We have an election date – 3 May, and a rhetoric in recent months has been ramping up around fearmongering over crime, and the dehumanisation of refugees—and it appeals to our darker natures of division and distrust. Alongside these tired but effective tactics a familiar tune is sung: “I’m not into politics.” But here’s the reality—for the first time, Millennial and Gen Z voters outnumber Baby Boomers, holding the power to shape the future like never before. Whether we like it or not, politics is into us. The question is: how will we use this moment?
We’ve heard this phrase ‘I’m not into politics’ from all walks of life—from wealthy business leaders to everyday punters at the pub. We might have heard it from friends, family, maybe even from ourselves. On the surface, it sounds harmless, even reasonable. Politics is messy and contentious, and we’ve all been told it doesn’t belong in polite conversation.
The uncomfortable truth though is that saying you’re “not into politics” is a political stance—a deeply privileged one.
When someone claims they don’t care about politics, they’re saying that the stakes don’t feel personal. The system, while flawed, works enough for them. That’s privilege: the ability to opt out because the status quo is tolerable, even comfortable.
But for many, politics isn’t an abstract game played by elites. It’s the difference between safety and harm. Politics decides whether refugees are met with compassion or detention, and if LGBTQI+ kids can go to school without being bullied or repressed. It determines whether women can access basic healthcare without being shamed or criminalised. Turning away from politics means turning away from these realities and from these people.
What can one person do to change the course? It’s a fair question, and we won’t pretend the answer is simple.
But the people who benefit most from unfair systems? They love when you feel powerless. Your helplessness does more for them than even their loudest supporters.
False narratives, real harms
Social media wields enormous influence over public opinion. Be wary of unverified claims disguised as truth, shaping opinions and, ultimately, votes.
Disinformation is not limited to social media, either. For example, experts urgently call for action on climate change, but traditional media does not always honour its responsibility to inform. A recent study (conducted by Monash University where 2,000 Australians were interviewed) found that large news organisations fuel climate ignorance and conspiracy theory in Australia.
Saying, “I’m not into politics,” in this context allows algorithms and disinformation to dictate the future. Is this the world we want? If not, we need to interrogate what we hear: What is the evidence? Who benefits? Who is harmed or left out?
Take the “tough on crime” rhetoric that resurfaces every election. Politicians from various political parties know it resonates. The media follows along with narratives about rising crime, often in marginalised populations. You might dismiss this as background noise, but for those disproportionately targeted by over-policing—such as First Nations communities or people experiencing homelessness—it’s a threat to their humanity and their lives.
There is a glaring blind spot in the current crime rhetoric, which is that we have gender-based violence crisis. Increased attention to the prevalence of gender-based violence in all walks of Australian life, from domestic violence to workplace sexual harassment, makes this an obvious topic for many politicians. Yet they remain largely silent, revealing the cynicism behind focusing on vague ‘crimes’ committed by a familiar list of Others.
Politics shapes our schools, workplaces and institutions. ‘Opting out’ of engaging does not mean opting out of the effects. As the old rallying cry goes, the personal is political.
So, what can I do?
There is plenty you can do right now to be more politically engaged and aware this election cycle:
- Stay informed: Keep up with news about the election, what politicians are saying, and what media – including social media – is saying about it. Consider independent media as an additional news source, and remember the questions raised earlier: Who benefits from these narratives? Who is harmed or left out?
- Speak up: Talk about issues that interest you – especially if you notice them being portrayed dishonestly. Engage family, friends and peers in discussions, challenge misinformation, and offer new perspectives. Contact your local member of parliament or volunteer for organisations doing good work.
- Amplify: Seek out, support and uplift voices and communities who are particularly affected by the narratives raised during the election. Amplifying these voices might involve sharing stories, attending community events, or supporting or even joining advocacy groups.
These actions may seem small, but they can have a disproportionate impact. Think about how you can make a difference in your loved ones or community. Vote, of course, but don’t stop there – there are so many little things you can do that make great change.
The good news? It’s empowering. Your voice matters. Don’t waste it.
Top photo source: Supplied
Disclaimer: As we near the 2025 Australian Federal Election, Missing Perspectives will be platforming various voices and perspectives about Australian politics and the election. The opinions and/or views expressed by individual contributors and interviewees represent the opinions of those people, and not necessarily those of Missing Perspectives.
