As I’m sure everyone is already aware, the Australian election will be held in three short days. If you haven’t already made up your mind as to how you’ll vote, the guide below might be useful.
If, like me, you live in the Melbourne CBD, then you WILL be voting at the Melbourne Town Hall. If not, try the Australian Electoral Commission’s website to find your closest polling place.
The House of Representatives
Members of the House of Representatives (aka the lower house) are the people you see on television hurling insults at each other. The majority of government ministers come from the lower house so from time to time you may also hear it referred to as the house-with-all-care-and-no-responsibility.
In the lower house, it’s not so important who you vote for as who you vote against. Unless you vote for one of the top two candidates, thanks to our system of preferential voting, it’s likely your first preference won’t be used and your vote will end up with someone else.
Logically then, instead of deciding who you like best and working your way down, you should decide who you dislike the most and work your way up. This method has the benefit of matching the thought process of many voters - “I didn’t vote for Latham / Howard, I voted against Howard / Latham.”
The Senate
Most members of the Senate (aka the upper house) are anonymous figures, unappreciated by both the public and their own party. Two prominent exceptions are Bob Brown, drug pusher and leader of the Greens, and Natasha Stott Despoja, Doc Martens wearer and former Democrat leader. You also may have heard of Andrew Bartlett who is famous for gatecrashing parties and stealing wine. Oh yes, he’s also the current leader of the Democrats.
Unless you’re somewhat of a masochist, you will put a “1″ next to a party’s name above the line before you stuff your ballot in the appropriate box. The alternative is to fill in every number from “1″ to “60something” below the line. Counting the numbers can get confusing in itself but just try figuring the order of your preferences. “How the Hell do I decide whether to put One Nation, Family First, The Christian Democratic Party or Non-custodial parents last???”
Whoever you support politically, seriously consider selecting a minor party for the Senate. The last thing this country needs is for a Howard / Latham government to control both the House of Representatives and the Senate. If that happens, then you can say good-bye to negotiation and public discussion of policy.
October 7th, 2004 at 14:02
From your comments on John Quiggin’s site… can I suggest that you’d like Steve Clancy from liberals for forests. Economically responsible and socially progressive, ala LDP (www.ldp.org.au)
October 7th, 2004 at 15:15
Thanks - I’ll check out the site.
October 7th, 2004 at 15:44
I am a masochist - I refuse to vote above the line because it seems no party can be trusted to put the dodgy parties last.
Check out how your ballot paper is really being filled out if you vote above the line: (Look at the Group Voting tickets for your state)
http://www.aec.gov.au/election2004/candidates/index.htm
Victoria is here
October 7th, 2004 at 18:07
I must admit I (secretly) take perverse pleasure in numbering every box below the line! In my head I know that it probably doesn’t make much difference but my mind enjoys choosing exactly who to put last…and second last…and third last.