Why I admire anyone who stands for political office

It’s popular in some quarters to be critical, even cynical, of the political class. And to be fair, there are times when the misdoings of politicians warrant criticism. But the older I get, the more sanguine I’ve become.

When politicians come under pressure for whatever reason, I often wonder what’s going on in their home life. Picture: istock

When I started speaking at corporate events more than 20 years ago audience members would often suggest that I go into politics. The idea never appealed to me. Not because I wasn’t patriotic or that I didn’t want the best for Australia. I just didn’t think my temperament was suited to the vicissitudes of political life.

It’s popular in some quarters to be critical, even cynical, of the political class. And to be fair, there are times when the misdoings and even the well-intentioned doings of politicians warrant criticism. But the older I get, the more sanguine I’ve become. The political class is, after all, a microcosm of Australia: there’s the good, the bad, the quiet achievers, the show-offs and maybe even the odd opportunist or two.

When politicians come under pressure for whatever reason, I often wonder what’s going on in their home life. To what extent do political calamities translate into pressure on families? Do their kids cop flak at school? Are their partners upset? Do they get calls from elderly parents wondering if they’re OK? Do they get calls from “friends” wanting the inside scoop? Running a government is (and should be) a tough business. But it seems to me that the cut and thrust of politics has stepped up a notch in the age of social media. I wonder if many potential candidates are dissuaded from such a career because of the perceived toll it will take on them and their family.

Running a government is (and should be) a tough business. Picture: NewsWire/Martin Ollman

Perhaps this is simply part of the winnowing process, which starts with the battle for preselection. Maybe it’s only those with the clearest views of a future Australia who have the fortitude, the determination, the unblinking clarity of purpose to pursue a career in politics. And if so, then surely anyone who gets through this process in the hope of making Australia stronger, fairer and more sustainable is to be admired.

But then there’s the practical side of being a federal politician, including all the travelling and time spent in Canberra. Don’t get me wrong, Canberra is a beautiful city with much to do and see. But if you’re there for work dealing with difficult issues, and you’re also trying to manage a young family “back home” with its own dynamic, then a distant workplace for weeks at a time isn’t exactly helpful.

I also wonder if politicians have an in-built sensor to detect ulterior motives. I am sure there’s a never-ending stream of new friends, consultants, lobbyists and assorted hangers-on who are always circling, always looking for a way to gain favour, in the contract-rich ecosystem of government administration.

I have no friends in politics, and no special insight into it. I am simply an Australian citizen, resident and patriot who has observed the political process from afar. In this respect I am part of middle Australia. I want to see the best for our nation. I want to see a political process that attracts the brightest talent – especially young talent with life and work experience outside politics. My logic is simple: the deeper the pool of talent, the better the candidates. I think we will attract a deeper pool of candidates for politics if we make the political experience kinder, gentler, and more supportive of private lives and families.

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