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Non-Boomerang users may not be familiar with how Australian elections work.

This educational video explains all.

Non-Boomerang users may not be familiar with how Australian elections work.
This educational video explains all.
- @Fred

LOL Fred - I particularly like the Sh-t and Sh-t Lite party options haha and the reference to the F--k Burgers

No undies involved Fred but plenty of dirty laundry through campaigns at al levels.

Cheers, Steve.

No undies involved Fred but plenty of dirty laundry through campaigns at al levels.
Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearl

I always said that the Aussies have a good sense of humour

No undies involved Fred but plenty of dirty laundry through campaigns at al levels.
Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearl

I know nothing of Australian politics but I do recall several believable main stream news items about the Australian labour government's actions during the pandemic. Some of these concern the barring of admittance of Australian citizens trying to leave India during the delta variant. Imagine, politicians so paranoid of covid, barring their own citizens from their homeland!

Other news items referenced the inability of Australian citizens to leave their country during the pandemic.

Still others showed pictures of quarantine villages intended for the mandatory confinement of suspected covid cases.

Australia took a *very* aggressive approach to covid but in some cases, such as the barring of entry of its own citizens, it was a violation of international law.

It seems that no ruler-politicians in Australia were ever held accountable. When covid was over, the politicians were let off Scott free similar to the stasi during east German reunification.

And now we see Australian elections with the same party winning. If another pandemic occurs, no lessons will have been learned. Back to barring entry of citizens with expired host-country visas and quarantine villages?

Just wondering. Not such a big deal anymore, I understand. But Australia's party in power during the pandemic was a cut above the rest.

I always said that the Aussies have a good sense of humour - @Cherryann01

We certainly have a democratic / fair / honest political system as well.

Yes, the Covid restrictions Australia imposed during the pandemic were unprecedented here.

Here's what DeepSeek and CoPilot both have to say ..

"In May 2021, the Australian government banned everyone entering the country, including its own citizens, for 14 days, citing concerns about the Delta variant. The policy sparked significant debate.

Similarly, Australian citizens and permanent residents were restricted from leaving the country, unless they obtained a travel exemption. The government justified this measure as necessary to prevent the world spread of COVID-19, but it led to frustration and legal challenges.

However, Australia fared well compared to most other countries in terms of COVID-19 death rates.

A study by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that Australia had fewer excess deaths than most other OECD nations during the pandemic.

Globally, Australia maintained a lower fatality rate due to strict public health measures, and high vaccination uptake.

Australia's relatively low COVID-19 death rate can be attributed to several key factors:

Early and Strict Border Controls – Australia implemented rapid border closures and home-quarantine measures, limiting the virus's initial spread.

Effective Public Health Measures – lockdowns, social distancing, and mask mandates helped reduce transmission.

High Vaccination Rates – Australia achieved strong vaccine uptake, reducing severe cases and hospitalizations.

Robust Healthcare System – The country’s well-equipped hospitals and accessible  and free healthcare played a crucial role in managing cases.

Public Compliance – Australians followed health guidelines, contributing to lower transmission rates

Worldwide COVID-19 death rates varied significantly across countries due to factors like healthcare infrastructure, government response, and population demographics.

Here’s a comparison of some countries and the reasons behind their mortality rates:

Peru had one of the highest death rates, attributed to overwhelmed healthcare systems and late lockdown measures.

United States saw high mortality due to pre-existing health conditions, delayed public health interventions, and political divisions affecting response efforts.

India faced challenges with large population density, limited healthcare access, and oxygen shortages during peak waves.

Australia maintained a relatively low death rate due to strict border controls, early suburban lockdowns, and high voluntary and free vaccination rates.

We just accepted what was in the public good for everyone. In the years that Covid was abroad in Melbourne, we had ONE anti-quarantine protest which consisted of a few thousand souls walking down a major freeway and away from the city. It lasted only two days.

We care for each other.

Because of all we did, I've only ever had one very mild case of covid, in 2023.

And today, we've just had our 3-yearly national elections.

Zero problems, in one day, done and dusted, with all results completely accepted by everyone.

And with fair and honest results. Democracy works perfectly here.

We love it!

Happy trails

--

P1:

"In May 2021, the Australian government banned everyone entering the country, including its own citizens, for 14 days, citing concerns about the Delta variant. The policy sparked significant debate.

Not to minimize the extent of your narrative. You made several points, each of which could  be addressed in terms of your Constitution being illegally bypassed in favor of tyrannical control using the pandemic as an excuse. It is probably too much to comment on so I will limit my statements to the above.

