We focus on the political fighting, but what about the future of Australia?

The future of Australia faces a myriad of problems right now and the sad thing is that nothing is being done to change or fix them. Why? Because there’s a political power play going on and the parties are refusing to block any budget savings methods almost on principal. This leaves the biggest question of them all unanswered, how can we make our parties cooperate to pass a budget that helps Australia grow?

Tony Abbott is getting increasingly frustrated in the public eye at the inability to actually start turning Australia’s economic and financial situation around because of this. The three major saving policies were the paid parental leave reductions to stop people “double dipping” and receiving two supplementary incomes while parenting, the one month wait for the dole, the childcare and family tax benefit cuts and the tightening of the pension asset tests. These four measures reap over $9.4 billion across four years. If none of these measures are passed in the next decade, Australia will face a $100 billion hole of debt.

Right now, the changes to the pension is the only policy supported by the Greens and the Labor party. The dilemma is that these don’t just save the government money, but they fund other budget activities. For example, Social Services Minister Scott Morrison plans that the cuts to the PPL scheme will help fund the new $3.5 billion childcare package.

Senator Leyonhjelm is supporting this measure publicly however the Greens and Labor party are refusing to back the cuts despite liking the alternative childcare package. In fact, Senator Leyonhjelm is the only senator to actually have expressed public support for any measures, with Jacqui Lambie, Nick Xanophon and Bob Day only giving partial indication of their availability to negotiate.

The problem with getting the Labor Party or the Greens onside for anything is that our politicians – of all parties – are too focused on power. This is causing massive issues for the progression of Australia as a country because nothing is being changed. If nothing changes, if no measures are made successful, is politicians don’t put aside petty party rivalry and egotistical behaviour, Australia’s headed into a black hole.

When the Labor party trashed the Liberal party budget measures this year, Tony Abbott asked them to show a case for a better option, to give them an alternative to be considered. But the slander and dismissal just continued with no real solutions proposed.

So how can Australian political parties work together to actually find common ground and get on with making Australia better?

It comes down to supporting whatever can give all Australians – across all ages, sexes, locations and educations ­­– a better chance at a brighter future in the long term.

So do you think there’s a way to foster bipartisanship in our government so measures that can make a difference actually get passed? Or do you think the power struggle will never end? Share your thoughts in the comments below…