Don't waste your breath on these oldies. No thought for the future in any way or form.
Iron-Mike - I am glad you have nightmares about the Greens, they are at least upsetting one person. Don't really want to give you more nightmares, so here goes:
Yes, the Greenies are a bit extreme, but they are absolutely necessary world-wide, otherwise we will not wake up at all one day. They are the world's conscience.
The right-wing parties are also important - they represent the brakes! Basically we have two centralist parties in this country - Labor is just as 'capitalist'-based as Liberal, but they do have a social and reform agenda - absolutely necessary IMO. It is the taxpayers' money all parties are spending, and the 'toilers' amongst us need the most protection and security in their declining years, particularly.
There is a lot more I could say, but won't, just remember Guys and gals, no politician (or party) in Australia can protect us from the world-wide problems brought on by the GFC.
As for 'whining about mining' - Mining Tax is already factored in, haven't you noticed?
If Gilliard gets in, I believe she will tread carefully, and so will Tony, neither of them having the fire in their bellies, or even ideas how to lead a nation into a great future. Possibly a good time to batten down the hatches anyway, seeing there is mooted to be another GFC on the way.
I am no longer young, but my understanding and sympathy is with the young (and their preference for the Greens). I can visualise a great future with all the riches this world and Australia has, if only the wealthy and those in power would remember:
(a) not to be so greedy (b) plan for succeeding generations and do something for all our young, starting from the very beginning by giving them the best education possible, make education free (even free University education) (c) think about our place on earth, and this eco-system, where we are destroying a great many wonderful things, just by sheer thoughtlessness: and act on your thoughts.
I would also give our politicians a longer period in office before they have to front up to yet an other election campaign, so they can concentrate on some actual work for the good for us all.
