On the cusp of another federal election, Australians may face a hung parliament, or at the best, have a Government elected by the most marginal of voters. Beyond some of the media-hyped issues raised by the main two parties - illegal immigrants arriving by boat from its northern shores, employment conditions that are fair to both employee and businesses, a broadband network with faster download speeds, the effects of climate change, heavy government debt incurrence versus attaining a surplus and how political parties treat their leaders - are significant matters which has been strangely kept tucked away from the public eye, or at least de-emphasised.
There was no sizable discussion on how the Australian economy can gradually wean away from relying on jobs, revenues and skills being dependent on carving out the family heirlooms, whether they be the minerals just dug out in their raw state to supply sustenance of foreign countries, or the sale of vital public security infrastructure to private and commercial interests. There are no structured plans articulated to effectively raise the dignity and rich cultural heritage of indigenous Australians - in this area, despite the wealth of Australia, responses have been few and mostly re-active in character. No recognition was justly acknowledged to maintain and nurture the nation's third largest export after coal and iron ore - the revenues collected from foreign students paying full fees at Australian universities.
Keeping up incentives to ensure Australian competitiveness in tax regimes, productivity requirements and business niches was a matter not highlighted. The Australian economy cannot afford to be a continual parking vehicle for transient investments and funds. Maintaining innovativeness requires more than brains and a liberal cultural environment - it also requires clever planning, relevant institutions and financial savvy. The future of Australia's young generations does not lie in an enhanced state welfare system when the demographic projections point to an aging population to support and pay for. Questions of sustainable and optimal population growth were raised in the election campaign with matters on paid parental leave brought up, but there was a lack of encouragement to inculcate better skills development in young Australians. In the past thirty years, Australia as a nation has an undeniable and enviable record of welcoming immigrants from over two hundred other countries, but must seriously put its stamp of a desired national character to integrate the psyches and loyalties of new arrivals.
The nation has to become more humane again inside its own borders - no point showing this face only in overseas locations. Australia must realise that in practice, not everyone necessarily follows and implements all legislative pronouncements, no matter how wonderful they are in idea and intent. Its capital cities must confront the reality of aging infrastructure or the high costs of new ones. Investment must be made in a renewed drive not just for public transport systems, traffic control and health facilities - there needs to be focused attention to mitigate alcohol-related social problems, corruption, education/training delivery issues, the inability of young people to afford housing and the inability of seniors to afford the expenses of old age.
The election outcomes from 21 August 2010 will most likely be decided on other and less significant issues. It may all be a question of numbers, the mood on voting day and the placement of electoral boundaries. Good luck, Australia.
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