Great Expectations

In Quarterly Essay 46, Laura Tingle explores Australia's disillusionment with politics, uncovering how deep-seated cultural expectations of government shape public sentiment. She traces the evolution of these expectations from the 1980s deregulation era through various prime ministers’ approaches, highlighting a persistent, almost childlike hope for government as a savior. As Australia transitions from an era of entitlement to a more angrier political climate, Tingle considers what a new political landscape might look like and questions the possibilities for leaders to meet these evolving expectations.