WITH RESPECT, WE NEED TO CONSULT
THE escalation of frustration between our state governing authorities over the past few weeks has highlighted a constitutional dilemma.
We reside within a heavily governed nation with three layers of government – all mandated to work for the betterment and wellbeing of the people and the areas in which we live.
Covid has drawn attention to the need for a more unified approach when there is a crisis, recognising that states are governed by state authorities, yet we abide by a federal system, with our local governments really identifying the boundaries by which we live and operate on a daily basis. In all of this, a heightened level of confusion for individuals residing on our border has led to a debate about freedom and our rights.
At the same time, we watch the sadness and plight of Afghans desperately seeking freedom from a country that has been in turmoil for the past two decades. It puts the term “freedom” into perspective when viewed through the lens of two vastly differing situations of human rights.
We can all empathise with the border frustrations as we scratch our head and wonder why consultations are not more friendly and with a commonsense approach.
Those countries that are governed with clarity and unified messaging are progressive and without hidden agendas based on ego and economic benefit.
Somehow this seems to be lacking as we watch daily Covid updates in our states.
It is embarrassing to listen to the language of our most senior politicians. There is little or no respect, the tone is belittling. This disrespect has flowed into the talk shows on TV and radio and is causing great unrest and division across our nation.
Healthy consultation is an acquired skill, so I try to visualise it in a way that I can understand.
I imagine a filtration system where impurities come through the system and the water that carries them is filtered, cleansed, and purified. The outcome: something beautiful.
Those who consult together, rather than simply expressing personal views, attempt to build a sense of fellowship, mutuality, respect, harmony and unity.
Together we must work to search out the truth by freely expressing our opinions, then weighing all the views dispassionately.
Of course, the ideas come from our various approaches, which, when first examined, rarely look like they match each other. Yet as the consultative process continues, just like a filtration system, the impurities get left behind. When that happens, we start seeing the validity in each other’s points of view.
The best consultation is when we can detach from our ego, self-knowledge that ensures we understand our own strengths and weaknesses, humility and overall a considerate approach with the willingness to achieve the best possible outcome that enables the investigation of truth. It is time to take off the blinkers and start seeing the bigger picture – to bring back a more co-operative “can-do” spirit.