Why Politics Is Not A Dirty Word
Do you think politics is complicated and not worth your time and energy? In this 10 part series, we explore the human, kinder side of politics, make it real and break it down without the spin. Host Louise Crawford is a local government councilor, political enthusiast and passion-driven film and television actress. This episode portrays the onset of Louise’s journey into the world of politics, so tag along as she shares her own unique experience and figures out both good and the bad stuff in politics with friends and guests in future episodes as well.
"...I'm a bit whacky in nature, and I was really worried that I couldn't do any of that, but when I realized actually, if you're who you really are, and you work hard and you want to make a difference, that is enough and you are enough."
Louise Crawford is a local government councilor, a political enthusiast and an activist, but also a passion-driven film and television actress with appearances in many Australian soaps and dramas.
Her enthusiasm and desire to make a difference in the world is what made her venture into the world of politics. This allowed her to focus on matters and issues she deeply cares about - from challenging local community policies and improvements, to tackling climate change and most importantly, focusing on the human aspect in political conversation which she felt was missing for far too long and raising awareness about why it’s more important NOW than ever before for YOU to engage.
"The sum of us together is greater than the sum of all of us individually."
In this epic two-part episode, Louise is joined by her fellow political nerd and very good friend, Silas as they sit down for a relaxing chat with a goal in mind to break down the inner-workings and intricacies of Australian politics, its various systems and the political parties and philosophies that surround them.
Together, they explore how the parliament works and take an in-depth look into the three different levels of government; from a historical standpoint of how they all came to be, covering the responsibilities that each level of government has, all the way down to the process of legislation and the way it affects everyday people.
Another crucial aspect of politics that’s too often left by the wayside is certainly voting, and hand-in-hand with this goes the preconceived notion by many people that one’s individual vote doesn’t really matter in the big picture – Louise and Silas and not only shatter that illusion, but they do it with astonishing real world examples as they cover political voting mechanisms and really drive home the message that they way you vote really does matter.
It’s imperative for people to become engaged in the conversation, so sit back, relax and tag along down the political rabbit hole with Louise and Silas.
"I am always surprised and impressed by people's generosity, of time, of money, of energy and the variety of volunteering opportunities there are."
Volunteering and helping others is intrinsically linked to human nature, it not only makes the one who does it feel good, but it also makes the world a better place.
This is one of the main messages that Louise is so enthusiastic about, and the fact that the good that comes from it is not only applicable in politics, but to all other aspects of life as well, and there’s a very good reason that she says: “People tend to give back to the people who give out.”
Enjoy this episode and find out why volunteering is something that runs in the blood for Louise and her family, and how she competes with her father in donating it. Also stay tuned to learn about a plethora of opportunities and ways for YOU to ENGAGE in community and volunteering work in your local area, and see the difference it can make for everyone.
“The little things often are the things that make the biggest difference to people’s lives
and they’re the things that politicians could do every day if they so choose…”
For today’s chat, Louise is joined by a very special guest, Natasha Stott Despoja -
Australia’s Ambassador for Women and Girls, renowned author, politician, diplomat,
human rights advocate, but also the title-holder of being the youngest woman to sit in
the Parliament of Australia as well as being the longest serving Australian Democrats
Senator.
Louise and Natasha take a trip down memory lane, take a look at what’s happening in parliament and discuss a more compassionate type of politics.
“When we shut ourselves up, when we don’t know our neighbours, we lose that sense of connection in our community which from my perspective creates its own huge set of social problems.”
Louise takes us behind the scenes of political campaign mechanisms and explores a number of interesting cogs in the system that make the whole political and electoral machinery tick. From the roles of campaign managers to street stalling, scrutineering and printing of political posters, all of that and much more as Louise shares her very own trial by fire and explains unique and creative ways through which parties might try to reach you during a campaign.
“In politics, we yell at each other and that doesn’t achieve much, we need to do a bit more listening, but is it possible?”
In today’s political climate, many people find it very difficult to engage in political conversation for a number of reasons. The news that we’re bombarded with on a day-to-day basis not only adds a tremendous level of confusion, but often times the highly sensationalist headlines that we read serve a purpose to further polarize and divide the conversation into extremes no matter what issue is being discussed.
That’s why it’s so important that you Don’t Believe the Headlines! That’s the point that Louise brings across in this episode, because too often people get tied up in their emotional reactions to whatever is the latest sensationalist headline agenda being pushed by the media, so that any chance for a conversation that seeks to find common ground about a particular issue is extinguished by default.
“Humans hate change, we're not very good with it. It takes us time to get used to new ideas and new ways and come to the conclusion that it's worthwhile and move towards it."
Taking little steps is important when it comes to all things in life, similarly, that’s the approach we should take when it comes to implementing change.
In this episode, Louise takes us through the way she thinks bringing about change should be done in politics, and why it’s important not to get blinded by promises of instantaneous solutions because more often than not, that’s simply not how things work in reality - real change takes time, steps and processes and a certain level of critical mass has to be reached before it all happens.
In today’s episode, Louise is joined by her friend Annalise for a relaxing chat where they discuss the perception of Australian politics through the lenses of everyday people. As someone who sees herself in the middle of the spectrum when it comes to following politics, Anna Lise brings up crucial points and questions which are probably on your mind as well!
“When I go into politics - it’s on the shoulders of giants before me that I stand. People who had vision, enacted that vision and made these things happen that I hopefully can help build on their vision with my little vision along with other people’s visions.”
Louise takes a historical look down the Australian political lane and asks a simple, but valid question: “What have politicians actually done for us?” In her search for an answer, she explores the work of Edward Gough Whitlam, 21st Prime Minister of Australia and the Leader of the Labor party.