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G'day eAustralia

I would like to put myself forward as your Prime Minster, this term in office for eAustralia.

About Me:

Well, my story began when I joined eRepublik in March 2009 - I was pretty active from the get-go, becoming a regular visitor to IRC and publishing articles and trying to maintain debate through a time of bickering and flaming in the press.

I became involved in the eAus Government in April - joining Cabinet as the (then) Minister of Social Services with br0adside, and moving on to the Finance and Defence portfolio's. I also over this time spent two terms in the Senate, writing a number of Bills and Acts that are still relevant and used today.

I'm a pretty much "jump in feet first" kinda guy - and I will commit myself in any role people will ask me to fill. I believe I have the level headedness, skill and determination to lead eAustralia through one of it's most challenging terms yet.


So then, what do I stand for?

Here's some of my views and ideas for the next term.

Foreign Affairs

Basically this term I think you will all agree our Foreign Affairs and relations are paramount. I have developed a good working relation with our eIndonesian counterparts, and I have also participated with the Minister of Foreign Affairs in discussions that have involved China and other members of local region, as well as from places further away including the eUS and the eUK.

I believe next month, we will need to consider two things. Firstly, whether the time is actually right to seek the return of Western Australia, and secondly whether (and how) we grow our nation through alliances. This includes both regional alliances, and the bigger question – PEACE.

In the shorter term, I would like to continue to work on a local regional alliance, including China, Japan and other asian-pacific regions, and I believe it is time (even past time) that we start taking steps out into the eWorld.

But, we now need to consider where we sit in terms of a broader alliance with PEACE, or elsewhere. We have been lucky to date - we have been insulated from world events due to our neutrality - but pressure is mounting on us, especially with WA on the horizon. At the moment, my personal view is that were we to formally join any alliance, such as PEACE, it would require a referendum involving everyone to decide. Any alliance would also HAVE to be a relationship which sees us standing on our own feet, not as a nation feeling forced into it with WA being the carrot.

BUT - those who saw the fall of ATLANTIS know how quickly things change. In any event, I don't support any move until we are on firm ground. Let me be clear - I am NOT on any side other than eAustralia's. That is my ONLY concern. We have 400 or so active players – and we run the risk of losing many if they think we have made a unilateral decision, not taking into account everyone should have a say in a huge decision like this.

I think it has to be said, as there really has been an underground discussion on the matter - but August may not be the month for the return of Western Australia. Yes, there are many reasons for this, however, allow me to be more practical from our end - we cannot yet afford it. We have to build our population, and resources to purchase the 300+ companies we will need before meeting our end of the Agreement. It would also be crippling to our economy until we get more active people on board! So rather than break our end of AIRRA, we may need to renegotiate it.

I WANT WA BACK. Let me be clear on that. This is not about giving up the idea of ever seeing it - but I think we have to be pragmatic about the timing for it.


Military

Well, coming off from two terms as the Minister of Defence, surprise surprise, I support our Military and wish to see us continue to consolidate, and perhaps expand. I have also worked hard with the MoFA to bring War Games back, which started earlier today.

I would however, like to suggest a restructuring to some of the management of this portfolio. I believe there should be a Minister and Deputy Minister, however I propose the establishment of a Commander-Marshal of the Dropbears, ACUK and ACAR. This person, would still work under the direction of the MoD and dMoDs, however they would take charge of operational deployment during a conflict (messaging, coordinating times of attack, ensuring batte readiness etc).

I would like the person in this position to be experienced with logistics, coordination AND be extremely experienced in the War Module and stratagem. While I am not saying I did not do a good job with Operation Australian Bite Back, I am sure there are people even more qualified to ensure if we are ever in a similar situation again, we make the best use of our military might to maximise our damage potential in fights as needed.


Economy/Finance

I believe the Government has a role AND a duty to intervene in our economy. I support a balance of this with a free market – however, I believe the way to help our economy is to put us on the global map. We should focus on the areas of are economy that we can excel at – like Grain and Diamonds. I find at amazing that given our high RM regions, we have only a few at the top of the value list for Diamonds, and virtually none for Grain.

We should also carefully consider whether it is the most effective use of our economy to produce Iron and other resources locally, as in terms of the global market we cannot compete.

However, to address this, I think a key element that is sorely lacking is EDUCATION.

I would therefore like to consider the implementation of a GM mentorship scheme. This would potentially offer a financial incentive to GMs that were prepared to take on newer players in the Company module and work with them in "training companies". They would teach them some of the key skills required, the “do’es and dont’s” as well as what companies and resources are most needed and will offer the best chance of success. It is actually in the interests of experienced GMs to do this, as it will ensure sustainable growth while not further splitting the limited workforce and helping us to become more competitive on the Global Market - bringing money back INTO eAustralia.

In terms of Finance, the last two months has seen a steady increase in the value of our dollar, and linked to this, a steady rise in overall national inflation. While I do not believe the Budget is unjustified, I believe we need to make sure we are as efficient as possible with what we spend things on, and ensure better reporting on the bang we are getting for our buck.

I think there is lots of problems with transparency – and while I don’t think we need to necessarily count all the pennies, any area of expenditure needs to at the least say what was spent on helping how many people. This should be added to our reports back to you, and will help show whether it is a reasonable investment.


Reform

It’s a buzzword right now, isn’t it? However, I think reform is needed – and is about taking a step back and considering what is best for the people and Australia, not for senators or for cabinet. While this is up to discussion among those senators elected, I believe two things should be addressed.

Senator Activity, and senate process.

Firstly, I would like to propose the following to senate:

At the beginning of a senators term, they are asked to donate an amount of their gold (perhaps 2 gold) to the National Bank of Australia. In return, they get access to the Sensitive Area of Senate on the Forums.

1. If they release secret information inappropriately, then they forfeit the gold (this should be a nice incentive to be careful about what you share).

2. Some measure of activity is placed on them. Perhaps this is signing in once every two days (max, unless they have posted saying they will be away), perhaps this is voting on at least 80% of bills, - happy to talk this through to find the best approach. BUT, no going and getting the medal and gold, running off in the first week and saying you did lots.

3. If the above conditions are met, at the COMPLETION of their term, they have the option to claim the 2 gold back, possibly also with the option of senate ageeing to a bonus 1 gold. They can of course choose to leave it as a donation to the coffers if they so choose.

To address senate process, I would like to invite those currently involved in the debate to form a think tank to come up with REAL ideas. This however should not be a committee – I think the people want ACTION done, not just another bureaucratic group. I would invite zaney to lead this process with other interested people – perhaps no more than 5 maximum.


This is pretty much the key elements of my run – I hope this details some of the concrete things I wish to achieve.

I am happy to discuss, answer questions and I am always open to suggestions or ideas. I basically live in the eAustralian IRC and on the Forums, so as many of you know I am always around and active. I always respond to a message or question on IRC, and believe this more than anything shows you my dedication.

I am working on a unified Cabinet, that reflects ALL parties this term and shall announce that in a couple of days.

Thanks for taking the time to read.