Australians mull election decision

With less than 24 hours to go until Australians head to the polls to decide the outcome of the federal election, many voters are locked in last-minute deliberations about the nation's future.

SBS spoke to four different groups of Australians about the issues they think are the most important to consider on polling day.

In Western Sydney, members of Australia's Maltese community were reflecting on past politicians they think were great leaders.

The names Gough Whitlam, Bob Hawke and "even Paul Keating" rate among the most admired.

But conversation falters over the topic of modern Labor.

Christine Sabinza says she's "a little bit hesitant" over who to vote for.

"I like to think I'm a Labor voter because I've always been a worker, but at the moment I've got hesitations," she says.

Joe Galea is more decisive.

"At the moment I'm leaning towards Tony Abbott, because at least he sounds fair dinkum," he says.

For retired Catholic Priest Carmelo Sciberras, the issue of asylum seekers is something he gives a lot of thought to.

"I would love to see people coming, because I'm a migrant. But I know how many difficulties there are in accommodating so many people," he says.

"So I have this conflict between my head and my heart."

Business student David Lodge describes himself as "apolitical" but says it's an issue he feels strongly about.

"One thing I find Australians generally overlook is that the first White Australians here weren't necessarily invited, they didn't speak the language and they weren't highly skilled," he says.

"It's important to keep in mind that everyone can prove their worth in the country, so sometimes, remove the bias and give people a chance." 

International Studies and Law student Lakshmi Logathassan says while both of the major parties are running Presidential-style leader-driven campaigns, she believes neither leader is "particularly inspiring".

"That's a major concern among a lot of young Australians and Uni students in today's climate," she says. 

"It's really hard to pick a leader that you're inspired by, that you're motivated by, someone who has a real direction for the nation."

"That is the main reason why he is so popular," says journalist Esmond Cho.

But there's division over Labor's record on the economy.

Community leader Chin Jin recalls the Howard administration's strong record on economic management.

"They had a lot of surplus when they hand down their office to Kevin Rudd. And Kevin Rudd spent all this money," he says.

"While [Labor] did manage the GFC reasonably well, I tend to think there'll be a lot of wastage, says Subba Rao Varigonda,

"Probably the Liberals would be able to control better."