Serious – try explaining to someone from another democratic nation that we have a very good system that means we dont need run-off elections (transferable vote), which we then like to TURN INTO A COMPLETE F’N JOKE by then allowing unelected hacks to transfer it for us, all in the name of “convenience”.

Optional preferential is just as convenient, if not more so, and means NO HACKS OWN YOUR VOTE!

It would be easier if people could rank parties above the line, but it wouldn’t change things for me, because I’ll be damned before I put a National above a Liberal.

Be nice.

Btw, have I mentioned my views on ATL voting?

No, no I don’t believe you have. Do tell…

But as I keep trying to stress, it is the ticket voting that is the issue, not the ATLness of the vote.

Set up a coal burning demonstration plant. In the city sq. Outside Bunnings next to the s. sizzle. In your front yard.

If Co2 is a harmless even vital element of God’s creation – then your neighbours will come over and shake you hand that you are helping to create more of it.

If otoh – umbrage occurs – then gov laws will have to start prescribing where and when coal can be burnt. The coal burners will start to become known as a filthy caste.

I’ll chip in for your first tonne of brown.

Fielding wont be back, and QLD has come within a whisker of a Greens Senator in last two digs.

Doesn’t matter whether the 6th Qld Senator is Green or ALP. As long as is not a LNP (or other conservative).

I also wouldn’t just assume that The Greens will hold the sole balance of power after the next election. There are a lot of variables in the Senate (not least whether it’s a double dissolution or a half-Senate election).

Of course there’s no assuming with elections, especially not with Senate elections (with ticket voting ATL).

However it is by far the most likely outcome. The 6th Senate spots in Qld and Vic, won by Joyce and Fielding respectively last time are almost certain to return to the ALP. And that is all t takes to give sole BoP to the Greens.

Now we just have shut down the existing ones.