14th January, 2007

BETH MICKLETHWAITE

2007 will be a significant year in Australian political life. With a federal election likely to occur in the latter half of the year, it is important that Christians become familiar with political issues and spend time working through a Biblical approach to key election issues.

The Prime Minister usually makes an Australia Day address to the National Press Club in which he outlines some of the major political issues for the year ahead. The looming election is sure to feature in this speech, to be delivered in Parliament on 25th January.

The major topics in any election are usually health, education, security and the economy. The Government will want to defend and promote its track record on these issues while the Opposition will seek to gain votes from controversial areas such as industrial relations, the Iraq war and interest rate rises. Each of these policy areas is big and complicated and there is no perfect way forward on any issue. Both leaders and voters need wisdom to apply Biblical principles to complex political issues. And Christian voters also need to apply Biblical principles as they cast their vote to ensure that it is not simply self-interest that motivates them: what does loving your neighbour as yourself mean when it comes to deciding who you will vote for?

The change of Labor leadership means that the election is likely to be a very interesting one, with both major parties seeking to win over Christian voters. And it is not necessarily an easy choice for Christians, as there may be few candidates who espouse a biblical position across a broad range of issues from refugees to civil unions and from cloning to climate change.

So, what can Christian voters do to ensure they have an impact at the next election? Here are a few New Year’s resolutions you might like to adopt:

• Pray for our nations leaders and for those seeking election in 2007. Pray for them to see public office as a service to the community for which they are accountable to God.

• Become an informed citizen. Dedicate time to reading the newspapers and watching political programs so that you understand where each party stands on issues that are important to you.

• Make your views known in the press by taking part in talkback radio or writing letters to the editor. Newspapers reflect and shape public opinion. Politicians pay attention to letters to the editor of major newspapers, as it is one way of getting an idea of public opinion on a given topic. So if you read an article that you strongly agree or disagree with, then write to the paper. You can find contact details on the letters page. Remember to refer to the article you read and its date, keep your letter short and to the point (200 words) and provide your name and address. Most of all, remember to write as soon as possible after the publication of the original article.

• Visit your MP in his or her constituency office. Most are keen to get to know their constituents and will appreciate the chance to meet you. Talk to them about issues that concern you and express your appreciation for the work they do on your behalf.

• If there is one in your electorate, then take the opportunity to attend one of the Australian Christian Lobby’s "Meet Your Candidate Forums". These will be run in many marginal electorates in the run up to the election to give Christian voters the opportunity to meet and question those people seeking their vote. These meetings really help you to decide which candidate most closely aligns with your own views.

May this be a politically effective year for the Christian community!

Beth Micklethwaite is a research officer at the Australian Christian Lobby.