Deepseek, not exactly representactive of "democratic" inputs. concludes:

"In summary, while the ban may have been justifiable under *domestic* emergency frameworks, its blanket nature and impact on citizens’ right to return likely contravened international human rights standards, particularly the ICCPR. The debate underscores the tension between state sovereignty and fundamental rights during global crises."

Australia is supposedly Western-style democracy. They got paranoid and panicked and obviously should have known better in terms of Western (ie not Chinese) values. The AU politicians and the people who voted for them never accepted the shame they richly deserve. No one was ever held to account, especially by worldwide public opinion...they got away with it.

And, the world should expect the same dystopian behavior from that country should a pandemic ever happen again and that AU political party is in power.

Haha .. no offence, but to my shell-like your arguments sound like a pompous git.

We expect our government to protect our borders, including from deadly pandemics. If  we feel the need to close our borders, so be it. Anyone who objects can go else where.

No one has the right to demand entry to a country, especially during a pandemic. And that includes our own citizens. If some little known statute somewhere disagrees thats too bad. You will NOT come here without our welcome. Even boat-people are turned away.

The US has lost control of borders and the current president is breaking the law daily to repell or return illegal entrants. Haha we did it for excellent health reasons.

Politicians in this country took a citizens human rights decision and all we Aussies won. It's not OUR leaders whom should be before courts :-) Haha. Why are you set on criminalizing our government on trivial 14 day matters?

What about directing your human rights concerns on American illegals? They need it much more than a  few inconvenienced Au airline passengers. Hey! Get real Dan :-)

@PalawOne

We expect our government to protect our borders, including from deadly pandemics. If  we feel the need to close our borders, so be it. Anyone who objects can go else where.

Why do you misdirect and conflate your situation involving your citizens with uninvited and illegal non-citizens such as those sneaking into the USA? It would be just as bad if Mexico refused entry to a Mexiczn citizen who wished to return home but as far as I know, there is no human rights convention guaranteeing non-citizen entry to any country much less Australia.

But that discussion is a diversion on your part. I really don't care but anti-Americans are so arrogant when referencing our elections and our leaders and yet, when other so-called western democracies exhibit true human rights violations involving their own *citizens*, they accept no responsibility.

Everybody can see the hypocracy whether they admit it or not. Certainly, from what you say, the concept of Australian "citizenship"  as a birthright to access one's homeland is rather wanting at times when counts the most and a bit different than in most countries. But it's OK, don't take it personally. No offence intended.

Dan all countries have their foibles.

Sure looks like the Australian people don't hold grudges as they put the same party back into power but this time with a landslide win.

I was living here in the Phills and never left because the Philippines government was even harsher than Oz. While I could leave I wasn't allowed to return so I retired. Even SRRV holders and many OFW's couldn't return.

People choose a government for a reason and the Oz citizens spoke overwhelmingly to return the government you trashed.

OMO.

Cheers, Steve.

No undies involved Fred but plenty of dirty laundry through campaigns at al levels.
Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearl

You should see my undies after a week.💩

@bigpearl

Dan all countries have their foibles.

Sure looks like the Australian people don't hold grudges as they put the same party back into power but this time with a landslide win.

Right, other countries have their foibles as well. What comes to mind is West Germany accepting East Germsny and holding no person or government accountable for the activities of the Stasi or holding the population inside the Berlin wall. No grudges. People forget. And that is how history repeats itself, as in the case of Australia and the landslide elections. But it is not my concern; I would simply oppose with all my energy if America tried pulling the same thing.

Dan all countries have their foibles.
Sure looks like the Australian people don't hold grudges as they put the same party back into power but this time with a landslide win.
I was living here in the Phills and never left because the Philippines government was even harsher than Oz. While I could leave I wasn't allowed to return so I retired. Even SRRV holders and many OFW's couldn't return.
People choose a government for a reason and the Oz citizens spoke overwhelmingly to return the government you trashed.

OMO.

Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearl

It seems that Trump is affecting elections all over the world.

Dan, I said ALL countries, the operative word is ALL.

Not interested in getting into mud slinging.

Cheers, Steve.

@bigpearl

"Sure looks like the Australian people don't hold grudges as they put the same party back into power but this time with a landslide win."

mate it isnt the same party that was in power during covid

Partly true Agg Coolabah, we can share the blame between 2 parties,,,,, possibly one of the reasons Labour got into power in 2022,,,,,, to finish and clean up the mess created by the preceding party.

OMO.

Cheers, Steve.

