Disrespect undercuts democracy
Freedom means expressing ourselves — but do it right, says Jonathon Duniam
THE freedom for Australians to exchange views and ideas is one of the greatest things about our democracy. After all, that is what democracy is all about: freedom.
From the chambers of parliaments to neighbourhood barbecues, the right to freely express yourself is central to what is good about our country. It’s something that our forefathers fought for in the great wars, and it’s something my parents-in-law were desperate for when they left formerly communist Albania and arrived in Australia.
It’s perhaps also something that we take for granted, especially when some members of our community hide behind a keyboard on platforms such as Twitter and Facebook. It’s at times like these that there needs to be a degree of responsibility taken.
The recent resignation of Rachel Power from the Derwent Valley Council is a case in point. I have seen first-hand the good work that Rachel has done in her community for many years, not just since her election to the council.
But for her to be subject to a campaign of personal and hateful attacks is simply not acceptable.
No one should be subjected to personal attacks or harassment, and for this to affect Ms Power to the point where she says she no longer has the energy and has “lost the passion” to represent her community is both devastating and a massive loss. Those elected by the majority should not be bullied out by the few.
As an elected member of the Federal Government, I know full well there will always be people who disagree with me and my side of politics, and that’s perfectly fine. No one likes being told they’re wrong and of course it is difficult to hear that someone else doesn’t agree with your view of the world. The reality is, of course, we all do sometimes get it wrong and others are absolutely entitled to their own opinion.
It’s how we deal with these things that is important. Similarly, it is how we conduct ourselves in expressing dissent that counts. This is the responsibility I am talking about — learning how to disagree better, more respectfully.
Unfortunately, Ms Power’s experience is too regularly becoming a feature in debate, which is detrimental to a free and healthy democracy.
And I’m not just talking about those who agree with my side of politics. It’s everyone, across the full spectrum, inside and outside politics, those in public and private life, from Jacqui Lambie to AFLW player Tayla Harris who are subject to these unfounded and unacceptable personal attacks. While social media has made this easier, that doesn’t make it OK.
Australians constantly say they’re sick of politicians arguing and bickering in parliament. I’d hazard a guess that those very same Australians are a bit over the conduct I’ve just outlined.
So, I think it’s time those engaged in public or semipublic debate started conducting themselves in a more respectful way. Stick to the issues and drop the personal attacks. Who knows, we might actually start achieving more.
No one should be subjected to personal attacks or harassment
Tasmanian Liberal senator Jonathon Duniam is assistant minister for forestry and fisheries and regional tourism, and deputy manager of government business in the Senate.