“I don’t care about politics”

A friend said this to me recently. I know this is what a lot of people think.

How can you not care about politics when politicians make decisions about every aspect of your life?

Politicians decide what health services you can access and how much they cost you.

Politicians decide the ratios of educators to children at your local childcare, or the ratio of nurses to people in your mother’s aged care home, or the ratio of teachers to students in your kid’s class. Politicians decide what gets funded and what doesn't.

Politicians decide what kind of income or other social support you’ll receive if you can’t work for reasons outside your control like disability, illness, caring for a loved one, or a world pandemic.

Politicians decide what parenting payments and support you get when you're raising children.

Politicians decide how you can get help when someone in your family is using violence.

Politicians decide how to deal with people who are hurting our communities.

Politicians decide how much you have to save in super, and what age you can get retirement benefits, and what support is available to look after you as you age.

Politicians decide how much notice your landlord has to give you to kick you out of your home.

You care about these things. How you vote matters.

You might not care about politics, but you can change your life, and the lives of others, by caring about your local politicians.

Does your local politician stand up for the things you believe in? You can find out how your politician has voted in parliament here https://theyvoteforyou.org.au

Easy ways to learn about what politicians are making decisions on:

• Podcast - The Party Room with Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly

• Television - Q + A

• Television & podcast - Insiders