SBS Punjabi - ਐਸ ਬੀ ਐਸ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ

A range of smaller political parties will be vying for votes this federal election from a growing number of Australians looking for alternatives to the Liberal, Labor, National and Greens parties. While many only have smaller, if any, chances of picking up a seat or two, the way they prefer the major parties could end up being decisive in several marginal seats.

The Australian Labor Party is Australia's oldest party in one of the world's oldest continuous democracies. One of the first labour parties created in the world, Labor grew out of the trade union movement before Federation. Labor is currently being led by Bill Shorten, who is also the party's candidate for the office of prime minister in the upcoming federal elections.

There's no other figure that looms larger over the Liberal Party of Australia than Sir Robert Menzies. In fact, few Australians have gained such fame, or held such influence, over the nation than the former Liberal prime minister. He created the party, was Australia's longest-serving prime minister and is bound to be quoted or referred to by Liberal candidates during the federal election campaign. The party's current leader is Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has for the first time advised parents that children under the age of two should not spend any time passively watching electronic screens. It's also recommended children aged two to four spend no more than an hour a day watching programmes or playing computer games. WHO has issued new guidelines on physical activity levels and screen time for children. They recommend for those under two - no passive screen time at all - and for children aged two to four - no more than an hour a day. The report focuses on sedentary screen time when kids are simply placed in front of a TV, computer or tablet for entertainment. Children are instead encouraged to spend more time exercising and sleeping to develop better habits. It comes amid growing research into the developmental effects of the widespread use of computers and mobile devices by children.

Election 2019 is just weeks away. But, many people say they are too disillusioned to care. When Australians head to the polls on May 18, more people will cast a vote than ever before. But while enrollment numbers are at a record high - the trust voters have in politicians has hit a 50 year low. A series of studies have charted just how far politicians have fallen out of favour with the public. The University of Canberra found only 41 per cent of Australians are satisfied with the state of democracy here, while a Grattan Institute report says just a quarter of voters believe politicians will do the right thing. Trust in government, it found, is at its lowest point in half a century. The 2016 election saw the highest ever numbers of informal votes -- more than 700, 000 recorded.

Contesting as an independent candidate in the upcoming elections, Ravinder Pal Singh ekes out a living for himself and his elderly mother by selling vegetarian burgers.  

Contesting as an independent candidate in the upcoming elections, Ravinder Pal Singh ekes out a living for himself and his elderly mother by selling vegetarian burgers.  

Rajan Vaid, who came to Australia in 2007, feels Australia should stop taking in more migrants till the time the pressure on resources and jobs eases away.

Rajan Vaid, who came to Australia in 2007, feels Australia should stop taking in more migrants till the time the pressure on resources and jobs eases away.

Jatinder Singh Bobby is a United Australia Party from the Victorian electorate of Holt.