THE ELECTION HAS BEEN CALLED. YOU NOW HAVE UNTIL 8PM WED 17th OCT TO ENROL TO HAVE YOUR SAY!!

The Infamous Virgin Voters Video!!

THE AUSTRALIAN PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM
 

Learning about the Commonwealth Parliament can be..... no, lets face it.. IS pretty boring.

But Rock the Vote thinks it's really important young people have some idea of what goes on.
Therefore we are going to attempt to educate you without giving you a verbal lobotomy in the process... here goes.

We proudly present.....

1.    Like any good house party, a fair amount of organization is required.

2.    Someone needs to delegate party jobs so that it runs smoothly and people dance till their feet drop off and they sprawl out onto the streets in the wee hours of the morning.

3.    The Prime Minister (or PM as he/she shall herewith be known) is the Host of the Party. The PM sets the theme for the Party and hands out  flyers to everyone, really talking it up.
The PM then attends the party and works hard schmoozing the guests and making damn sure everyone is having a great time....  this is hard work.

4.    The Speaker's of the House are the big sisters of the Host. While the parents are away it's up to them to make sure that nothing in the house gets destroyed. Big responsibility.

5.    The Guests of the party are you and me. The party was put on so we could kick back with a cold one and have a good time with our mates.

6.    The House of Representatives are the mates of the Host (PM remember?) and are the people who convinced him to throw the party while the parentals are on holiday. (yay for the PM's mates) While the Host is off working the room, the Reps are there to make sure the party runs smoothly. Each Rep is given a job for the night. Like:

 -the Music Guy, who creates the different iPod play-lists and protects the equipment from partygoers.

7.    Then there's the nosy neighbour, the Governor-General, who made a promise to the parents that he would keep an eye on the house and kids while they are away.
If things get really carried away the neighbour will step in, but on the whole is a bit of a dude and will let the party  keep  going.

You see! - a good party is made up of little workers who all know their place.

8.    The Senate are the cops. They're a discreet bunch though, you and I won't be likely to see them when they come round complaining about the noise.
When they knock on the door they'll want to speak to one of the Reps (the PM's mates) in charge of the party. The cops negotiate with the PM's mates over all issues.

    - You want the party to go longer, then turn the music down.

    - Make sure all the kids are inside the property and not on the streets, and we wont have to come back.

9.    Like most parties, it usually means stress for the Reps in charge, (and no doubt the Reps will talk shit about the cops when they leave) but its all needed in order for the party to keep going.
And if the Host (PM) and Reps (his Mates) want the status of Party Legends, then this is the shit they have to deal with.

10.    The Twist:
At the end of the day - the mates (reps) can sweet talk the cops (senate) and the host (PM) can schmooze like nobodys business....BUT the GUESTS (me and you) have the ultimate say on whether the party kicked ass.

If the party rocked on! will we go to another one? Hell yes! All hail the host and his mates!

If it sucked the big one......we'll be heading out to see what other parties are on around town....

If this explanation makes you really want to go and see what the 'proper' meanings are, then take this link to the Australian Parliament House website. It is surprisingly easy to read and will let you know how your  Parliamentary System works.

http://aph.gov.au/parl.htm

Rock the Vote Says
Power of the People - we  wear the pants in this country.

Rock the Vote Says
We choose who we want to make these big decisions for us - lovin that!!!

Liberal Democracy
A system of government that is characterized by universal adult suffrage (all adults over a specified age can vote), political equality, majority rule and constitutionalism.

Preferential Voting
Called the 'Australian Ballot' internationally, it's a voting system which allows voters to list candidates in their order of preference.

Rock the Vote Says
We get to rank these people who want to run the country on our behalf!!! Who we like the most to who we cannot stand!

Legislation
When people exercise the power and function of making rules and laws that then become accepted because they have been made from an official body of a State or organization.

Rock the Vote Says
Why do they make it allllll so long winded??
When people come up with great ideas, we turn it into a law. Simple.

Rock the Vote Says
Again!! Blah bla bla bla blahhh -  it stops one group having all the power and abusing it (which can happen) and spreads out responsibility among many people.

LOCAL BOY BACK FROM ROARING UK SUCCESS

CD TO BE LAUNCHED IN HOMETOWN  

Not many local acts can boast performing worldwide with Billy Bragg, KT Tunstall, Lightning Willie and the Poor Boys and the legendary Steve Phillips & the Rough Diamonds; or having featured at the Famous Spiegeltent (UK) and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Most local bands start out dreaming of international success and play their hometown relentlessly in pursuit of their big break – but three times winner of 'The South Australian Songwriter of the Year' and Bank's Music 'Best New Music U.K.' Award - Cal Williams jr turned that idea upside down when he took on and conquered the UK market, releasing his debut UK album 'Driving as a form of prayer' to exceptional reviews.

Now, after 6 years overseas Cal has returned to his hometown bringing a fresh new sound that Australia will love.

As well as preparing to launch his CD, Cal has also wasted no time in assembling some of Australia's finest to form his sensational new band – Sullivan Ballou.

Fronted by Cal Williams jr, Sullivan Ballou Violinist and Vocalist Bridget McDowall adds to this amazing trio with her classical and Celtic training. She is also a newcomer to legendary contemporary Australian band Colcannon which heads off for their European / Canadian tour in October.

