How do you choose who to vote for?

[lurker17260]

I'm just curious as there seems to be a total fixation with just the leaders atm.

The poll boxes are too small so here are the options in full:

1. my local candidates, based on what he/she can do/has done in my community

2. the party I like best

3. the leader of the party, even though their name (probably) isn't be on my ballot paper?

[lurker17260]

*doh* why do typos never appear until after you've hit Post

How = Who

[lurker17260]

.... and then you misread your own typing :8}

I'll go away now, just carry on.........

[sandypas]

http://www.buggerthebankers.com/

[ladydeburg]

I vote for the party that has a track record of solid political governance, sound fiscal policy, honest straight talk on how the country is going, a balanced budget, excellent terms of trade, being a good neighbour in our region, not damaging out trading partners, not signing every European treaty that does not concern Australia.

There is more than the above list that sways my thinking & voting pattern but that is a start.

If I voted for a party purely for the popularity of the leader I would not vote Labor today, purely on her track record so far, not gender, or whether I like her glasses or not.

[azureline**]

I vote for the local member, based on what they do in our community.  I don't usually vote for a particular party and I probably have never voted for the same party more than twice.

[cueperkins]

I vote on the basis of underlying philosophy, though these days I have to say, the new look ALP isn't a patch on the original ideals of the party.  It's all so shallow these days it's like puddle jumping for the superficial.  Even so ALP have achieved a lot amidst all the BS.  See Tax Free Threshold increase to $18,000 = HUGE win for low wage earners, but you wouldn't think so.  It went by without so much as a whimper or 'how's ya father'. 

My feeling is that many traditional ALP voters are not altogether happy with Julia's track record, especially the Rudd incident, but they wouldn't vote LNP if they were the last party on earth.  Why? Because the philosophies of the Lib party are completely opposite to that of the ALP.   It's always the swing voters they compete for & they will be the ones who determine the outcome of the next election.   The rest of us just have to put up with the 'vote for me' circus in the meantime.

BTW, I predict another Minority Govt.

[ladydeburg]

75% voted for Party. I think that's about right. The Greens are the one's who will be wiped out this time & Labor will pick up a % the deserting Green votes. The Others have swelled so their votes will be distributed evenly to both parties.

Labor will lose a lot of voters simply because they are disillusioned  with this present party & they are not so philosophically inclined, more the hip pocket, what's in it for me voters

[cueperkins]

I think people vote on party for very good reason.  The history of politics in Australia forged those alliances long ago. 

Some might be interested to know that Minority Govt isn't a new thing for Labor and in fact it's how they started. 

Labor during its early years was distinguished by its rapid growth and success at a national level, first forming a minority government under Chris Watson, the first Labor prime minister in the world, for four months in 1904. Andrew Fisher then formed another minority government 1908–09. At the 1910 election, Fisher led Labor to victory. The Fisher government was Australia's first federal majority government, held Australia's first Senate majority, and was the world's first labor party majority government.

More history here:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Labor_Party

It helps to know the philosophies/history on both sides.  I won't vote for LNP because they are focu...

At least ALP are discussing a National Dental Scheme =something that will make a difference to the Nation.  We should be voting on these types of issues, not the usual 'He Said, She said' BS.

[ladydeburg]

I think people vote on party for very good reason.  The history of politics in Australia forged those alliances long ago. 

Some might be interested to know that Minority Govt isn't a new thing for Labor and in fact it's how they started. 

Labor during its early years was distinguished by its rapid growth and success at a national level, first forming a minority government under Chris Watson, the first Labor prime minister in the world, for four months in 1904. Andrew Fisher then formed another minority government 1908–09. At the 1910 election, Fisher led Labor to victory. The Fisher government was Australia's first federal majority government, held Australia's first Senate majority, and was the world's first labor party majority government.

More history here:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Labor_Party

It helps to know the philosophies/history on both sides.  I won't vote for LNP because they are focu...

At least ALP are discussing a National Dental Scheme =something that will make a difference to the Nation.  We should be voting on these types of issues, not the usual 'He Said, She said' BS.

.

I'm sure a national dental sccheme is an aspiration for both parties but no one wants to go back to Labors  "One Billion Dollars  a Month" Labor scheme they have  just scrapped because of poor governance. Every dental mechanic in out area ended up with state of the art surgeries.

I'm sure everyone wants more welfare but the reality is that this country just cannot afford any more handouts that goes on plasmas & overseas people who are not contibuting to the wealth of our country.

We are in debt for billions because of Labor's failed efforts to protect the borders of Australia & this debt is growing every day swallowing up all & any schemes we could  afford or want to launch.

If there was more focus on infrastructure instead of middle class welfare then we wouldn't need these handouts. We need a govt who has a track record of good fiscal policies.

I respect your views & you have every right to express them but I can't agree with you. It's all very well to talk about the light on the hill & other Labor philosophy but by todays Labor standards they are all missing & I can never see them returning. It's all about power & how to keep it now.