Poking fun at politicians is an Australian pastime. Perhaps it’s our convict past, or the larrikinism embedded in our culture during the 19th and 20th centuries, but many Australians (myself included) have a healthy distrust of authority.

Interestingly, the Australian system of representative democracy relies on a healthy level of distrust to operate effectively. In 1947, Statesman and former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Winston Churchill summarised the challenges of good governance this way:

Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government, except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.

To quote another politician, Australia’s 28th Prime Minister Tony Abbott, ‘Australia is the country with Indigenous heritage, British foundations, and an immigrant character’. I tend to agree, and even though democracy is messy sometimes, it’s certainly worth preserving.

Here at Dads4Kids, we usually steer clear of politics. We are a non-partisan, harm prevention charity focused on encouraging fathers and their families. However, I’m often dismayed at the low levels of Australian political debate. Surely, we owe it to our children to do better.

For the current Federal Election, as far as the two major political parties are concerned, it seems a choice between bad or slightly less bad (in the interests of non-partisanship, I’ll let you decide which parties I’m referring to). To be fair, there are some noble people doing good work within Australian politics, but sadly they are few.

As dads, its beholden on us to lead our families, and that means doing what we can to elect leaders who will govern our nation with wisdom. So, what’s a democracy-minded dad to do? The short answer is there’s plenty!

Firstly, be informed. Sadly, the legacy media largely ceased chasing the truth years ago and instead now seem preoccupied with clicks and ratings. Thankfully, there are many new media participants who bravely seek the truth. As always, take everything they say with a grain of salt, but YouTubers Avi Yemini, Punter’s Politics, The Other Side, and Dr Joanna Howe to name a few, are all doing courageous work.

If Christian values are important to you, our colleagues at The Daily Declaration provide some great resources. To find out where the main parties stand on Christian values, check out the Australian Christian Values Checklist. It’s an outstanding and concise source of information. Watch the Canberra Declaration video below for an excellent overview of voting in Australia.

Secondly, be active. Discover your local candidates and respectfully reach out to them. Attend or watch your local candidate forums. If you find a candidate who shares your values, get behind them and support their campaign. We are blessed to live in a country that still, for the most part, accommodates debate and freedom of expression.

I’m thankful for my parents (Dads4Kids founders Warwick and Alison Marsh) who’ve been politically active for many decades. I have vivid childhood memories of taking part in various political demonstrations. Their tireless advocacy for faith, family and freedom was, and continues to be, inspiring.

There was the time our Marsh family band performed politically charged music as part of a pro-life protest in front of NSW Parliament House. That day was particularly eye opening, as I witnessed up close the disdain for life many in politics sadly hold.

If demonstrations aren’t your thing, lead your family in other forms of advocacy. Earlier this week, my wife and I emailed our local state representatives in defence of homeschooling. As a wise man once said, the best defence is a good offence. Families getting on the front foot and speaking up for the issues they value can go a long way.

Thirdly, and most importantly, if you’re a praying dad, pray! Check out 1 Timothy Chapter 2 from the Bible, written almost two thousand years ago, which contains some pertinent verses on praying for those in authority.

Lovework

As dads, leading our families with peaceable lives should be our priority. If you can, pray for those in authority. When it comes to electing Australia’s political leaders, be informed and get involved as much as possible. After all, to quote writer Brian Smith, ‘strong families are an amazing antidote to overreacting governments.’

Yours for strong dads and strong families,

Nathaniel Marsh

P.S. 25 April 2025 marked the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, as well as the commemoration of all Australians who have served this great country in times of peace and war.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them. We will remember them, Lest we forget.

P.P.S. If you’re encouraged by the work of Dads4Kids and would like to help us continue Building Men, Growing Fathers, and Changing Generations, please consider making a tax-deductible donation here.

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Image courtesy of Unsplash.