In today’s world of polarised headlines and online shouting matches, it can feel like politics is ripping societies apart. But last weekend, something simple reminded me why Australia still gets a lot right. I was out and about with my pushbike (cycling), enjoying some fresh air and a bit of freedom. After locking up near a local shop, I crossed the street, and was approached by a friendly bloke handing out flyers for the Australian Greens. He smiled, “Hey mate, vote Greens, here’s a flyer if you’re interested.”
Now, I’m not a Greens voter. I’ve voted Liberal in the past, and depending on the state of affairs, I sometimes lean towards Labour. I’m a true swinging voter, sometimes I vote to keep the status quo, other times I vote for change. But I’ve never been aligned with the ethos or policies of the Australian Greens.
Still, I smiled and said, “No thanks mate.”
He grinned back: “No worries, have a good one.”
That was it. No eye-rolls. No snarky remarks. No assumptions.
A little while later, I returned to my bike, and guess who was there, unlocking his own? Yep, same guy. We got talking. Not about voting, not about politics, but about bikes. Trail recommendations, gear setups, even where to get the best coffee before a weekend ride (although he was a vegan almond milk latte in a reusable cup kinda guy).
It struck me then: this is what makes Australian politics unique. Not the vegan bit. But the fact that no matter who we support, we can as a people put political views aside and be mates.
In the United States, this same encounter might have spiralled into a screaming match, or worse. In some countries, having the “wrong” political view can cost you your job, your friendships, even your freedom.
But here in Australia, you can vote Liberal, your mate can vote Labour, your sister can support the Greens, and it doesn’t tear the family barbecue apart. It’s not perfect, we’ve seen division in our country too, but fundamentally, there’s still an unspoken Aussie rule: we can disagree and still be mates.
We’re lucky. Seriously.
Our democracy allows us to walk past a campaigner, say “no thanks,” and still swap trail tips five minutes later.
It’s this kind of everyday civility that keeps our country from falling into the trap of hyper-partisan madness. And as the next Australian election looms, whether federal or state, it’s worth remembering:
Voting in the Australian election is a privilege
Being able to disagree, and still get along, is a gift. And being Australian, truly Australian, means respecting that people can think differently and still ride the same trails.
So next time someone offers you a political flyer you’re not into, smile. You might have more in common than you think.
