My apologies Roger, I did not mean to imply that your party is in any way related to Shockadelic's party. I can see by reading my post that there could be confusion.

Rodger

You said

"I'm not convinced proportional voting is pragmatic in the lower house"

How so?

Surely Proportional representation would favour smaller parties?

Even if it is not pragmatic (I don’t believe it to be the case) surely democracy trumps pragmatism every time?

"Rodger

You said

"I'm not convinced proportional voting is pragmatic in the lower house"

How so?

Surely Proportional representation would favour smaller parties?

Even if it is not pragmatic (I don’t believe it to be the case) surely democracy trumps pragmatism every time?

In my personal view, the legislature has the potential to be (even more) corrupted by populist policy making. Ie: (for over simplified illustrative purposes only), 51% of candidates are elected on policies that would bankrupt the country or persecute minorities. The senate becomes effectively a rubber stamp as they could (hypothetically) be elected on the same premise.

Having the legislature in a first past the post situation reduces (not eliminates) the potential for this type of thing happening...

IMO, populist politicians are less inclined to take unpopular decisions.

Roger (spelt right this time, sorry)

Your assertion that a proportional system is more open to corruption than FPP system is a red herring. I should mention that I consider our current preferential system is superior (although not desirable) to a FPP system. A proportional system rarely in practice hands any particular group or faction power, therefore decisions are a product of compromise and discussion. In any case if a populist party elected by a proportional majority sent the country broke the majority have to pay. Far better than a minority FFP with majority governing power sending the country broke as the majority will still pay without having a say.

Clearly I have more faith in my fellow Australians voting abilities (if given the option) than you have. Without proportional representation your party will be small business playing in the corporate sector and you’re already dead in the water.

Finally all your policies are about spending.

Not one addresses productivity

Producer says: "Finally all your policies are about spending."

Please read the recommendations of the Henry tax review (which we support in our policies) - they are largely about productivity...