Australian 2013 Federal Election Megathread

[Lasercookie]

I'm not sure if using sarcasm in this thread seem to be working out that well, seems that a lot of the posts that I've interpreted as sarcasm seems to have been interpreted the other way by someone else. Perhaps stick a "" smiley or something to make it clearer how you mean your post to be read.

[slothpomba]

If any party had mental health on their agenda they would get my vote.

Labor sort of had it awhile back and the greens sort of have it now but its only a few lines.

I'll comment more on the other stuff later (exam tomorrow) but i agree somewhat that no matter how intelligent or well researched your message is, if you can't get it out to the public its all for naught. It's probably one of the reasons mental health funding sucks. It doesn't have a very effective lobby, most people dont see any personal gain out of it so it isnt a voting issue and numerous other things.

I totally missed the debate (studying) can anyone give me a quick run down of what they thought?

I saw this, wonder where the difference comes from

[Professor Polonsky]

Labor still has a mental health policy, and it's even quite lengthy (pages 140-143).

It is placed within the National Platform, which is a very interesting document. It's a document that is updated every National Conference. It is (in theory at least, but also very much in practice) binding on the Parliamentary Party - and it's actually quite detailed in most areas. That's why, if you remember, Gillard had to practically beg the Conference to give the Parliamentary Party a conscience vote on same-sex marriage. Much of what's contained in it represents more Labor's values and aspirations rather than policy, but there is a hell of a lot of policy too.

[vox nihili]

Labor still has a mental health policy, and it's even quite lengthy (pages 140-143).

It is placed within the National Platform, which is a very interesting document. It's a document that is updated every National Conference. It is (in theory at least, but also very much in practice) binding on the Parliamentary Party - and it's actually quite detailed in most areas. That's why, if you remember, Gillard had to practically beg the Conference to give the Parliamentary Party a conscience vote on same-sex marriage. Much of what's contained in it represents more Labor's values and aspirations rather than policy, but there is a hell of a lot of policy too.

2010 was a great year for mental health because both parties brought it onto the agenda. I was silly in not mentioning that. With that said though, it's still nowhere near enough, which I think is what everyone is talking about.

[Russ]

His answers didn't have much substance though...

Honestly, neither did Rudd's. They both dodged the questions they didn't want to answer and tried to drag their answers onto topics they'd obviously preprepared. I mean it's what you expect from these debates, I was just making the point that Rudd wasn't the only one being evasive

[vox nihili]

Honestly, neither did Rudd's. They both dodged the questions they didn't want to answer and tried to drag their answers onto topics they'd obviously preprepared. I mean it's what you expect from these debates, I was just making the point that Rudd wasn't the only one being evasive

To be fair, Rudd did have a lot more to say. Sure, he dodged things, but he didn't dodge anything. He had a little bit more balls (though not much) when it came to facing up to things. Abbott was kind of "how are you going to pay for things?" "well let me tell you what a wonderful movie the Terminator is...".

[pi]

http://www.theage.com.au/comment/tony-abbotts-election-victory-screech-revealed-20130813-2rtp8.html

[Professor Polonsky]

2010 was a great year for mental health because both parties brought it onto the agenda. I was silly in not mentioning that. With that said though, it's still nowhere near enough, which I think is what everyone is talking about.

Unfortunately as you said it's no longer a prominent part of our political conversation in this country, but the ALP National Platform is still in effect.

[chasej]

http://www.theage.com.au/comment/tony-abbotts-election-victory-screech-revealed-20130813-2rtp8.html

Fantastic reporting by a fantastic paper.

/s

[Professor Polonsky]

Fantastic reporting by a fantastic paper.

/s

o_O

[Lolly]

We will get the fudge-it back under control.

 

[vox nihili]

http://www.theage.com.au/comment/tony-abbotts-election-victory-screech-revealed-20130813-2rtp8.html

As I'm sure is no secret now, I'm very much supporting Labor...that wasn't even that witty :|

[pi]

Fantastic reporting by a fantastic paper.

/s

Out of interest, what's a good newspaper in your opinion? (and why?)

[vox nihili]

http://www.news.com.au/national-news/federal-election/sex-appeal-controversy-tony-abbott-had-beer-goggles-on-says-mark-latham/story-fnho52ip-1226697322107
A reminder that Tony Abbott really isn't the worse we could do.

http://www.theage.com.au/federal-politics/federal-election-2013/tony-abbotts-gay-marriage-fashion-statement-under-fire-20130814-2rwdv.html
A reminder that Tony Abbott is still a gigantic pill who just doesn't get it and apparently seems intent on not letting the LGBTs get it either.

[Shenz0r]

A bit old, but when you're lost for words, just stop and nod and blame the other person. Works all the time.