bondipom

Having a standard education system with a common curriculum, starting age, uni entrance requirements would be excellent. For the teachers a national qualification and points system would help.

I would rather see some anti-pork barrelling legislation before the federal level takes on too much more. 1/20th of the pre election regional grants went to non coalition seats. A national roads authority would make sense.

The main problem with centralising too much is the powers that be become too disconnected from the reality on the ground. If the bureacracy is on too large a scale you can lose the economies of scale.

What I like about the senate is the rationalising power it has on legislation. Sadly in a few months the coalition will have full control of the senate and that reasoning force will be lost.

NJJ

No, but we have deputy sheriff man of steel little Johnny Howard. Who has just after winning an election promising to keep healthcare costs down has increased the "safety net" amount which basically means that low-income families using the public health system are worse off.

And regarding your other point about "spin", the Australian government played this down by saying that it was a "non-core" election promise - whatever that is.

NJJ

kirsty&al

Agreed. I also agree that there is no perfect answer. I do beleive that a clearer division of responsibilities would help in Oz. (I'm not saying this has been achieved in the UK.)

Regards
Alistair

NJJ

hang on a minute here - I though you lived in Victoria too. Have you not found that grupenfuhrer Bracks is one of the most arrogant politicians you have ever seen??


NJJ

bondipom

They forgot about not sending anymore troops to Iraq as well.

NJJ

Yes - poor old Dennis!!

bondipom

Bring on the Gordons.

hooperhome

Thanks for clarifying. No racist comments intended at all! If anything I am the complete opposite, having grown up within apartheid it teaches you a lot about people.

I was merely stating that I have lived in another country and accept that each country is different.

Theresa

possoms

mmm bit confused here Tasmania is part of Australia not a seperate country

BAY

Yes I remember Maggie. Whats your point ?

I was talking about President Blair because he is our current PM. In doing so I am not pinning my political allegance to the Conservatives or any other party. I just happen to dislike him for the reasons I have already mentioned. There are many many Labour supporters who also dislike him.

It amuses me how people try to defend him by saying other politicans, past and present, do and say iffy things. Of course they do, I agree most politicians are iffy.

However, my main concern is with President Blair because he is our current PM and he is responsible for leading this country. And I don't like it

Although fed up with President Blair and the UK this is not my reason for going to Australia. I am going to Australia for the adventure and the experience of living in another country.

jc_hoops

woops

I can't even blame the

jc_hoops

You can have him.

What about a swap, you send us some sunny days and we will send Blair, and throw in Brown as well, if you want

bondipom

For that you have to have Howard and Tony Abbot as well.

NJJ

I see bracks is in london at the moment too, at the expense of the Victorian tax payer no doubt. Perhaps this is why he couldn't afford that freeway - he'd have missed out on his holiday....

jc_hoops

That's what I love about you Aussies - "pollies" ?? I've been reading this, and Pollies has been going right over my head, now the pennies dropped and I'm laughing my head off.