Australia Can Still Choose a Better, Anger-Free Path

Many Australians are worried that anger in politics is getting worse. Readers and community members are speaking out about harsh words and mean attacks happening in parliament and on social media. They say political leaders need to be more careful about the way they talk to and about each other. If things do not change, some fear that everyday Australians could face real danger.

Reader Max Redmayne from Drummoyne said that political anger does not just appear out of nowhere. Many Australians feel ignored by politicians and do not trust big institutions like banks and governments. When people feel that way, leaders who use simple slogans and blame certain groups can easily gain followers. Redmayne warned that name-calling and stirring up division may win votes, but it damages the culture that democracy needs.

Brenton McGeachie from Canberra added that extreme inequality — where some people have enormous wealth while others struggle — fuels a lot of this frustration. He argued that every worker, no matter how basic their job, deserves respect. That respect, he said, must include making sure everyone earns enough to live a decent life. Without closing the gap between rich and poor, people's frustration will keep growing.

Several readers were upset about cartoons posted by the political party One Nation. The cartoons mocked other politicians and showed violence toward Senator Lidia Thorpe. Reader Genevieve Milton from Dulwich Hill said the cartoons were cruel and not funny. She argued that One Nation does not truly stand for fairness, which she called a classic Australian value.

Graham Fazio from Cootamundra reminded readers of a hopeful moment from the 2008 United States election. Republican candidate John McCain was at a rally when a supporter said she could not trust his opponent, Barack Obama. Instead of agreeing with her, McCain gently corrected her and called Obama 'a decent family man.' Fazio suggested Australian politicians could follow that example to cool down their heated debates.

Many readers praised the respectful behaviour shown in parliament during a tribute to politician Helen Haines, who had recently been attacked. Sue Ellyard from Epping called it a rare moment when leaders acted like adults. Julian Mallett from Canberra noted that only one politician publicly signed a pledge to act with honesty, respect, and compassion. He wondered why all politicians would not make such a simple promise.

Readers also raised concerns about housing and history. Some warned that too many homes are being turned into short-term holiday rentals, leaving fewer places for families to live. Others argued that selling historic sites like Victoria Barracks in Sydney to private developers would destroy their community value. Once public land is sold, much of its history and meaning is lost forever.

On climate change, reader Karen Lamb from Geelong said cutting programs for home batteries and electric vehicles would make both climate change and the cost of living worse. She explained that extreme weather already pushes up prices for food, insurance, and infrastructure — a trend called 'climateflation.' She argued that you cannot fight rising costs while ignoring one of the biggest things causing them.

Finally, many readers welcomed the news that former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had been appointed as a professor at the University of Sydney. Reader Sue Dyer from Canberra suggested Ardern could also run workshops for Australian politicians on empathic leadership — meaning leading with understanding and care for others. Several people agreed that her calm, caring style of leadership is exactly what Australia needs right now.