Rebekha Sharkie (Mayo, Centre Alliance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The late Australian academic and historian John Hirst liked to reflect on the distinctiveness of Australian democracy. He was one of the first public intellectuals, somebody who liked to infuriate, inform, provoke and delight audiences. Hirst believed that Australian democracy was distinctive because a contradiction lay at its heart: on the one hand, Australian electors liked to believe they were anti-authoritarian—most obviously, they celebrated outlaws and individualists—while on the other hand, their society, including their political life, was a model of order.

I'm often approached by constituents asking about our democracy, its history and ideals. These conversations are important—vital, in fact. They illustrate that our democracy is not static. It's something that we must all continue to reflect on, nurture and actively participate in. I thank constituents who have recently approached me to discuss local political concerns, and I seek leave to table documents related to those discussions.

Leave granted.