And IMO theres no real point in voting for any of the smaller parties as they will never get to lead the country and their preferences go to either labor or liberal anyway.
My dad thinks like this. I don't like it, it's a fatalist way to think: you think that voting for the small parties doesn't make a difference so you vote for the big party and make it so that the smaller parties don't get votes so they can't make a difference. It's a silly way to use your democracy.
Cmon Narxysus, im sure you have something to say about things already
At the risk of being called a hypocrite, I am going to state that I will be voting for the Dems or failing that, the Greens. I have in the past stated my preference for Liberal, but I've realised that although they do do a great job economically, my personal life is not that affected by a booming economy. I'm real tight, don't spend much at all, and don't have any dreams of immense wealth, so in light of that I'm going to vote for a party that does not put the economy in front of all other concerns.
Also, I am basing my decision purely on policy, as I really don't care about individual politicians. This is what I think is important - vote for the party that most closely aligns with your own values.
Im in the same boat as Stick, my parents both vote for Labor, so thats where id be going.\
But, while learning Year 12 Economics, i learnt one thing i will always remember. Facts show that currently John Howard has us in an excellent economic position, and history shows that Labor increases *I THINK Government Spending*, and currently a further increase in this area will destroy the economy. In simple words, massive downturn, worst possible scenario i.e. Depression once again. Dont quote me on this though, but i *think* its right.
In plain english, if Labor get in, it is bad news according to history. Very bad news.
Government spending alone will not destroy the economy. It helps employ people, so they have money to spend, which props up the economy. It's called Keynesian macroeconomics. I don't know what it is that Labour do to destroy the economy, but it isn't government spending alone.
Also, do you folks think it's right to compare labour of +10 years ago to Labour of today? Or any party, for that matter? I think it's dumb to base your predictions on the past party when the social environment and party makeup have changed so drastically over such a long time.