Just in response to the ‘mass spam and takeover polls issue:’ Senator Online is a registered Australian political party with the AEC. As such all registered users must be on the Australian electoral role, and have their details cross referenced. All details remain strictly confidential and in compliance with Australian privacy and voting laws and regulatory requirements. Senator Online is not just a ‘polling platform,’ but an Australian political party, and as a result strict measures and procedures are in place to ensure that every vote is legitimate, confidential and valid. I think an issue of more concern for Australians should be the fact that we have, very publicly, witnessed our federal system being dictated by the interests of powerbrokers, and the distancing of the public’s voice within OUR democratic system, and OUR government.

I understand the opinion that it can be dangerous to allow the majority to decide on policy, as the majority will not necessairy make the best decisions. However, majority view is what makes the foundations of a democratic system, and although democracy itself is not perfect, does a perfect political system exist? How can consulting with the people's voice in the formation on policy be a bad thing for Australians? It ultimately forms a part of the 'checks and balances' process, and hence ultimately allows us to questions and assess if our government is acting on behalf of the people, or on behalf of the interests of lobbyists. Would you rather a dicatorship? As a mush more intellgent fellow human once said, I disapprove with what you say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it. Hear hear.

Just in response to the ‘mass spam and takeover polls issue.' Senator Online is a registered Australian political party with the AEC. As such all registered users must be on the Australian electoral role, and have their details cross referenced. All details remain strictly confidential and in compliance with Australian privacy and voting laws and regulatory requirements. Senator Online is not just a ‘polling platform,’ but an Australian political party, and as a result strict measures and procedures are in place to ensure that every vote is legitimate, confidential and valid. I think an issue of more concern for Australians should be the fact that we have, very publicly, witnessed our federal system being dictated by the interests of powerbrokers, and the distancing of the public’s voice within OUR democratic system, and OUR government.