On the House of Reps ballot, no one really impresses me. I have a lot more flexibility on the Senate ballot, so that'll have to be where I get out my frustrations and vote for REAL representatives.
House of Reps (Ryan Electorate)
I'm not hugely impressed by any of my local candidates (in Ryan).
Michael Johnson is well spoken but too conservative for me. He also indicated that he would vote to support Tony Abbott in a hung parliament, a BIG risk in my mind.
The greens response was not as thought out or considered as Michael's but their policies are generally ok.
The labor candidate hasn't impressed me at all, and nationally, they have engaged in a race to the right (or to the bottom) on issues such as asylum seekers and gay marriage. They've failed to deliver on the environment, they've bowed to pressure from the mining companies on taxing our limited resources fairly! - Poor effort guys!
In the House of Reps, Michael Johnson and The Greens should have been equal first place, but neither impress me enough to make me risk my vote. Which is what really shits me about this whole process!
Unfortunately after all of this, I have to vote labor.
The seat is marginal, and I don't want to risk an Abbott parliament. I'd like to have a local member that actually can represent me - but the shitty wedge politics of both major parties is forcing me to choose (this is exactly what they want to happen - the assholes!).
Given the importance of MANY other issues like the NBN, Mining Tax, Workers' entitlements. Their support for Economic stimulus, and spending on Infrastructure projects. I can't risk a vote for Abbott.
I will take the opportunity to harass the shit out of whatever candidate gets in over the next term - I despise both parties for putting me in this position!
The Senate
At least the senate casts a wide net over the whole state, I can choose from MANY more people.
Donald Bambrick, Peter Pyke, John Pyke (different parties - no relation?), E-Jay Lindsay-Park stand out in my mind, they are articulate, well spoken, and seem able to separate the bullshit from the truth.
I'm very impressed by Donald Bambrick, who on issue 4 (gay marriage) acknowledges that he's "Uncomfortable with this" - BUT is able to but his personal discomfort aside to support such legislation in the name of equality!
There are also some really well spoken politicians that are unfortunately batting for the wrong team. Noel Jackson is a well spoken individual, but his policies don't align with mine. Further, the Democratic Labor Party is a bunch of simplistic racist nuts in my opinion - they have some good policies sprinkled with generous servings of nonsense and racial division.
A One Nation senate candidate (Ian Nelson) I spoke to is the same! Quite reasonable and humanitarian, until it comes to the issue of "Dangerous Muslims and Lebanese". He's of course entitled to his opinion, but there's no way he could represent me!
Senate wise, I'll vote as per my Candidate Scores table, numbering every box under the line.
Good luck with whoever you vote for.
Bye.
