Hi taximoney
I wouldn't think it was a joke, if I believe it allowed the expression of a popular opinion.
Something I do not believe we achieve. I do believe we have not had a party capable of expressing the popular expression for at least ten years as a consequence now due largely to -
Firstly; it isn't truly clear what the abacus of popular count is, due to citizens attempt to try second guess and obviate what the preferences of any party are. Preferences that do not dump their expression uncontrollably into either of the two staid principal parties. And that voters are truly lying when they attempt to number their ordinal preferences to names whom they have not the foggiest idea who the persons are they are meant to number!
They are lying, as they have to be, so do so.
Secondly; The power structure of the senate, meant I understand, to ameliorate the power excess of a single government tier, but that sadly rather thwarts the elected party's power almost completely, and amplifies the power of the inane & unrepresented fringe parties to that of the largest, presumably 'meant to govern' party. I cannot believe this was the intent of the drafters of the senate's role. We are ruled, in the main, by a bunch of undemocratic nincompoops with six year over paid jobs & terms. And yes truly - some real nincompoops.
So we have rubbish in the house of reps & senate.
You advise I stand on 'its an all screwed election platform' on an all screwed election system - which is doubtless a paradox.
If ever I were win - I disproved my point, and would have to decline my election, as it would be undemocratic. So I could only win - by losing!
Note that in other countries, and in particular the world's founding democracy - France. Abstention is an important part of the democratic process. It is estimated that in France's election between Macron & Le Pen, a systemic abstention will factor into how the French choose their next new President. Some pollsters (◄ egad!) suggest 35 % of Jean-Luc Melenchon, 24 % of Francois Fillon, and around 20 % of Benoit Hamon backers, supporters & voters from the first round say they will not vote, as many see the choice as, as tasteless as the mindless Trump - Clinton dichotomy / playoff.
But in Australian the government would make a small fortune in fining the f^&*^% evil abstemious abstainers.
And then feel good, for its denial of democratic freedom.
