You really know your stuff don't you 579?

In Gillard we have a known shonky lawyer, with a track record of financial stuff ups.

Then you say," How will Abbott go debating the economy. Hardly the right subject for him". Interestingly Abbott is a qualified economist.

That is about the only thing I can find not to like about him.

Ludwig, unknown to the person that bought it up first past the post, until Gillard came along would put labor in government much more often.
Such a system would negate not just greens votes but in some cases, Nationals as Liberals out polled them.
I support no preferences so one vote one value or first past the post.
Rechtub takes correction as insult but in truth the chooks should settle down.
Labor is not going to win, unless, mounting internal disquiet in the Liberals, with Abbott is stalled.
Abbott is the best thing Labor has going for them.
RObert, internal moves, not Labor voters are likly to place Turnbull in the chair.

*That is about the only thing I can find not to like about him.*

In that case Hasbeen, you must be happy that Abbott is also a
trained seminarian, who could tell you that you are an evil sinner
who should repent :)

Hasbeen. Abbott was described as a political illiterate. Howard did not like Abbott at the front.
He has not spoken one word about economics, he is not interested in the welfare of AU.
Turnbull would be far better as leader. Abbott would then leave politics.
He was desperate to win over the independents etc, offering a billion $ hospital for Hobart.
At least Gillard talk about moves in caucus, Abbott is likely to say anything at any time, traits of a dictator.

<< But, in reality, the question must be, not whether the libs deserve a chance, but rather, whether labor have earned the right for another term. >>

Rehctub, surely it has got to be all about policies and the ability to actually achieve what they say they will. Good policies and credibility – that’s what counts.

And didn’t old Turnbull blow it for the Libs yesterday:

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/in-depth/people-mean-growth-says-malcolm-turnbull/story-fng387xs-1226509489548

I thought he was actually one of the most promising of our leading pollies. But he’s completely cooked his goose as far as I’m concerned.

The majority of Australian voters desire a sustainable Australia and a much lower immigration rate. So this is another substantial boost for Labor, I’d reckon. Thanks Malcolm.

Hey, THIS is the sort of stuff that really matters - baseline philosophies and associated policies.

Luddy, there is some merit in your preferences comment.

I believe that if extra numbers are needed to form a government because neither party has the numbers we should go back to the polls. Alliances with independents to form a government should be restricted.
The independents may vote with whom they wish when the parliament is established but their union with either major party to form a government is a betrayal of the electorate who voted against both major parties.

Consider the Italian parliament who horse trade independents regularly, they have had 50 parliaments in 50 years so policy has a 12 month shelf life.

We should also ditch compulsory voting.