For months, some of us have had recurring nightmares that a bald-headed former Defense Minister would become the Prime Minister of this sun-kissed country and lead us all into an historic chapter of darkness not seen since the White Australia policy. This man who, despite his good fortune and privilege, seem to have a truck with every positive thing to come out of a successful multicultural society. It baffles the average reasonable mind why a man whom fortune has gifted with countless blessings, a beautiful family, a life of esteem and security chooses to lead the racists and the hateful and pander to their confounding bile and what nows. Early last Saturday evening not long after the polling closed, and at only 20% of the vote counted, the iconic election data meister Antony Green declared that the Labor Party would emerge victorious and would do so with a majority government. The swings, it appeared, were going too aggressively against the Liberal Party. Concession came early as the truth of this electoral bloodbath dawned on an opposition leader who has made headlines around the world for such things as boycotting the government’s Apology to the Stolen Generations. Some of us in the room breathed a sigh or relief. We feared a generation would be raised emboldened by discourses of hate and pandering to violent minorities who should remain in the fringes and be given mental health help, or at the very least, a crash course in compassion and empathy. As Australians, we were raised on a diet of sun and surf, yes, but also on a constant exhibition of naked courage and high hopes and aspirations, to care for one another, to lend a helping hand, to treat others as we would like to be treated. That’s the Australia we grew up believing in, and honouring.
So, to fellow like-minded citizens of this beautiful country, who live by the credo that opportunity belongs to each and every single one of us, that regardless of our parentage, each and every one of us are entitled to a world-class education, a universal health care system that was once the envy of the world and a strong social security infrastructure… we are in this together. The result of the 2025 Federal Election is a resounding affirmation of these shared values, at a time when the far-right is gaining ground around the world through disinformation, misinformation, and what appears to be, for too many, an ever-shrinking capacity to think critically or to perform basic fact checks. The election result returned the incumbent government to office and let’s just say, in what will be remembered as an iconic bit of poetic justice or karma, call it what you like, the Opposition Leader lost his seat to a courageous, tenacious woman who has now run for the seat three times. I cannot recall a time when an Opposition leader lost their seat in a federal election.
And what’s more, in true Australian style, the Greens party which ran on ending the Occupation in Palestine, 100% university debt forgiveness, dental in Medicare, and so many more wonderful life-affirming structural changes has gained record votes and strengthened its position as the balance of power.
So today, also in true Australian style, let’s toast with French champagne, Chinese dumplings and tiramisu, or whatever melange of celebratory fare you’re into, let’s toast. Onwards with hope, together in solidarity in our struggle for a better, safer, more secure life for all.