Is it Dirty?

In any election one side's dirty trick or stunt is another side's cleverness; so how do you decide which is which? You don't. It is simply important to know an election brings out the despicable in people and even with rational and logical thinking many people's behaviour will be reprehensible.

The main concern of any voter is to look at the policies on offer, which ones address the issues of climate change, the environment, the increase in health care and other vital services, the addressing of civil rights alongside border protection - they are not separate entities.

It is wise to understand that less than 1% of all illegal immigrants coming to Australia come via boat - the greatest threat is via airports and illegal passport manufacturing, document forging and visa exploitation. Understand that a debate on a minor issue distorts the truth about the major issue facing Australia - just be aware of this.

What about the name calling?

The truth of the matter is that some people cannot distance themselves emotionally from the political process - reporters and commentators (even here) have a bias view and sometimes that view represents not so much a persons actual view but more the view of their employer. This can be highlighted in some cases in South Australia during the Kevin 07 campaign where private schools sent letter home to parents saying if they did not vote Liberal school fees would increase. This does happen and it cannot be stopped. Just be aware the voter will be faced with anything and everything to make them vote a particular way. Again be drawn to the policies and how they affect Australia (how they affect you is good but not all policies work on that personal level).

Negative TV Advertising -

It is a modern way of getting into the homes of every day working families and is now a fact of life in this country. All advertising is based on a piece of truth, exploited truth - note politicians are not allowed to create untruths in media advertising. The difficulty comes into finding the actual truth within the ad.

This is where it might have been wise to actually listen into ABC radios parliament times so you could understand the meaning behind those ads. This commentary is based on years of following those broadcasts and getting to know the people to vote for, or against.

90% of Australians do no know who most of the parliamentarians are or what they do, so the vote is usually based on family tradition, the lazy just tick the box and be done with it, and the 'What did you do for me?' self interest protest vote. Which will you be? Or do you make up one of the 10% that does as suggested and view policy over hyperbole?

Today, in their own ways both leaders have announced the move to budget deficits, and in the stable economy we have this is simple, logical and practical news. The differences will come down to where the money will be saved from. There is your consideration at work.