18 million Australians voted in the May 2025 election and once again a leader and his party were chosen.
Significantly, with the results announced, both leaders conducted themselves with grace and humility and eschewed the opportunity to humiliate or negate the other. This was reflected in the speeches of both party leaders. Mr. Albanese stopped a denigrating remark from the crowd about the leader of the opposition with ‘No, in Australia, we treat people with respect’. For his part, Mr. Dutton acknowledged that ‘we didn’t do well enough’, took full responsibility for the loss and noted that the Prime Minister ‘should be very proud of what he achieved’ as well as congratulating the new Member for Dickson (to whom he lost his seat).
What Does it Mean for Us?
Therapy is not an isolated activity but is embedded in the wider social system. While as practitioners we do not promote one party or policy over another, our work is inevitably impacted by the behaviours and values demonstrated and espoused by our leaders. Those who are acknowledged as leaders in politics, sport, corporations or families are influential in modelling behaviour to those who respect them. Encouraging our children to be respectful, inclusive, measured, and brave, is much easier when those around them show these traits.
Are there Similarities?
A family is not a country, and a family dispute is not an election. However, disagreements between family members or between families and friends, neighbors or schools is central to our work. Our task is to engage fairly and fully with all parties and support a decision for a way forward that is most protective of the least advantaged person in the system. Exploring each person’s perspective respectfully and with a future time orientation while acknowledging both the successes and mistakes of the past is most conducive to resolution. When decisions are made for the care and protection of others one person may well feel disadvantaged and a loss of power. Finding ways to include them respectfully while discouraging attempts to undermine positive progress or gloating by others will support change.
At election time, much is made of what it means to be Australian and how these values are expressed. Families also have their own culture and clearly and explicitly identifying these values and then aligning them to family members’ behaviour can make a path forward both easier to see and clearer to follow.
In Conclusion
A process that honors all and encourages values and conduct that are most conducive to good outcomes is beneficial for all whether it be in a family, a therapeutic session, a school, a workplace or a nation.
©Copyright Bower Place Pty. Ltd. 2025
