It’s been a massive news day here in Australia. First, there was the World Cup. Team Australia won their match, but didn’t score enough points to advance to the next level. For a country obsessed with sports, this was a big deal. The news programs were abuzz with shock and dismay in the wee hours of the morning.
But, just a few hours later, came the big shocker… they had a new Prime Minister! No election. No impeachment trial. No muss or fuss. The reigning Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, although emotional, simply made an incredibly gracious announcement that he was resigning office, as per his party’s wishes. Shortly thereafter, Julia Gillard, the newly appointed Prime Minister, took office, without any pomp and circumstance. Just like that, in one fell swoop of nonchalance, she became the highest-ranking government official of Australia.
It’s intriguing, watching a country’s history unfold around me, without having any real opinions about it. I’ve never been a hugely political person, but living here has afforded me a whole new level of detachment. I listen to my coworkers rant and rave about politics, without the slightest desire or need to enter into the conversation. I guess that’s one advantage to life as an expat. I don’t have to concern myself with tax policies or party politics, because none of it really affects me. I’m just here to live and work. It’s refreshing - this simple, uncomplicated existence. I enjoy observing everything from an outsider’s vantage point. Because, from where I stand, I am able to truly question what all the drama is about.
My Russian friend used to say the same thing (about living here)...she liked the lack of civic responsibility. When she became a citizen she bemoaned that now she would have to care and vote.
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