Merry Christmas…

Well this is my last editorial for the year, and although it might sound like a cliché, what a year it has been. History has been made with the end of the Howard Government, and the beginning of the Rudd term of office. Climate change and environment issues have become part of the mainstream agenda. The Iemma Government in New South Wales was re-elected, even though nobody seems to like them. Sydney hosted the APEC conference. And the list goes on…

Partly because it is fresh in the memory, the Federal Election stands out as a watershed moment. Time will tell if the new government lives up to its many promises, but it is already certain that Australians have soundly rejected work choices. It would seem that Australians still believe in a fair go. So much so that we have decided to give Kevin Rudd’s Labor Party a go, even though the State Labor Governments continue to disappoint.

But despite the big events and the big changes, it’s the everyday things that still matter to most of us. Can we afford the house we live in? Why does the price of petrol keep going up? Will the train be on time? Can I see a doctor if I go to the Emergency Department at my local public hospital? Are the kids getting a decent education?

The New Year will bring both challenges and opportunities, not only for our politicians, but for all of us. The question is will we be smart enough to recognize that challenges and opportunities are really the same thing, and turn those opportunities into a better life for all Australians? In the end, it’s up to all of us to do own own little bit.

Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. And let’s remember to look after each other. In the end, that’s all we ever really have.