As an avid reader of the local newsletter TWiSK, I jumped at the chance when a forum for local candidates running for the seat of Macnamara was announced.
Balaclava has been my home for almost five years and for the first time in my adult life, I know the names of all my neighbours. So to honour the spirit of community, I was keen to participate with my presence – because my immigration status currently prevents me from voting.
Australian politics is a somewhat different beast to what I grew up with in my native Denmark. A much smaller country in both population and size, collaboration across the political spectrum is required, to ensure lasting policies that create cohesion across Danish society. Minority or coalition governments in various forms are the norm rather than the exception.
In comparison, I find Australian politics much more combative and antagonistic with hard lines drawn between parties and policies. Compulsory voting was also a new concept to me when I arrived in Australia in 2015. Why would anyone who has the privilege to vote in an election need to be compelled to do so? In Denmark, voter turnout has ranged from 82% to 87% in general elections held at least every four years since 1971.
In the capable hands of former councillor and mayor of CoPP, Bernadene Voss, the three candidates for the seat of Macnamara, Josh Burns (ALP), Sonya Semmens (Greens) and Benson Saulo (Liberals) appeared relaxed and chatty – it did not look like they were vying for the same job.
With every seat in the hall filled, Voss impressed that we were gathered to explore who to vote for rather than who to vote against.
During initial questions around community safety and social cohesion, the candidates were equally likeable and impressive, using their own personal experiences to differentiate themselves.
The variety of audience questions highlighted what matters most to each individual at this election, ranging from questions about the NDIS, aged care or energy solutions.
After 90 minutes of intense questions from the audience and answers from the candidates about politics, the appearance of a birthday cake made everyone in the hall erupt into song. There was laughter and cheering from the crowd as Benson Saulo blew out the candles in his birthday cake. In his opening remarks he noted it was his birthday and thanked us all for celebrating with him that night.
When I walked out of Memo Tuesday night, I felt moved. It felt like I had spent an intimate night with 400 of my closest friends debating what matters most to us, individually, in a respectful and courteous manner – with space for emotional outbursts.
Because no matter where in the world democracy plays out – politics is deeply personal. Let’s hope whoever fills the seat of Macnamara after the election doesn’t forget that when compromises need to be reached.
Nanna Moller is a Danish journalist, living and working in Balaclava with her two sons. She has traversed the Australian immigration system for ten years and aspires to become an Australian citizen and hopefully, one day cast a vote in an Australian election.
