It is entirely reasonable that every voter should be given good, clear, accurate information so they can make an informed choice about their vote. It's what voters have said they want. They are tired of the media's opinion fronting as news. They are tired of the gossip, the rumours, the innuendo, and the nastiness that has found its way into politics. They want politicians to say what they mean and do what they say.
Not unreasonable.
It seems a debate is currently out of the question, so where to turn?
The good news is that there are some places where you can find independent and accurate information about political debates or messages.
The Conversation website is running a fact check service up until the next election. Each statement that is submitted is checked thoroughly and peer reviewed for accuracy, as well as the site providing a clear explanatory note and conclusion.
On its initial assessments politicians aren't looking too good. Some politicians are guilty of over-reach (Brendan O'Connor), some are guilty of not checking their facts (Bob Katter) and some are guilty of outright deceit (Tony Abbott). Check it out here.
For a more simple assessment, you can go to PolitiFact Australia, where they give politicians statements a rating somewhere between true and false. It doesn't have the same detail as The Conversation's fact check, but it is a reasonably good quick reference.
There are also a number of good independent online news services such as New Matilda, Crikey, and Independent Australia. If you are looking for considered opinion on public policy issues Dissent magazine (whose articles periodically appear in the blog) is also a good place to look. Their online magazine appears quarterly.
Twitter is also a remarkably good place to get links to news, information and comment which doesn't seem to get much of a run in the mainstream media. A good current link relates to the expense claims Tony Abbott made for promoting his book Battlelines and later had to repay... check out the tag:
#battlerorts
If you despair at the quality of the current reporting in the Mainstream Media, check out the alternatives. And if you really want to know the facts... check out the fact checking websites. There's plenty of time between now and polling day.