By Denis Hay  

In the heart of Australian democracy, a subtle but grave threat has taken root. Hidden behind the facade of leadership and authority are the parasites of political elitism – individuals who manipulate the system for their benefit, undermining the values of fairness and equity that Australia prides itself on.

Unmasking the Parasitic Elites in Australian Politics

These political parasites mirror the characteristics of biological parasites – they drain resources and skew policies for personal and select group interests, offering little in return to the broader community. This is particularly troubling in Australia, where the spirit of ‘fair go’ is integral to the national identity. Yet, some elected officials have diverted from serving the public good, focusing instead on advancing the interests of the wealthy and influential.

Such behaviour not only goes against the ethos of Australian democracy but also erodes trust in public institutions and widens the gap between the affluent and the average Australian. These political elites work within the intricate structures of government systems, where accountability is often diminished, and transparency becomes clouded.

A Rallying Cry for Change and Transparency

The solution lies within the power of the Australian electorate. Recognizing these parasitic elements is the first step towards reform. Citizens must become vigilant of policies that disproportionately help the few, a lack of clear and transparent decision-making processes, and resistance to accountability.

The call to action is clear: demand transparency and accountability from elected officials. This means voting for representatives who genuinely reflect the public’s interests, engaging in civic activities, and ensuring our voices contribute to policy discussions. The focus should be on creating a political environment that fosters equity, fairness, and the common good, embodying the true Australian spirit of egalitarianism.

Question for Readers: Are You Ready to Stand Up for True Australian Democracy?

This call goes beyond mere participation; it is a demand for the revival of Australian democracy in its truest form. It is an invitation to join the movement to cleanse Australian politics of self-serving interests and restore a government that stands for all Australians.

Hashtags for the Movement

1. #FairGoForAll – Emphasizing the need to restore the fundamental Australian value of fairness in politics.
2. #OzPolCleanUp – A call to purify Australian politics from self-serving interests.
3. #AccountableLeaders – Demanding responsibility and transparency from Australian political leaders.
4. #AussieDemocracy – Celebrating and advocating for a democratic system that truly stands for the diverse voices of Australia.

Together, we can confront the parasitic elites in Australian politics, ensuring our democracy still is robust, fair, and truly representative of all Australians.

References:

Fitzgerald Principles survey results released, The Australia Institute. 

Power in Australia favours the elites, and that is a problem. Here’s a solution, ABC News.

Is Australia’s Ruling Political Elite on a Race to the Bottom?, Medium. 

The war on woke, The Saturday Paper.

Sweeping Changes Needed to Reduce Influence of Money in Politics, The Australia Institute.

Freedom, Elections, Voice: How People in Australia and the UK Define Democracy, Pew Research Centre.

Australia’s democracy isn’t perfect, but many of you just changed the country, The Australia Institute.

Australian views towards democracy: Comparisons through time and with the rest of the region, Australian National University.