I agree it's not hard if you have an understanding of the low level complexity of the system, yet walk down Midland Gate and interview people; how many truly understand or are even remotely interested? I've actually done this and IME it it less than 10%.
How much discussion in the media is there on the policies of minor parties, apart from strawmanning their platform?
Who knows the complete platform of any of the minors, or indeed any of the Majors apart from the headline promises ( which are 99% lies anyway)?
But I come back to me original point, most people have NFI.
As the offspring of migrant parents, little was passed onto me regarding the workings of our democracy. Hell, in the strong union movement days and dad being a union member, all he'd say re. elections was something like, "...union members vote labor..."
When I was old enough to vote I had no idea that voting was complusory. My first voting experience was that I quickly learnt one has to vote because I was fined for not voting in the local council election. P!ssed me off, cost me a third of my weekly and piddly first year apprentice wage as I had NFI!
In the first instance, I blame our education system.
The preferential system et all and how our vote is counted AND complusory should be a mandatory part of the curriculum.
My POV is that our federal, state and to a lesser extent local elections have always been presented as a two horse race.
Labor or Libs, one or the other.
Of interest and FWIW, called into Mitre10 on the way to vote last Saturday and on finishing up, mentioned to the staffer to have a happy election. The young lad (early 20's) asked and I quote, "Is that today? Have I missed it?"
Told him nope, he had until 6pm. Luckily the store closed at 2.30pm.
FFS, even in this connected world where all and sundry are glued to their mobile devices, there must be so many that pass through the cracks.
The way I see it, this is a far bigger issue. Engaging the constituent in having an interest in the political parties and party policies, realising that one's vote is more than just having one's name crossed off the electoral roll and, that we have choices in where our vote goes.
I totally agree that bugger all is mentioned regarding minor parties and the policies thereof, well not until elected that is. With the internet, thankfully, those of us interested can make ourselves informed. I sure did!
But NFI, that is one hell of a sad and sorry state to be in...