The Echidna: Australia's shocking value-for-money democracy

If one of the definitions of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result then surely we live in one of the world's most maddening democracies. But as we plough our way through yet another costly election campaign you probably already know that - if it hasn't already driven you crazy.

Australia's addiction to elections - the May 21 poll will be our eighth at federal level this century - is the result of a three-year political cycle that rewards an incumbent prime minister with the power to call a poll at a time they regard as most advantageous to their government.

It's an archaic system devised by late 19th century bureaucrats and politicians that is rarely replicated elsewhere in the world. Most western democracies favour five-year parliamentary terms and even Australia's states have all moved to four year terms. "Three years is quite inadequate," summed up Echidna reader Murray in a recent email. "Their first year is spent getting to grips with the system, the second year they govern - usually with difficulty - the third year is then spent on rorting in order to get elected!"

The three year cycle also adds to the burden on the taxpayer. According to the Australian Electoral Commission it cost more than $370 million to stage the 2019 election. The poll due on May 21 will be far more expensive. Throw in the hundreds of millions of dollars spent on trying to woo your vote and there won't be much change left out of a billion dollars.

Oh, and let's not forget that the most recent parliament was one of the least active in terms of sitting days in almost 40 years. It doesn't take a degree from the Anthony Albanese School of Numbers to conclude that we have one of the poorest value-for-money democracies in the world.

But changing it at a time when both major parties are setting world land speed records for sprinting away from anything regarded as radical or different will be difficult. The Hawke government bundled the question of four-year parliamentary terms into a complicated referendum in 1988. It failed, in part because the plan did not include fixed terms and voters did not trust giving politicians another year in power while still wielding the right to call an election at their choosing.

Introducing four or five-year fixed terms such as the UK model would do away with the often months-long circus of speculation around election timing. It would save taxpayers an enormous amount of money. It would allow governments to mature in office and develop long-term policies for the betterment of the country, instead of the helter-skelter short-term thinking that dominates modern Australian political life.

Having fewer elections might also lower the rising levels of cynicism and heighten public interest in national affairs. It's a no-brainer, right? Well, it would be...if the lunatics were not running the asylum.

HAVE YOUR SAY: Do you support fixed four or five year terms for Australia? What about a fixed period for election campaigns? What are the issues that concern you in this campaign? Send us your views: echidna@theechidna.com.au

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Labor followed up on its promise to strengthen Medicare by committing $135 million for a trial of 50 "urgent care clinics" designed to ease pressure on hospitals and their emergency wards. The Liberals announced a $250 million investment to "secure fuel production and supply" for Australia. Greens leader Adam Bandt announced a $7.5 billion policy to include dental coverage under Medicare that would be funded by an extra six per cent tax slug on billionaires. One Nation announced it would stand candidates in all 151 lower house seats and that former Nationals MP George Christensen would stand as a Queensland Senate candidate, although his third place on the party ticket is regarded as unwinnable. Home Affairs minister Karen Andrews announced she had tested positive for COVID-19.

THEY SAID IT: "Google it, mate!" - Greens leader Adam Bandt when asked a "gotcha!" question at the National Press Club yesterday.

"The word 'politics' is derived from the word 'poly', meaning 'many', and the word 'tics', meaning 'blood sucking parasites.'" - Gore Vidal.

YOU SAID IT: "The maths needs to be done on how much water Australia can produce and harness to sustain whatever level of population we want. It is a finite resource." - David.

"We've boundless plains to share, our national anthem says it. Morally we have to accept more migrants. Many will be traumatised, having fled war-torn countries, but we must provide a safe existence for displaced people, skilled or not. It is our moral obligation and responsibility." - Paula.

"Economic growth has for too long relied on more people. But it is a catastrophe in the making. Apart from the infrastructure shortfall, every new housing development encroaches on flora and fauna habitat. Just ask the Queensland koalas." - Garry.

"No one is game to touch the big question of population control in Australia for fear of the Virtue Signallers branding the move as racist. However Australia should be lauded by the rest of the world as an example of a country that can control its population and still have a vibrant economy. But without immigration, our population is static." - Mike.

"We have a lot of open space out there. Cramming more people into cities is not the answer. Businesses that primarily consist of teleservices should be setting up their office in smaller towns. Cheaper rent, more local jobs, investment in a community." - Samantha.

"Rural Australia had better infrastructure 60 years ago. Successive governments eroded the rail network, hospitals and other government agencies while the Nats sat on their hands. Banks and businesses followed. Oh for a government that actually governs and actually provides services it's supposed to deliver instead of contracting them out for their family and friends to make a motza." - Garry.

"What sort of rubbish is it that you are classified as employed if you are employed for one hour? Do the politicians think we're mad?" - Gary.

"If the media concentrated on questions related to policy and the future of the country then these "gotcha" questions would become irrelevant." -Trevor.

"Vote for the person, not the party. Vote for a parliament, not politics." - Greg.

"Leave the "gotcha" questions aside. Perhaps Albanese doesn't know the unemployment figure because he doesn't believe the figure. There are many unemployed or underemployed living in our community. Let's focus on homelessness, affordable housing, stable rentals and the environment!" - Andy.