How could any government call itself legitimate when the majority refused to vote?

No way is that democracy.

I reckon, if your thoughts are "I dont want to waste my time voting, I would prefer to go fishing instead" maybe that is apathy.

If your thoughts are "Well neither candidate is much chop, but I'll get fined if I dont vote" is not really a fair way of getting the best person for the job.

Position 1 on the ballot paper gets 20% of the vote every time, for which Fred Nile is very grateful to god for... in this day and age of computer randomisation, why is this rort still going?

Its always the same, people say if you dont vote you cant complain about who runs the country. My take, is that voting under the biparty preferential voting system means you cant complain if you do vote.

Mikk... It's true government shouldn't consider itself completely legit if the majority decide not to vote but you should also consider the true definition of democracy ( true democracy is not about outright majority rule)

Here's one definition...
“government by the people; a form of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a free electoral system.” – dictionary,com.

Here's another...
“the belief in freedom and equality between people, or a system of government based on this belief, in which power is either held by elected representatives or directly by the people themselves” – Cambridge dictionary.

No definition I have ever seen refers to majority rule... in fact the reason democratic nations have constitutions is to protect minorities and individuals from the tyranny of majority: even if that majority is a cynical and apathetic mas

And to my “Bogan” friend (no disrespect intended)... I would most definitely rather go fishing than vote in this upcoming election, not because I'm lazy or apathetic but because catching some fish and cooking a nice meal is a far more relevant & rewarding pursuit for me at present that voting in an election where no party or candidate is even close to representing my views or philosophies. As a citizen in a true democracy I would have the right to go fishing and let those who feel represented cast their votes.

As much as I would like to agree with you vociferous I concur with mikk's approach on compulsory voting.

I agree there is a contradiction in the concept of choice and democracy. Democracy is not a perfect system and I guess this is one of those quirks that could be seen as a contrary.

I am tempted to agree on one hand, but then I would hate to see here what happens in the US, where government is formed on the basis of 50% approx representation. Although I believe this increased with Obama's nomination.

There is still the donkey vote which in itself is a protest vote for those who don't feel represented. There are also a bevy of Independents and minor parties should the majors fail to satisfy. Most people would still give their vote on their preference even if it is the lesser of two evils in many cases.

All good. Would be silly to call myself a bogan then complain when others do as well...

Although USA has voluntary voting and fixed terms of office and a few other things we could do with, their elections are a bit of a joke in the showy way they are presented. The problem with showy, is you end up with Dirty Harry and the Terminator running the show...
Their voting system is also tedious in the way it takes about 18 months to have an election, and it pollutes our news reports night after night.
On the face of it, the party that puts on the most expensive show wins.

Of course, public sentiment of the times is geared towards "firsts". The first black president or first female PM, might not necessarily be the best person for the job. Even a self-confessed redneck like me can see we have a long way to go, before we can discuss Obama's or Gillard's achievements or lack thereof without including their minority status. Why does a redneck have to be the one to point out black isnt always bad, and female isnt always good.