't happen. Life (work, kids, family, cleaning etc etc) gets in between me and the computer often! :)

(stolen from SMH March 10, 2010)

I am going to blog today about something that deviates a little from my previous discussions on the policies. I want to raise the issue of the actual PERSON we are voting for as Prime Minister. Even though our democratic system doesn't allow us to actually vote for the prime minister (unless you live in the seats of Manly or Griffith), our culture is so celebrity/character driven that the MAN who is PM counts a lot. So - which MAN should I (we) vote for?

I am not aligned to any political party. I have no like/dislike for K.Rudd other than I am impressed he can speak Mandarin. He receives no sympathy points from me in regards to the Julia Gillard backstab/betrayal.  I do confess however that I have a personal dislike for T.Abbott. Why? I don't think it's his appearance or his party. I think it is his language. It is the way that he uses a lot of negative language in the public sphere that he walks in and which I feel isn't helpful for us voters as we try to look for policies instead of slogans. His speech are sometimes just a string of slogans. I listened to him talk about the recent boat-people crisis and actually found his use of the word "mugs" offensive.

But I want to and am willing to put aside that personal opinion of T.Abbott, if the man and his price/policy is right.  I really want to look beyond my own preferences to see what sort of character he is and also K.Rudd.

So I read this article about T.Abbott:

http://www.smh.com.au/comment/abbott-the-thinking-persons-prime-minister-20130619-2oj68.html

I also recall this article about Mike Baird who says some equally glowing accounts of T.Abbott:

http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/the-son-rises-20121023-282ga.html

And then read this one about K.Rudd to provide some balance:

http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/the-son-rises-20121023-282ga.html


All articles are bias. Some are just more obvious than others. All of the above are extremely bias. But I would like to hear what other people think. I confess, after reading the first article (and being slightly scared by the image that is in the article) I nearly fell off my seat laughing at the concluding line that T.Abbott was a "thinking woman's Prime Minister". (Down, prejudice, down!). It wasn't a convincing article for me.

Open to more though! So, please send me through articles to help me get a clearer picture of what MAN I want (to vote for).

Day 2 - 2 comments (woohoo!) - 2 articles - 2 thoughts

Day 2 of blog and though it is less than 24 hours old, I am thinking this might be a good thing.

Thanks for the comments on my first post. Keep them coming!! I confess I feel a nerdy-love when people comment. Yes, a strange sense of affirmation.

I have two articles for you today. One can be considered more serious than the other.

First is this, http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/tastes-the-same-defrosted--not-to-liking-of-all-20130627-2p04t.html sent to me by The Man. It is an interesting take on KRudd.  I can already feel Abbott getting more and more frustrated with every minute he has to look at Kevin's ever smiley face.

The second article is more informative and related to what this blog is really about. A friend sent me this article through my FB and clearly sets out the various policies of each party about paid parental leave and childcare. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-10/federal-election-parental-leave-childcare-policy/4671954

My two thoughts:
1) I am unsure which of the parental leave schemes I think is the best. They are quite complicated. I have two different experiences with paid parental leave. The first, when Peppa was born, was when there was no government paid leave. But my employer provided 14 weeks paid leave. I thought that was pretty generous and a great way of showing that they wanted to retain me. My second experience, when George was born, was with the government's paid parental leave. My employer actually provided 18 weeks paid leave on top of the government's paid leave which was simply amazing and generous. (And no, there is no requirement for me to return the money if I did not return). I see the way that my employer has taken the initiative as their point of difference from the competition. If they had to do this (as under Liberal policies) maybe it would not be as great? (Still thinking that through)
2) The main reason I think government paid parental leave is excellent is for people who do not work for large corporate organisations (like me) who provide paid leave. It just provides that help at a great time of change. A lot of women I know can get quite worried about going back to work and how their "career" or "work skills" may become devalued when they have a child. I think the paid parental leave takes the financial pressure off having a child and therefore the mother to return to work.

I also have some thoughts on childcare and glad that the major parties are thinking of reforming this. But I will leave that for another post.

Your thoughts?

(Paid parental leave experience #1 & #2)

Learning the ropes

Though I have toyed with blogs in the past, and this one is only 24 hours old, I have just started to learn a few things about blogging. I need to spell out some guidelines to help everyone (especially me).

A big thank you to those who have already sent me some articles to read and for your helpful comments. I have allowed people to write comments anonymously because I want anyone to comment. However, it is a little hard for me to respond (ie. Hi Anonymous #1, or Anonymous #2) so if you don't mind even making up a name when you comment, that would help. If you wish to remain anonymous, then the numbering will start from the oldest to the newest comment.

Also, I will try to blog often but I cannot commit to a daily post. Sorry. I hope that doesn't annoy people too much! I didn't realise a blog could be so much work (a little bit like that shock when you realise how much work being a mum is!). However, I will try to publish/veto comments daily.

Lastly, all the images on this blog will be my own photos (both from a copyright point of view and also, as a bit of a showcase for my pictures. What else would I do with them?)

Enjoy!!

(from Vivid Sydney 2013 - LET'S GET GOING!!)

Helpful article #1

I read this article a few days ago and it helped articulate the frustrations I was having about not getting any clear information on policies.

http://thehoopla.com.au/politics-dumbing-begun/

The start of something

Today is Thursday 27 June 2013. Australia just lost another Prime Minister by a bloodless coup and we are looking at another election in next than 100 days time. In light of the strange political environment that Australia appears to be in, plus also the even stranger, superficial, skew-iff media coverage politics in Australia is currently getting, I thought i would start this blog; to help process my thoughts as I try to decide who to vote for. I do it so that others can interact, because my FB feed isn't big enough and also, that these discussions might help others.

 So, who am I? (said just like Lizzie Bennett) I am a woman, in my mid-thirties, who balances a part time corporate job with loving a husband (The Man) and two little children (Peppa and George). I live in a main city of Australia; in an electorate that Labour holds with a small margin. I am not very educated in politics (often confusing the left and the right) but I try to keep abreast of what is going on, even in the toddler-hazy phase that I am in. As I start thinking about this federal election, my three big policy issues currently stand as:

1) Maintain paid parental leave, because it helped our family a lot;
2) Processing boat people onshore, providing some form of compassion; and
3) Maintaining a carbon tax, as an effective (though small) way of seeking to combat climate change.

I hope to post anything I find helpful on this blog, so happy for people to post links as well. However, since this is my blog, I also maintain editorial rights. Enjoy.

(all these random pieces of coloured playdough & thoughts. What will they become?!)