What always amazes me in recent years with Federal Elections is that the result is usually ‘called’ before the Western Australian polling booths are closed. When I was a teen it would be close on midnight before the election could be ‘called’, but now it’s around 8pm. Nothing is conceded until later in the evening but I’d be frustrated as a WA voter knowing that my vote isn’t going to make a difference as to which party wins government…

There is no doubt that there is a general lack of understanding and knowledge about how our parliamentary system works among all ages. As a home educator I’m proud of the interest and understanding my offspring show in elections and politics. We never ’studied’ the subject in the way that schooled children would (should) have: what our children know derives from general discussions and from their parents taking a close interest during elections. I think it helps that I’ve lobbied for better recognition of home education, sat on legislative review panels, and written letters to politicians on various issues. Most of what they know about how parliament works is from watching the coverage on the television on election night. Robin and I are kept busy answering questions. It’s always been like that, and last night was no exception.

More of the story…