A lot of people have no idea that Australia is about to undergo a national election, on Saturday.
The election was called by the governor general, who is Queen Elizabeth’s governmental representative in Australia. It will determine whether the Liberal Party or the Labor Party runs the federal government. The two primary candidates are the Liberal Party’s John Howard, the current prime minister who has served for 11 years, and the Labor Party’s Kevin Rudd.
Unlike the U.S., where election campaigning extends with each presidential election, once the governor general calls for the election it must be held at the end of six weeks. During that time, the candidates stump from one end of Australia to the other, making promises to the populace that may or may not be fulfilled.
Australia, like the U.S., is a democratic nation. But unlike the U.S. or Canada, Australia’s government can be dissolved by the Queen of England. Granted, this has never happened, but Australians still worry.
As in America, Aussies like to criticize their government. They march in the streets and demand answers. And like American celebrities, Australian celebrities are often vilified for voicing their beliefs.
The nightly news tells of other similarities between our two nations. Real estate foreclosures are up, affordable real estate has become hard to find, citizens carry too much credit card debt, and nurses, medical assistants and skilled laborers are in demand. Add in a crumbling hospital infrastructure in New South Wales plus the war in Afghanistan and Iraq and suddenly the similarities become very noticeable.
Australians, like Americans, are concerned about the environment. In Sydney and Perth, the local councils have adopted mandates stating that all new housing must include solar water heating panels. In Sydney, they must also include rain basins. In what would seem to be the antithesis of the U.S., solar water heating systems abound on roofs, while satellite dishes do not.
Australians also have a slightly different view of water containment, because they deal with drought and bush fires. Australia does not have the convoluted and confusing water rights issues of the American West, but unlike America, the Australian government takes an active role by airing public service announcements during prime time to promote environmental practices. And they encourage the collection of rainwater, which can be used in gardens and for washing cars.
And you may have noticed that Australians vote on Saturday, not a Tuesday. Holding elections on a weekend encourages the citizenry to vote. In Australia, unlike the U.S., you are required to vote. You might even be fined if you do not vote. In addition, mail-in voting is accepted from anyone.
Will this election mark a change in relations between America and Australia? There can be no doubt about it. The world’s economy is in constant motion and changes abound. But one thing is sure regardless of which party wins: America and Australia suffer the same problems. The difference will be in the choices we make to solve them.
Beverly A. Saidel lives in Denver and spends one month a year in Sydney, Australia.
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