In July 1979, US president Jimmy Carter delivered his famous “malaise speech”. He cited the failure of government to work for the people, the pessimism shared by most Americans about the future, the anaemic productivity growth that America was enduring and a national crisis of confidence. It is a different country and a different time, but Carter’s speech reflects the reality of Australia in 2025.

Australia is confronting our biggest set of long-term challenges since World War II. We need leaders with the capacity and mindset to articulate a compelling vision for our future and the courage to execute on that vision. There could be no better time to hold a federal election. However, despite the need for a debate of ideas, we are in the midst of the least inspiring election campaign in our history.