This sums up more succinctly what I think of the Australian political class, and why I don't expect anything from them.

"Shorten is offering the Venezuelan alternative for Australia” (Ex- Liberal politician and wit, Neil Brown). With more or less the same breath Brown said that “the Liberal party does not have the gumption to carry through on any of the conservative principles it claims to avow”.

What worries me that we don't even hear promises let alone policies so close to the election.
The Australian Conservatives seem to be the only party that actually outlines their policies. Of course, implementing them is another story. I would like to hear the PM discuss his own past failing policies when Treasurer, Centrelink & old age pension asset test in particular.
Labor hasn't uttered a sound on the subject. I suppose as per usual, because we still have the same incompetent, uncaring bureaucrats, more money will be wasted on the so-called "professionals" in Education, Health & Law.

Individual,

Although I'm a paid up member of the Australian Conservatives, I have to say that their policies can be relied on about as much as those of Clive Palmer. The AC is running candidates in the senate only, and all they can do is block and negotiate - if they can get independents to agree with them!

AC is a great idea, but I don't think they will get much support from the Australian electorate, which has a Nanny State mentality and likes getting stuff for nothing, without responsibility, and without effort.

I noticed the Nanny State at work last night on TV, sticking its nose into the 'buy now, pay later' schemes that have popped up lately. It's ridiculous, of course to always owe money, but let's face it, many people are ridiculous, and if they want to spend their lives in hock to lenders, that's their business. The lenders are well within the law. But, of course, the Nanny State wants to take idiots under their wing so that they are obliged to government, which will do them more damage than the lenders ever will. It's called Marxism.

The Harvey Norman business model has been adopted by federal Govts of both colours & we can now see the effects. But, will people wake up ? Don't think so ! Instant gratification, pay later is exactly what's paralysing our economy now.
I firmly believe that a national Service would put a big dent into this insidious mentality.
Govt also needs to change to a tax system that is based on incentive to earn instead of the frustration of paying tax to keep the non-performing in comfort.

Individual- I agree with your comments. When army personnel go bush if they want some convenience they have to take personal responsibility for carrying it- you quickly learn to minimize your wants and needs. I remember a guy that wanted to eat baked beans (8 cans) that's an extra 4 kilos of food- I think his pack was 30kgs in all- I'm sure some carry more especially on patrol- but he was pretty broken at the end of the day after hill and rock climbs.

Those that have spent time going bush would get an idea of how to avoid burdening themselves unnecessarily- say by running up credit card debt.

There was a movement called "ultralight backpacking" where advocates carried 2kg packs- there was even a crazy woman who crossed the Alps with little more than an army blanket in winter- amazing.

http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ultralight-backpacking.html
http://www.greenbelly.co/pages/ultralight-backpacking-tips
http://andrewskurka.com/2012/is-lightweight-backpacking-label-dead/

Canem Malum,
What a great idea. I wonder if this could be applied to Govt bureaucracy ?