Dan all countries have their foibles.
Sure looks like the Australian people don't hold grudges as they put the same party back into power but this time with a landslide win.
I was living here in the Phills and never left because the Philippines government was even harsher than Oz. While I could leave I wasn't allowed to return so I retired. Even SRRV holders and many OFW's couldn't return.
People choose a government for a reason and the Oz citizens spoke overwhelmingly to return the government you trashed.

OMO.

Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearl
It seems that Trump is affecting elections all over the world.
- @FindlayMacD

Hahaha somebody owes me a beer. How long it took for some idi0t to make this about Trump, halfway around the world, took less than a day.

How did I get dragged into your rhetoric with a quote off that never mentioned taking a dump nor referring to your God?

Simply ALL COUNTRIES have foibles especially if you have your eyes open.

Cheers, Steve.

Partly true Agg Coolabah, we can share the blame between 2 parties,,,,, possibly one of the reasons Labour got into power in 2022,,,,,, to finish and clean up the mess created by the preceding party.
OMO.

Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearl

Citizens of the Peoples Republic of Australia are not engaged in liberty and freedom on a daily basis; instead, they take their orders from their government. They follow the Chinese example of accepting that everything their government says and does is correct by definition. They basically followed the Wuhan lockdown example during covid. Your population is granted privileges as defined by government, not one where people have natural born rights. The Philippines probably has more familiarity and application of democratic rule than Australia or New Zealand. Sorry but you have a liberal-conservative uniparty and nobody cleaned up any messes.

How did I get dragged into your rhetoric with a quote off that never mentioned taking a dump nor referring to your God?
Simply ALL COUNTRIES have foibles especially if you have your eyes open.

Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearl

I never said you made that quote, if you read it it thst was MacD

Home sweet home

Golly Dan, I thought I mentioned no mud slinging so one could ask what planet you are on. So defensive for no reason.

Cheers, Steve.

LOL, you seem to have wound me up Dan but I'm not wounded as the figures speak for themselves when it comes to Covid.

Deaths per million in Australia.      937.

Deaths per million in the USA.     3,642.

Maybe harsh measures but saved lives over your perceived freedom.

Cheers, Steve.

Dan all countries have their foibles.
Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearl
It seems that Trump is affecting elections all over the world.
- @FindlayMacD
Hahaha somebody owes me a beer. How long it took for some idi0t to make this about Trump, halfway around the world, took less than a day.
- @danfinn

It's not just me that's making it about Trump, that is how mainstream media around the world are reporting it, just as they did when the right wing Conservative party got defeated in the Canadian elections.

@FindlayMacD

That's just a youtube clip but here's how the Washington post reported it.

Haha, Dan writes: Citizens of the Peoples Republic of Australia are not engaged in liberty and freedom on a daily basis; instead, they take their orders from their government. They follow the Chinese example of accepting that everything their government says and does is correct by definition. They basically followed the Wuhan lockdown example during covid. Your population is granted privileges as defined by government, not one where people have natural born rights. The Philippines probably has more familiarity and application of democratic rule than Australia or New Zealand. Sorry but you have a liberal-conservative uniparty and nobody cleaned up any messes. - @danfinn

Thanks for this Dan

And here's what AI thinks of your thoughts

AI Quote..

"The statement you've presented contains inaccurate and exaggerated claims about Australia's political system and society.

Here’s a breakdown of the key issues:

1. Australia’s Political System and Freedoms

Australia is a liberal democracy with a robust system of checks and balances, including an independent judiciary, free press, and regular elections.

Citizens enjoy fundamental rights and freedoms, including freedom of speech, assembly, and religion, protected by common law and statutes (though Australia does not have a single "Bill of Rights" like the U.S.).

Comparing Australia to an authoritarian system like China’s is misleading and false. Australia has no state censorship, no single-party rule, and no suppression of political dissent akin to China’s model.

2. COVID-19 Response

Australia’s lockdowns (including strict measures in some states) were temporary public health measures, not permanent restrictions on liberty. These policies were debated in parliament, challenged in courts, and adjusted based on scientific advice.

Many democracies (including the Philippines) implemented similar restrictions during the pandemic. Australia’s approach was not unique and was largely supported by public opinion to save lives.

3. "Privileges vs. Natural Rights"

Like most Western democracies, Australia operates on a legal framework where rights are protected but can be limited in exceptional circumstances (e.g., public emergencies). This is not unique to Australia—it’s how democratic societies balance individual freedoms with collective security.

The claim that Australians lack "natural born rights" is hyperbolic. Australians enjoy legal protections comparable to other democracies.

4. Philippines vs. Australia on Democracy

The Philippines has a democratic system but faces significant challenges, including political violence, corruption, and strongman politics (e.g., Duterte’s drug war, Marcos Jr.’s presidency).

