Comparing the countries of the Anglosphere, the Voice referendum says something about our Anglophile ways and wokeness.

Here’s my advice to Anthony Albanese about referendums and also an important question that should be put to Peter Dutton, who needs to be asked to tell the truth.

Don’t fall for the propaganda that May 1967 was of great national rejoicing by a unified nation that had suddenly become progressive. Before polling day, I’ll write on the 1999 referendum that has been also mis-described and give some friendly advice to Anthony Albanese.

I’ve written before about how the machines of big political parties in Australia and New Zealand design electoral systems to make life as convenient for themselves as possible. With a big test for PM Sunak and PM Yousaf ahead, maybe there’s something to learn from down under?

My article today is about whether Victoria’s politicians wish to continue with the present reputation of being the worst democracy in the country.

Dutton will win the referendum, but it will do him no good in the eyes of the history books.

Our election expert Malcolm Mackerras looks at by-elections here and in the UK to assess the current ‘popularity’ of conservatives in both countries.

On my prediction, former very successful businessman Christopher Luxon will be New Zealand’s new prime minister.

Peter Dutton will have a good night on Saturday 15 July when the Fadden result comes in. Five days later, there should be four by-elections that will test both British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.

Why do I persist with my prediction today? It’s because the Liberal Party will win Cook and the Liberal National Party of Queensland will win Fadden!

It took 45 minutes for us to flick the ABC that night. Propagandists like Grant, Reid and Foster seem to think of crowns as being like swastikas. Only a tiny minority of Australians think that way.

I will write again on the Voice referendum, but today begins with me predicting Saturday 14 October as polling day.