The one (election) day in September we want to remember

The 2013 federal election has been called for September 14.

Last night, Old Taskmaster went down to the cellars under the Taskmaster Ranch, grabbed a vintage Armagnac and fixed a Brandy Old-Fashioned in order to celebrate this momentous occasion.

Is it because I support Gillard? Or Abbott? Actually, it’s the opposite. Like many hard working Australians, I really can’t stand either – or any politicians for that matter. Frankly, the only thing nearly as detestable as a meeting or a tax form is a politician.

So the best thing about the election being called for September 14 is the knowledge that, come the morning of September 15, one of the two will finally be gone. Hallelujah!

Just think about it. If Tony somehow manages to drop the ball after leading in the two party preferred polls for most of this term, you can say hello to “Opposition Leader Turnbull”. Similarly, if Gillard doesn’t win, Labor Party factional warlords like Bill Shorten aren’t going to keep her around for another three years to give her another crack at Prime Minister Abbott, now will they?

Imagine that: A world without another nasal “moving forwards” or those red budgie smugglers every night on the evening news. It’s a prospect certainly worthy of a Brandy Old-Fashioned in celebration!

Well, Old Taskmaster says this: This election is also an opportunity for one of the leaders to step forward with bold, visionary policies that recognise the vital economic role that start-ups, small businesses and work-at-home parents play in the Australian economy. Policies that make it easier for start-ups to hire their first employees through reforms to the Fair Work Act and obtain early stage financing. Some tax and regulatory relief for early stage start-ups wouldn’t go astray either.

A good starting point is these excellent policy suggestions by Cas McCullough, that would make a world of difference for many home-based businesses.

Now this is where you come in.First, have your say in this Facebook poll.

Then write to your local MP, and once the other party preselects a candidate, write to that candidate too. Instead of sending your letter through the post, visit their offices in person. Hand them your letter in person. Then send a copy to both Small Business Minister Brendan O’Connor and his opposition counterpart Bruce Billson.

Let them know about your business, the ways you’re helping to create jobs and the ways you help the local economy. Even if you’ve already made up your mind, tell them you’re a swing voter anyway. More importantly, let them know the policies you want to see to help your business.

Start-ups, soloists, home-based businesses and small businesses are the bedrock of the Australian economy. So it’s time to raise our voices and make this election one to celebrate.

Get it done – today!