By Rod Benson
Judging by the comments I hear, and the time spent on election-related issues by Christian leaders, you’d have to conclude that next weekend’s federal election is a big deal for Australians who take their faith seriously.
Now if you’re like me, and you’re tired of the ads and sick of the spin, there are several online checklists that will help you cut through the spin and get a clear idea of where parties and candidates stand on issues that are important to you.
The Australian Christian Lobby has a web page where you can compare party responses on ten issues ranging from poverty to education to sexualisation. Family Voice Australia surveyed all 1198 candidates on issues such as marriage, abortion, internet filtering and religious freedom. And the ultra-conservative Australian Christian Values Institute put 23 questions to seven political parties to produce its scorecard.
I’m Rod Benson for nswchurches.org, where you’ll find links to the three checklists.
Broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 15 August 2010.
Image: http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/topstories/2010/08/21/gillard-julia-australia-cp-9239809.jpg