Australia consistently ranks higher in global democracy indexes (e.g., Economist Democracy Index, Freedom House) due to its stable institutions, rule of law, and political freedoms.

5. "Liberal-Conservative Uniparty"

Australia has a competitive multi-party system (Labor, Liberal-National Coalition, Greens, independents). The idea of a "uniparty" is a fringe conspiracy theory, often used to dismiss mainstream politics without evidence.

Policy disagreements (e.g., climate change, immigration) are publicly debated, and elections have led to changes in government (e.g., Labor’s victory in 2022 after nearly a decade of conservative rule).

Conclusion:

The statement is a highly partisan exaggeration that misrepresents Australia’s democracy. While no country is perfect, Australia remains one of the world’s freest societies, with strong democratic institutions. Comparisons to authoritarian regimes like China are not grounded in reality."

(End DeepSeek AI report)

Also Quote: "Freedom House rates people’s access to political rights and civil liberties in 208 countries and territories through its annual Freedom in the World report."

2024 Report:

1. Australia: Equal 5th
2. USA:         Equal 14th

Thanks again Dan  😉

Happy trails

Well P1 that was far more eloquently stated than I could ever dream of.

Meat pies with tomato sauce, freedom, one of the best countries on earth yet still has it's problems at times.

Perhaps those that criticise Australia have never been there, probably hang sh1t on any country that doesn't fit their one eyed beliefs.

We know the truth P1.

Cheers, Steve.

bigpearl said . . . Well P1 that was far more eloquently stated than I could ever dream of.

*

Give the credit to "AI" and cut & paste, keep dreaming.

Dream on every day I do Bob. I was simply complementing P1 on his post that clearly states AI quote.

I have never looked at AI so appreciate P1 taking the time to post it, hopefully it will put a few myths to bed with regards to how Australia operates.

Also the next quote with regards to Australian rights compared to to the US, debunks many one eyed opinions on Australia's legal system.

Cheers, Steve.

What is the point of posting AI rubbish?

LOL Fred who washes his undies once a week and only believes in his facts, probably never been to Oz let alone the Philippines and keeps rabbiting on about China and how wonderfull they are.

Fred for me living in Oz for 59 years the AI quote was pretty well spot on and oh you doubting Thomas, go to the back and enjoy your fast rail system.

Cheers, Steve.

LOL Fred who washes his undies once a week and only believes in his facts, probably never been to Oz let alone the Philippines and keeps rabbiting on about China and how wonderfull they are.Fred for me living in Oz for 59 years the AI quote was pretty well spot on and oh you doubting Thomas, go to the back and enjoy your fast rail system.Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearl

Fred's undies seem to have taken over the Forum recently and are current mentioned on at least 3 different topics including this one.

No wonder he can not track them all down for their monthly wash.

@FindlayMacD

If a country elects officials based on the U.S. President they will get what they deserve.  Hope you are all not that gullible.

Cherry, Freds undies have been a topic on many threads for years and a light hearted look at 20 year old underwear, Fred loves the attention, we have a giggle and can break a serious threads direction at times.

ronlafleur3. The topic is about the Australian federal election not US politics or policies oh and Freds washing habits it seems.

Perhaps a new thread could be in order?

Cheers, Steve.

The topic is about the Australian federal election not US politics or policies oh and Freds washing habits it seems.
Perhaps a new thread could be in order?

Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearl

Like it or not, the Trump effect does come into other countries' elections. He help Canada stay left, and now Australia.

He's hated so much, people in other countries are trying to make sure they don't get anyone like him.

Fredie said . . . . He's hated so much, people in other countries are trying to make sure they don't get anyone like him.

***

Trump will still be President while Xi Jinping will be long gone.

Fredie said . . . . He's hated so much, people in other countries are trying to make sure they don't get anyone like him.
***
Trump will still be President while Xi Jinping will be long gone. - @Enzyte Bob

I don't see it.

Assuming he doesn't die of a weight related disease, I believe he might well die of lead poisoning.

The shooter will never be caught, but Iran will be blamed.

Trump is dismantling chunks of the CIA and doing some serious interfering in the US military. I have every confidence his death will have been discussed in a soundproofed room or two, and it's more a matter of how much they will allow before the kill him.

I don't know if Trump is aware or not, but USAID and other supposed aid groups he's defunding are actually used by the CIA for various reasons.

Still, this is about the Australian election, and I'm willing to bet the political right in kangeroo land are hoping Trump gets snuffed out - After all, he was a lot of the reason they did so badly.

Hello everyone,

Please note that this thread is now on the Australia forum where it is more relevant.

All the best

Bhavna