How Aussies do politics

How Aussies do politics

Now that I’ve got Australians in the family, I take a particular interest in that particularly interesting land. Australian journalist John Barron offers an amusing and instructive comparison of how our two countries run elections. The Washington Post article is entitled Elections? Here’s How You Do It, Mate.

Down under, campaigns last just six weeks. Everybody must vote under penalty of law (a $20 fine), so there is no question of turnout or stirring up the base. This cuts down on the extremist rhetoric. On moral issues, members of parliament give a “conscience vote,” in which the party may not dictate how members must vote, which prevents one party from monopolizing moral issues. The bottom line, according to Mr. Barron, is that picking one’s governmental leaders is like picking which accountant you want to do your taxes.

Would any of that work here? Should it?

"But videos showing a fetus reacting to stimuli can be powerful towards the opposite conclusion.I'm ..."

Monday Miscellany, 7/7/25
"You just brought to mind something from my past. My dad practiced personal injury law. ..."

Monday Miscellany, 7/7/25
"I agree with you re: the betrayal and cowardice. I have a hard time praying ..."

Monday Miscellany, 7/7/25
"Regarding the Big Beautiful Bill the Monty Python song about Dennis Moore comes to mind."He ..."

Monday Miscellany, 7/7/25

Browse Our Archives

Follow Us!