Thursday, June 24, 2010

Australia's First Female Prime Minister

Julia Gillard is Australia's First Female Prime Minister

This is a significant event, just as America's first Black President was momentous.

But it might just be more-of-the-same. She might be a dead loss - just like every other Prime Minister we've ever had - or are likely to have.

But, she deserves a chance to prove herself.

Well, if you are interested Hon Julia, here is a list of things that I, Wonko the Sane, believe should be your priority. You will probably disagree - if you indeed ever read this. But Wonko is not motivated by what he can 'get' out of life - only by the welfare and wellbeing of others. And that, by the way, sounds like the description of a Prime Minister.

So here's the list:

1. This internet censorship thing - it has to go. At best, those who want to will circumvent it and at worst, future governments will use it to restrict information to their advantage. We should not be following China's example here.

2. On that subject, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet is a Nobel Peace Prize winner and someone who should be treated with respect. The present attitude of pleasuring the Chinese government despite the horrors perpetrated by them is unacceptable and by our own government's stand, we are not only aligned with China but also supportive of genocide and environmental destruction.

3. In this wonderful 21st century it is time that we learnt the true meaning of compassion. Factory farming (including the workarounds used by some chicken farmers) must be properly outlawed - including battery hens. Show the world that Australians have hearts and not just stomachs.

4. A growing proportion of Australians are Carers. They are looking after spouse, parents, children - yet they receive a very poor deal. Would you work for someone who provides no annual leave, no long service leave, 24x7 on-call hours, no public holidays and - perhaps most importantly - NO SUPERANNUATION? Would you Julia Gillard expect your children to be subjected to that? I don't think so. Carers are a growing breed and need much better support.

5. Climate Change is Real. Whether or not we are causing it or making it worse is something that we will argue until the planet dies it's ultimate death. But we can at least ensure that we ARE NOT making it worse. That much can be done. So lets do it.

Is there any chance that we will get a Leader who actually cares?

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