home > election2010 > Election 2010

Federal election 2010

Let's make our voices heard

One of ALIA's guiding principles is to promote the free flow of information and ideas in the interest of all Australians and a thriving culture, economy and democracy.

There is the opportunity for a new federal government, of whatever political persuasion, to be the first in Australian history to take advantage of the unique position of libraries of every kind to make major social, educational and economic advances.

The library and information profession has a great story to tell - the challenge is to make our voices heard.

Lobbying (v): to try to influence the actions of public officials, especially legislators

Read the responses from the three major political parties to ALIA's ten questions

ALIA Federal Election Campaign Kit

ALIA's Campaign Kit for the 2010 Federal Election provides an action plan, resources and information so that you can be an effective advocate and make your voice heard.

Write a letter to your MP and to candidates highlighting the key issues. Use an ALIA template letter as a starting point and choose from our priority issues

Election coverage relating to libraries and ALIA issues

The Greens propose a more comprehensive approach to protecting young people online,
16 August 2010

Coalition Policy: Protecting Australian Families Online

ICT Policy Forum, National Press Club, 10 August 2010
Senator Stephen Conroy (ALP), Tony Smith MP (Coalition), Senator Scott Ludlam (The Greens)

Liberal Party policy on broadband: 'Real action on broadband', 10 August 2010

Updated Net Budget Impact of Election Policies, 31 July 2010
[ALP announcement about retaining efficiency dividend - see ALIA's submission about the impact on the National Library of Australia]

New library opened at Diamond Creek East Primary School, 30 July 2010

A new City of Canning multipurpose community centre, 30 July 2010

Labor delivers improvements to St John Vianney Primary School, 29 July 2010

Arndell College celebrates opening of new library, 29 July 2010

Federal Labor to redevelop Reservoir Library, 29 July 2010

Funding for the Nunawading Library development, 26 July 2010

Labor promises improved digital access in public libraries for people with print disabilities
ALIA media release, 26 July 2010

Including people with a disability in community life
ALP election announcement, 24 July 2010

Action plan

Find out more about your local candidates.
Don't know which electorate you are in? Find out on the AEC website

Australian Democrats	http://www.democrats.org.au Election 2010
Australian Greens	http://greens.org.au Federal election candidates
Australian Labor Party	http://www.alp.org.au Federal election candidates
Family First	http://www.familyfirst.org.au/
Liberal Party	http://www.liberal.org.au Federal election candidates
One Nation	http://www.onenation.com.au
The Nationals	http://nationalparty.org Federal election candidates

Write a letter to your MP and to candidates highlighting the key issues - use the ALIA template letter as a starting point and choose from our priority issues
Make an appointment to meet your MP/candidates
Attend election events and be ready with your key messages and questions
Vote for the candidate that best represents your interests

Questions for candidates and political parties

As part of ALIA's federal election advocacy, we put the following questions to the three major political parties. Read their responses here.

ALIA members can use the same questions with politicians they meet during the election campaign.

Will your party endorse, support and contribute to the funding of the National Year of Reading 2012? What is your party's reaction to the fact that 46% of Australians aged 15-74 do not have the prose literacy skills that are needed for everyday life and work?
Does your party believe in the benefits of a national early childhood literacy initiative for Australian under-fives?
Does your party support mandatory ISP filtering?
Does your party recognise the value of a national digitisation strategy?
What role does your party envisage that libraries will play in the roll out of the NBN?
Will your party provide funding for the purchase of quality digital content for all Australians through the Electronic Resources Australia project?
Does your party recognise the potential of libraries to deliver social, educational and economic benefits at a national level?
Is your party in agreement with the principle that there should be a teacher librarian in every school? Will your party support the continuance and conclusion of the House of Representatives Inquiry into School Libraries and Teacher Librarians in Australian Schools?
Will your party recognise the role of public libraries in providing access to e-government services and publications and how will it support this role?
What is your party's position about ensuring free and long-term public access to government information, particularly government publications and e-government services?