Thoughts from a Political Novice

To the Liberals, don’t get too cocky. Now that you’re in, time to roll up the sleeves and get those hands dirty. It’s Action time!

Fijian Foreign Affairs Minister Inoke Kubuabola has the audacity to question Australian Labor's stance on boat people resettlement? I find this rather intriguing coming from a man appointed by a military junta, whose actions since the 2006 coup have resulted in numerous refugee cases from the little island nation. The illegal minister would be best advised to first seek the support of the Fijian people through a fair and free General Election before voicing an opinion that he has no mandate of making in the first place.

Kevin Rudd's new hard-line policy towards boat people is tough but necessary. For too long, Australia has long been viewed as the only country in our region capable of housing asylum seekers. However, as important as it is to be socially responsible, I believe it necessary that Australia start taking better care of its own citizens before taking in more and more. Critics call this draconian and inhumane, I call it going back to basics. Australia has too many hard working citizens who are being burdened with having to continuously pay for the social welfare of others, without their own being taken care of adequately. We must reinvest in education and healthcare to ensure that a strong working population can take care of itself, take care of our ageing population who worked hard before us, and nurture the young population into being just as productive when they take over. This is not to say we are completely ignoring our obligations to refugees. If anything, this is helping our neighbours such as PNG and Indonesia become global leaders themselves in being accommodating hosts to asylum seekers. With these countries growing economically stronger daily, they must share the burden of responsibility in caring for refugees.

With the release of the Australian Federal Budget, I find the above interactive in the Australia Financial Review rather interesting. My observations, amateur as they maybe, are: 1. The deficit of approximately $13b is interesting. I was taught that spending more is good for the country in my Economics class BUT my experience in life has taught me that when Im in debt, I must cut spending, build up my reserves and start paying back. 2. I am surprised and intrigued with the high percentage of spending made on social welfare. I understand the need for it and believe those who need it should get it. But is there not an opportunity there for savings? I walk to my local suburb and see people perfectly capable of being productive, sitting on the sidewalk, spending their dole money on alcohol and cigarettes. 3. I am intrigued that the proportion of spending on social welfare is far larger than spending on health and education TOGETHER! 4. Why is revenue from companies small relative to individuals income tax? And I've heard the whole schpill about not taxing companies because it may take its business elsewhere and so forth. What elsewhere do individuals have? This will be interesting as further details of the budget are confirmed.

When will we realise the impact of our actions on the environment? Is 400ppm not enough to be a call to action?

The tale of Labor chickens... Rotten eggs and dry meat

A recent article in the Australian Financial Review leaves little doubt of the dire need for Australia to return to fiscal responsibility (some would say, sanity). The result of actions from both the Gillard/Rudd Labor and Howard Liberal governments, the spending to revenue ratio leaves a lot to be desired. Again, I will not be one to say that spending money on important issues such as education, healthcare, etc is unnecessary. However, there seems to be a laxity by everyone elected into power to truly grasp the consequences of their actions and promises. No one, it seems, has mapped out a plan for fiscal responsibility, other than to pledge more spending and less cuts. We need someone who isn't afraid to make the tough decisions. One who isn't swayed by how long they can stay in office but how long the country's economy can remain healthy and vibrant. Its mind boggling how simple the principle is of not spending over ones limit, yet the government seems to squander the tax money of hardworking everyday Australians.

We remember today all who sacrificed, lest we forget.

I'm all for education reform but I'm not too sure why Julia Gillard is pushing this reform the way she is. The ultimatum to the individual States to sign up or miss out is discouraging and detracts attention from the initial focus of the whole process. Spending $14.5b on education in fantastic, but where will it come from? As it is, recent reports suggest most States are still looking for ways to cover their portion of the costs. It only shows a lack of consultation from the Federal Government with the individual States while creating the reform proposal. Although the intention is justified, the method of reaching it has not been thought through carefully. Then again, it is election year. At this time, promises are as abundant as rain during a storm.

EPIC collision of Comic and Political Dynamites!!

I think this is rather poignant. Regardless of her politics, I find it silly to label Margaret Thatcher as inhumane. We all, hopefully, strive for the one goal of the perfect union for our world. We tend to forget and disregard, however, that we all have different ideas to getting there. Disagree we may, but respectable and civil we must always be.

Every dollar that has been sacrificed by the public should be used to its best and fullest potential for the public good. I’m afraid, our elected officials have forgotten WHO and WHY they serve. Thoughts?

Are we looking at what could possibly be another war?

Scenes such as the above add no value to their cause. They should be so lucky to have the freedom to express themselves as such. It is sad to see that, not only in the UK but in the wider world, we have become so engulfed in our right to express our opinions that we lose the basic values of respect and civility.

Iron Lady

No matter your politics, the world today mourns the death, but celebrates the life of the incredible Margaret Thatcher.