"The Forgotten Voice: When Australians Feel Let Down by Politics"

: "The Forgotten Voice: When Australians Feel Let Down by Politics"

Over the past few weeks, as the Federal election campaigns have ramped up, I’ve had conversations with people from all walks of life—quiet, hardworking Australians who have always believed in doing the right thing. People who once wore their sense of duty like a badge of honour. People who’ve served, contributed, raised families, paid their taxes, built communities. But now? They’re telling me they don’t want to vote.

Not because they’re lazy or disengaged—but because they’re disillusioned. They’re tired. They feel like voting has become a hollow ritual in a system that no longer listens to them. These are not people who take democracy lightly. These are loyal Australians who have always shown up. But increasingly, they feel ignored—like politics has become a game played by a few, for the benefit of even fewer.

What I’m hearing, again and again, is a deep sense of no hope and no faith in our current crop of leaders. People believe politicians are more interested in their own agendas than in serving the people they represent. They see the same slogans, the same rehearsed debates, the same controlled media questions, and the same broken promises. And it makes them feel like their voice doesn’t matter anymore.

But it does matter.

And this is where I feel torn. Because I understand their frustration—I share it. But I also believe that not voting plays into the very hands of those who count on our silence.

I can’t help thinking what would the Diggers of Kokoda and elsewhere be thinking about the sacrifices they and their mates made for this beautiful country?.

So, the question becomes: How do we reclaim trust in a system that feels broken? How do we give every day Australians a reason to believe again?