Australia’s Election Debate: A Distant Concern Amidst Global Turmoil
As the world teeters on the brink of historic upheaval, Australians are faced with a pressing question: what does the future hold for their nation? The ongoing election campaign, spearheaded by the country’s major parties, has been criticised for its narrow focus on minor tax tweaks and inconsequential policy adjustments, seemingly out of touch with the seismic shifts unfolding globally.
According to an article in The Guardian, "In the current torrent of international news, it can seem as though Australians are living on a different planet." The publication notes that while Europeans are being advised to prepare 72-hour survival packs in anticipation of potential conflict, and the US contemplates deporting its citizens to El Salvador, Australians are instead engaged in a lacklustre debate over modest tax cuts and marginal adjustments to fuel prices.
The article, published on The Guardian’s website, highlights the stark contrast between the urgency of global events and the relatively trivial concerns dominating the election discourse. As the post-World War II global order crumbles, Australians are being presented with policies that barely scratch the surface of the country’s housing crisis, and may even exacerbate it.
The Guardian reports that the leaders of both major parties have resorted to using the global turmoil as a "vibe-prop," leveraging it to define themselves and criticise their opponents, rather than addressing the pressing issues at hand. While cost of living is a pressing concern for voters, the parties’ policy offerings are limited to marginal adjustments that will barely make a dent in the country’s economic challenges.
The article also notes that Peter Dutton, the opposition leader, has performed a "screeching course correction" on his stance towards US President Donald Trump, having initially described him as a "big thinker" with "gravitas." However, with Trump’s popularity in freefall, Dutton has attempted to distance himself from the US leader, while still claiming he can negotiate a trade deal.
The Guardian quotes Dutton as saying he doesn’t know Trump, yet still believes he can secure a trade deal. This sudden change in stance has raised questions about Dutton’s consistency and reliability on foreign policy.
The article also touches on the issue of Australia’s commitment to the Aukus agreement, which ties the country’s security to the US. With Trump’s threats to "take" various countries and territories, defence experts, former foreign ministers, and Labor branches are urging a rethink. However, both party leaders have stated they will stick with the agreement, despite concerns about the US’s reliability as an ally.
In a recent interview with The Guardian’s Full Story podcast, the Prime Minister hinted that Australia may need to reassess its position in light of the US’s retreat from its global role. However, no concrete policy announcements have been made.
As the election campaign continues, it remains to be seen whether the major parties will shift their focus towards addressing the pressing global issues that are set to shape Australia’s future. For now, the debate remains fixated on minor policy tweaks, seemingly disconnected from the seismic shifts unfolding on the world stage.
The Guardian’s article concludes by highlighting the glaring omission in the election debate: a comprehensive discussion of the biggest questions facing Australia. With global turmoil escalating by the day, Australians deserve a more substantial conversation about their country’s place in the world and its preparedness for the challenges ahead.
This article is based on reporting by The Guardian. The original article can be found at: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/commentisfree/2025/apr/19/as-the-world-plunges-into-historic-turmoil-australias-election-debate-fusses-over-minor-tax-tweaks.
