Article by Denise Shrivell

(first published on womensagenda.com.au)

As we step into the Australian election year of 2025—and with the global political environment becoming increasingly volatile—it’s timely to make the case for why now is the time to engage with our politics, and how you can get started.

As the saying goes:

“Democracy is not a spectator sport, it’s a participatory event. If we don’t participate in it, it ceases to be a democracy.”

Leaning more into politics and making an informed vote is the greatest new year’s resolution you can make for yourself, your family and your community. There’s no time to waste. Let’s dive in.

Why you should lean into politics

Australia has compulsory voting

Australia is one of about 20 countries worldwide (out of approximately 195 countries) that mandates registering and turning up to vote. This applies to Council, State, and Federal elections.

Since we’re required to vote — and do so frequently — why not make it really count by making an informed vote?

Voting is the easiest way we can all have the greatest impact on the issues of our times. 

Politics shapes every aspect of our lives

Everything we do in every minute of our day has a political decision underpinning it  — from the device you’re using to read this article, to the roads you drive on, the food you buy, the education your children receive, and the healthcare you and your family relies on. Even the air we breathe and the wars we participate in stem from political decisions from the people we elect.

Supporting and electing leaders who make decisions that reflect our interests and needs will safeguard our future, particularly in a world which is becoming increasingly volatile.

Voting is the most impactful path to substantive change

When we vote we give our elected representatives significant powers to make substantive legislative change.

As an example there’s no reason in an affluent country why over 1 million of our fellow Australian citizens are living in poverty. Many are increasingly homeless with the largest rise in homelessness being with women aged 65 years +. 

Inaction on this is a deliberate political decision and is a sign of political failure at all levels of Government.

We elect the politicians who choose not to act on such issues. We can equally elect politicians who will solve these complex problems.

Draw the line between the issues you care about and who you vote for. 

The rise of populist authoritarianism

2024 was a defining year for global elections, with many countries embracing populist leaders who offer easy headlines but few real solutions.

The re-election of Donald Trump (supported by Elon Musk) in the U.S. is perhaps the most alarming example, but similar trends emerged in Argentina, Hungary, and other nations. Historians warn that the patterns we’re witnessing today resemble the rise of authoritarianism in Europe in the 1920s and 1930s.

Australia is not immune. 

How we vote this year matters not just for us but for resisting this populist authoritarian global shift.

The stakes are high for future generations

From climate change to housing, technology, and global conflict, the challenges facing our children and grandchildren are the direct result of political decisions made over decades where donors, factions and party interests have been prioritised over community needs and interests.

Who we vote for today will shape their tomorrow.

Get involved: where to start

Identify the issues you care about

What matters most to you? Education, healthcare, climate, the economy? Find your passion, seek credible expert views and let your knowledge guide your political engagement.

For me, it was the National Broadband Network (NBN) where a decade ago, disinformation around the NBN sparked my political engagement. I realised I’d been deliberately misled by politicians and the mainstream media. 

This realisation led me to dig deeper into other issues. I will never vote against my, my family’s and my community’s best interests again.

What issues do you care about?

Define your values

In times of political upheaval, your values anchor you. Write them down and let them shape your actions and decisions.

For me, it’s evidence-based, community-focused policies grounded in compassion, empathy, equity, and inclusivity. Kindness, decency, and integrity are non-negotiable.

What are your guiding principles?

Combat mis and disinformation and seek independent media

The World Economic Forum recognises mis and disinformation as one of the greatest threats to democracy. 

In Australia, with no truth in political advertising laws, where media ownership is highly concentrated under proprietors who are well known for using their media platforms to push their own agendas – Elon Musk increasingly interfering with elections and Facebook’s recent announcements – this is especially concerning.

Question everything. Verify sources. Prioritise expert, independent commentary and journalism which is doing crucial work in public interest journalism.

Sign up to TrueNorth’s weekday 5pm update here – which shares the top news and commentary of the day from Australia’s independent news media publishers (shown below). 

Go local. Get active.

To address the big global issues we face, the solution is to go local.

There are numerous local grass roots community focused groups popping up Australia wide which encourage people to get more politically active. Some groups even find and support independent candidates to run in elections – as shown in the image below and the list here.

I’ve been an active member of the community independents movement for several years now. There’s a real joy in coming together with local people from your community all working constructively for positive and substantive change.

Make your vote count. We can make a difference.

Despite compulsory voting, many Australians remain unclear on how our electoral system works. Voter literacy is low, and this benefits those in power – particularly the major parties.

Understanding how to cast your vote to best reflect your interests in both the House of Representatives and The Senate empowers your vote.

Don’t just hope for change. Vote for change.

The bottom line

Every issue we face stems from political decisions. And we choose the people who make them. The power is in our hands to elect leaders ready to shape a better, fairer future.

No one is coming to save us — it’s up to us. Together, we can build the future we want to see – especially in this 2025 election year.