What I would like to see us do is try to
get rid of the divisions between us politically
and just judge people by their capabilities. for
example - if its a good policy - who cares which
team suggested it. This is not a football game.
And why do we make judgements and label people -
Left or Right, and so on. That is such an old
model and way of arguing and really in this day and
age should be put to rest.

Jeeze you are a cantankerous old twit ttbn. Have you got any friends, anywhere?

CH,

Have you answered my questions on your religious ideas, yet? Me cantankerous? You must be used to dealing with real pussy cats.

I do think we have options however my impression is that the system is stacked in heavily favour of the parties and it's a tough thing for a local candidate not associated with a party to win. It happens but few of us have the resources to pull that off.

I'm pondering what the cutoff should be if we were to limit the term in office. My impression is that first term pollies don't generally do well as ministers or leaders so at least 2 terms. Even then I suspect that a forced turnover of the leadership of a party that was perceived as doing well in office would not be popular.

I have a lot of sympathy for the idea of maximum periods in office however its worth remembering that being out of a field of employment or business for a period of years would leave many unable to return to that field without substantial retraining and or the fun of restarting a business that was shut down or in caretaker hands while they were in office. I wonder how many of those with the experience suggested as requirements earlier in the thread would find that hurdle a show stopper.

Overall I'd prefer to see options explored that gave more direct control to the voters. The means are either currently available or within reach to make electronic voting a secure option for the vast majority of the voting public, we could be voting on issues rather than just for politicians.

As a starting point perhaps any measure supported by at least 1/3 of the house but not supported by a 2/3rds majority of the house could be put to the electorate. Also provide a measure for citizen initiated proposals that avoided the frivolous but allowed a vote if sufficient interest could be demonstrated.

Whilst there are concerns about emotive swaying of the public on issues leading to poorly considered votes I'm not convinced that elected pollies are free from the same weaknesses.

R0bert

ttbn... can I take from your reply, you don't have any friends and admit to being an old twit?

CH,

No, you cannot take it that way. And, you leave me assuming that you are unable to substantiate you ill-informed ideas about religion. What you do show is that your already expressed dislike/contempt for me and my opinions is more important to you than contributing useful comments.

To all sensible respondents, thankyou for your views. I think that the party system is the main problem. As a conservative, I am not very impressed by the the Abbott government. As a conservative, I am sometimes in agreement with comments and thoughts of individual Labor MPs. Apart from John Howard, I think the outstanding recent PMs for achievement were Hawke and Keating, although I disliked both of them as people. It is possible to do what is best for Australia, but not under the current system.