Edgar Said:

My first time voting (Australia)..whats the diff between labor and liberal?

We Answered:

These days there isn't a huge difference between the two but we don't have a decent third option.
Traditionally, the Liberal Party were conservatives, placing financial prosperity of the country above social issues.
The Labour Party was traditionally the "workers" party. It's main concerns were social issues such as worker's rights and as so they are strongly aligned with the union movement.
As far as the upcoming elections go, if you want any rights at work then you must vote Labour or at least give them your preference. If the Liberal Party's IR reforms continue then you will be working for $5 an hour with no penalty rates and reduced or no annual leave.
Have a look at the sites below and make up your own mind.

Maurice Said:

Should voting in Australia be compulsory?

We Answered:

Compulsory voting is really really really dumb. As a whole Aussie's don't really care about politics, they'll either vote for whoever their parents voted for or be swinging voters.
Only a few nerdy aussies hold a political ideology.

Louise Said:

InAthens it was every citizens' duty to participate in decision making. Should voting be compulsory today?

We Answered:

In Athens, not every civilian was a citizen. Citizenship was a status that had little to do with where you were born. If citizens today were required to vote, we would see more vote pandering and more organized political corruption as politicians learn how to buy votes. We would also have a lot of people who know nothing about any of the issues casting votes just to complete their duty. In short, we would have a mess.

Jeremy Said:

Can fines for not voting in Australia be back dated?

We Answered:

NO they will only fine you if you don't vote once you are enrolled I had fallen off the roles when I lived in Brunswick Vic after moving from Laverton Vic. The offical from the AEC told me that as I was not enrolled at either address so I could not vote and there would be no fine and he was right.

Alexander Said:

when did people start voting in Australia?

We Answered:

Before there was Australia. In fact Australia started WITH a vote.

Australia became a nation on Jan 1, 1901 after a referendum was held to Federate the six colonies. All states and territories had the vote. Compulsory voting was introduced before the Australian federal election of 1925.

Australia is probably the most democratic nation on earth behind Switzerland who vote on anything and everything.

Edith Said:

What chance would Labor have in the coming election, if voting in Australia wasn't compulsory?

We Answered:

Most ALP voters are uneducated bogans so if voting was not compulsory they would not turn up to vote handing the liberals victory.