I support the Labor policy of cracking down on negative gearing, I support the Liberal party’s hard line on border protection, and I support the Green’s policy of removing the exemption of religions organisations to the anti-discrimination laws. To be exempt from the anti-discrimination laws on the basis of your un-substantiated beliefs, which is the basis of all religions, is no different in principle from being exempt from being charged with murder because you believe that you’re entitled to commit murder. There’s either a complete separation of government law making and religion, or there isn’t.  I have no doubt that the chances of the person on average income buying their own home is negatively impacted by the present negative gearing arrangements.  As far as I’m concerned, home ownership is about having a secure roof over your head.

It’s not about making money from tenants and from the wider public through a reduction in your taxation. As a country we’re not only entitled to control our immigration intake, but it would be completely irresponsible to allow the chaotic situation that’s accruing in Europe.

To allow those who are presently in off-shore arrangements to come to Australia, as the Greens advocate, would a disaster.  It’s my belief that the exemption of religions to the anti-decimation laws and the present negative gearing arrangements will eventually be rejected by the major political parties.

This leaves the protection of our borders and an orderly immigration program as the major issue. 

With the indication of an election result that may very well involve Labor gaining power with or without the support of the Greens, and given that there appears to be a growing number of Labor candidates that support the Greens position of throwing open our borders, and despite having been a member of the Labor party, I’ve decided how I must vote.

In a democratic country everybody has equal rights and opportunities. But that doesn’t mean, that all people are equal. On the contrary everybody is different, no two people are alike. It is mostly individuals, who suffer from some shortages, that are claiming to be equal to everybody else. Radical regimes are indoctrinating people with rigid ideologies. They are mustering them into herds and making them to march, dress and think alike.

Bendigo people can count themselves very lucky that their new hospital is nearing completion and not just starting. The pay rises the government has given to its union mates and the pay rises given the government affiliated CFMEU, would suggest the hospital would cost nearer to a billion dollars than the estimated $650 million dollars if it were started today. We must also remember the design was finalised, the contract signed and the building started under a coalition government. Thankfully that should ensure it is finished on time and within its budget and a city not a political party can have pride in their new hospital.