Go the Gillard!

I have long been a fan of Ms Julia Gillard.

Many times have I watched her in interviews and debates on programs such as ABC's Lateline and marvelled on her concise, informative and sensible views and approaches to politics. If you want an answer that is intelligent and straight to the point, then Ms Gillard is for you.

Now, I have a strong view that people should really look at voting for Greens or Democrats in elections (should they have sensible policy), and that even if you know that the candidate has no chance of winning, choose the one that will give preferences to the better of the two major parties, the ALP. This includes voting for the Senate and the House of Representitives.

Now lets be realistic, the Greens and/or Democrats will not form government anytime soon, so in a two party system, we must look at which of the two are the best to back. (Even if it is the lesser of the two evils at times..)

Of the two major parties, I cannot recall ever a time when the Liberal Party has ever sought social policy improvement for the GLBT community. It however has been in the ALP's policy, and even though at times the ALP has let our community down, they at least have provided steps forward in social reform. Clearly by the words spoken by Mr Costello recently, we don't hold much hope for forward-thinking social policy from the Liberal Party. If anything, I fear a roll-back..

Watching "Australian Story" last night on ABC, viewers had the great pleasure of finding more about Julia Gillard - who some say may be the best chance for an ALP election win.

There is something so refreshing about this woman, and it would be certainly a positive step to put this woman in the leadership. Mr Waffle (aka Kim Beazley), doesnt provide much future for the Labour Party. For me, he is clearly the care-taker ALP leader. We are all waiting for someone within the ALP ranks to step up to the plate and take the Government by the balls. After watching Mr Waffle's sorry leadership since Mark Latham's departure, I think now is the time for Julia.

Mr Waffle has also helped to further divide the ALP with his lack of will to support Simon Creane's pre-selection. This is exactly what the party doesn't need. Ms Gillard has been a supporter of Mr Creane, and now that he has seemingly won his pre-selection, she looks like an even stronger politician for backing the clear-winning member.

She has now also been publically critical of Mr Waffle in Australian Story aired last night, which to me at first was suprising, but then not unexpected from a politician who is sensibly outspoken.

With Julia there appears to be little "game-playing". Rather she is a dignified and intelligent politian who just positions herself well. Something many of the other politicians around Australia could learn a thing or two from!

I could only suggest you read up a little on her yourself. Who knows, she may be the first female to lead a major federal political party in Australia, and if things head right for her, possibly the first ever female Prime Minister!

I can only hope and pray that sometime soon we will move on from the socially backward federal Liberal Government. Maybe Julia Gillard is the answer...

If you would like to read the full transcript of the insightful interview from Australian Story, click here.