The final part to the three piece is Kory Horwood on double bass, a graduate from the Conservatorium and a very well known artist in the Adelaide music scene. He has played with a variety of artists such as Ria Loof, Ritsuko's Jazz Quartet, Rick Bamford, The Tango Saloon and Adam Page.
"Kory is without a doubt, the best double bass player Adelaide has." Dan - Braille

If you want to hear true genius at work - Sullivan Ballou is not to be missed. Rock the Vote proudly supports this amazing new band so come along Sunday 19 August and see for yourself.

"This album is absolutely fantastic and delivers on every level. You actually feel as if you out in the Wild West just sort of checking stuff out. The songs feel so pure that I can't fault this album at all, every aspect of it was phenomenal… it would be a crime for this artist to go unnoticed. This album deserves nothing less." - Leeds Music Scene

"A captivating and addictive mix of acoustic folk and blues that will stimulate, invigorate and liberate you. A truly beautiful collection of songs."  - Sandman Magazine

myspace.com/sullivanballou.
http://www.calwilliams.co.uk

sullivanballouband@yahoo.com.au

WHAT:            Sullivan Ballou 'Driving as a form of  prayer' CD Launch

WHERE:          Daytime: Festival Centre 2pm                 

 Evening:  FAD Bar, Waymouth St 8pm

WHEN:            Sun August 19

Just some of the organisations proudly supporting Sullivan Ballou
Rock the Vote - Fuji Xerox - Fringe Benefits -  Music SA – Paper Beats Rock

-ends-

LOCAL BOY BACK FROM ROARING UK SUCCESS

CD TO BE LAUNCHED IN HOMETOWN  

Not many local acts can boast performing worldwide with Billy Bragg, KT Tunstall, Lightning Willie and the Poor Boys and the legendary Steve Phillips & the Rough Diamonds; or having featured at the Famous Spiegeltent (UK) and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Most local bands start out dreaming of international success and play their hometown relentlessly in pursuit of their big break – but three times winner of 'The South Australian Songwriter of the Year' and Bank's Music 'Best New Music U.K.' Award - Cal Williams jr turned that idea upside down when he took on and conquered the UK market, releasing his debut UK album 'Driving as a form of prayer' to exceptional reviews.

Now, after 6 years overseas Cal has returned to his hometown bringing a fresh new sound that Australia will love.

As well as preparing to launch his CD, Cal has also wasted no time in assembling some of Australia's finest to form his sensational new band – Sullivan Ballou.

Fronted by Cal Williams jr, Sullivan Ballou Violinist and Vocalist Bridget McDowall adds to this amazing trio with her classical and Celtic training. She is also a newcomer to legendary contemporary Australian band Colcannon which heads off for their European / Canadian tour in October.

The final part to the three piece is Kory Horwood on double bass, a graduate from the Conservatorium and a very well known artist in the Adelaide music scene. He has played with a variety of artists such as Ria Loof, Ritsuko's Jazz Quartet, Rick Bamford, The Tango Saloon and Adam Page.
"Kory is without a doubt, the best double bass player Adelaide has." Dan - Braille

If you want to hear true genius at work - Sullivan Ballou is not to be missed. Rock the Vote proudly supports this amazing new band so come along Sunday 19 August and see for yourself.

"This album is absolutely fantastic and delivers on every level. You actually feel as if you out in the Wild West just sort of checking stuff out. The songs feel so pure that I can't fault this album at all, every aspect of it was phenomenal… it would be a crime for this artist to go unnoticed. This album deserves nothing less." - Leeds Music Scene

"A captivating and addictive mix of acoustic folk and blues that will stimulate, invigorate and liberate you. A truly beautiful collection of songs."  - Sandman Magazine

myspace.com/sullivanballou.
http://www.calwilliams.co.uk

sullivanballouband@yahoo.com.au

WHAT:            Sullivan Ballou 'Driving as a form of  prayer' CD Launch

WHERE:          Daytime: Festival Centre 2pm                 

 Evening:  FAD Bar, Waymouth St 8pm

WHEN:            Sun August 19

Just some of the organisations proudly supporting Sullivan Ballou
Rock the Vote - Fuji Xerox - Fringe Benefits - Arts SA - Music SA – Paper Beats Rock

-ends-

Simply message us, leave a comment here on this blog or on the main page to be in the running, oh and it doesn't need to be War and Peace either.

We will feature some of our winning entries here over the coming weeks so be sure to check back for some inspiration.

SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?? GET WRITING TODAY!!!

Peace,

The Rock the Vote Team.

**ed's note** as the after party is fully licensed we can only giveaway tickets to people who are over the age of 18.

Winning Responses:

Why rock the vote?? cos we can. We are lucky enough in this country to be able to have a say. To make our vote count without fear of persecution or retribution. Without fear of violence at the polling booth. Without fear of disappearing or having a person close to us hurt for our views.

Because all over the world people are persecuted, tortured or killed for seeking to have their say.

Because its the easy way to change things around us.

And because perhaps, if each of us cared about our political system and got involved with what is happening around us, then one day we might have the candidates and policies that might actually make a difference in the world.

- Mary

Hey guys,

What makes me want to rock the vote? Simple. I believe in the power of choice and free speech, and I believe that a substantial amount of young people dont know about these rights even existing. I love the idea that Rock The Vote doesn't have a political agenda; just wants to make the youth of Australia realise that while we might not share this agenda, hundreds of people making choices which effect our everyday lives do - and it's sad and dangerous to ignore our right to vote in something that effect everyone. Not just yourself, but your mates, your family - everyone.

So, what makes ME want to Rock the Vote? That's simple. You guys make me want to Rock The Vote. Thanks for trying to educate and inform the youth of Australia.


- Marcus