Individual,

Of course one-sided points of view do not serve a
democracy well. That's why our country's mix of
public service and commercial media serve our
social entertainment and political needs well.
We need diverse, accurate and informed media -
which is as I stated earlier - a cornerstone of our
democratic processes because choice only means choice
when you know the alternatives.

When media is driven ONLY by entertainment values and
profitability, not to mention the influence of large
advertisers and political parties alternative views
are not encouraged.

cont'd ...

I don't agree that our opinions don't make any
difference on this forum. Voter opinions have
changed societies and influenced politicians
and leaders. Ignoring the will of the people
some have learned to their own detriment.
On a personal level - we're all here contributing
to this forum in one way or another because we
enjoy it. This is a forum of social and political
debate after all. And whether we like to admit it
or not - we do hear other points of view - and
they do at times make us think and possibly see
things through a different lens - then we would
normally.

I don't agree that our opinions don't make any
difference on this forum
Foxy,
I agree with that. This Fed Govt has actually acted on at least two ideas that have first been brought up here.

Thanks Indy.

individual,

You have nothing to gain by arguing with an ignorant nutter who has changed this thread from a discussion on the budget and debt to one on identity politics and the "virtues" of the ABC. It just gives the nutter an opportunity to rave on, and on, and on about irrelevancies. All discussion relevant to the topic ceased on Thursday. That's when it should have died.

The Left needs the ABC, the SMH and all the lefty media because they are a separate (from the rest of us) mob of slavish groupies who can't think for themselves. That's why they are always quoting from the ABC, the Sydney Morning Herald, SBS, The Guardian and other arms of the looney left.

The rest of us, the thinkers, don't need such guidance (brainwashing).

I'm interested to know just what the two ideas from OLO that the government took on were. I don't mean to be rude, but I don't believe the government would even know of OLO's existence.

ttbn,
Earlier in the year they increased the amount of money a pensioner can earn before affecting the pension & only a few days ago I heard on the radio that they're giving the Australian film industry a boost by funding Australian content !
Both issues first brought up here on OLO.
I think they do scan OLO for practical ideas.