Here at Something For Cate, we’re getting ready for the announcement of the ballots, and preparing some new features for this site.

Long term readers of this site and its predecessor may recall just how much amusement we’ve derived over the years from the frequency with which minor parties call for High Speed Rail projects. Starting from this election, you’ll see the notation (Drink!) after the first occurrence of this call in each party’s review. Clicking on it will take you through to an updated list of who’s calling for High Speed Rail, and some resources regarding it.

On the less whimsical side, you’ll now be able to click through the names of Lower House electorates at the top of each post, and that will take you through to a list of parties we’ve reviewed who are running in that electorate. It won’t be complete – we don’t have the time or resources to cover every single candidate in every single electorate – but it will hopefully make finding out what your Lower House candidates stand for a little easier.

We’ll also be tracking which parties and candidates are announcing policies to do things that are already actually the way things are. It’s a lazy tactic, and too often a scare-mongering one or a self-aggrandising one, and we don’t care for it. You’ll find that list in our menus, and we’ll be updating it as we go along.

Finally, given the circumstances of this election, and how recent changes of long-held positions in the United States of America are affecting both geo-politics and the global economy, we’re likely to take a dim view of any party or candidate who does not address this in their statements or policies. We’re not asking for a completely thought out solution to the issue – however, since minority government, or at least a strong cross-bench, is a real possibility this election, we are looking for an awareness and an acknowledgment of its importance.

Well folks, election season is upon us once again. Our chance to make this brutal year of our Lord, Two Thousand and Twenty-Five a little less brutal.

Here at Something for Cate, we’re waiting for the nominations to be completed (April 10) and the ballots drawn and publicised (April 11). Once that particular Rubicon is crossed, we’ll be presenting our analysis to you all. The noses will be to the grindstone, the midnight oil will be burnt, and we’ll do our very best for you. You know the deal.

We have also added a “How To Vote” section, with a selection of guides on how to go about enrolling to vote, updating an existing enrolment, and filling out the ballot papers.