Apathy’s killing Australia without a care

In a world where news is instantaneously accessible and global affairs are intertwined with local implications, Australia confronts an unexpected and dangerous adversary - apathy.

This indifference, intensified during COVID -threatening not only Australia's democratic values but also the nation's ability to protect its human rights.

The pandemic and the subsequent willingness of some Australians to relinquish their rights, underscore the importance of an engaged, informed country.

Historically, Australia has enjoyed a reputation as an active participant in global events and issues.

However, recent trends indicate a waning interest in both local and international matters, raising concerns about the country's future direction.

COVID has been an eye-opener - exposing the sheer scale of indifference in Australian society.

While public health measures were seemingly essential to contain the virus, although largely not so, some have argued that the Australian government, at times, went beyond necessary precautions.

Mandatory lockdowns, movement restrictions, and even regulations on public gatherings drew both support and criticism.

Many of these are lauded as necessary evils in the face of a global health crisis, others perceived them as infringements on individual rights.

Shockingly though, many Australians seemed indifferent.

The lack of widespread discourse around these restrictions was, for many, a clear indication of rising apathy.

“It's as though we've sleepwalked into an era where our freedoms can be paused at the flick of a switch, and many of us wouldn't bat an eyelid,"  Dr. James Kilroy, a political scientist at the Australian National University, said.

The COVID situation presented a unique challenge: how does a nation balance human rights with public safety?

In some instances, it seemed as though Australians were prepared to forego certain freedoms for the promise of safety.

While this may have been justifiable under the extreme circumstances of a pandemic, it has broader implications for how Australians perceive and value their human rights.

In a global context, human rights violations continue to occur, from the suppression of free speech in Hong Kong to the plight of the Uighurs in China.

If Australians become too inward-focused or indifferent, there's a danger of becoming blind to such international atrocities and, in the process, becoming more tolerant of smaller infringements at home.

There’s a reason why Australians should and must care.

With international interconnectivity at an all-time high, no country is an island. The events in one region can have ripple effects across the world.

Australians, as global citizens, have a responsibility to be informed and active participants in world affairs.

Active engagement in national affairs is a pillar of a thriving democracy.

Apathy erodes this pillar, leaving room for unchecked decisions and policies.

If Australians become complacent about their rights at home, it sets a concerning precedent.

Being vigilant about preserving rights in Australia also strengthens the nation's position to advocate for human rights globally.

Furthermore, a disengaged populace can lead to unchecked economic policies, potentially impacting jobs, trade, and the overall economy.

The reasons for Australia's growing apathy are many and varied.

The constant bombardment of news can lead to fatigue, making it easier to disconnect.

Scandals and perceived mishandlings have led to dwindling trust in both national and international institutions.

Australia's relative comfort and prosperity might have inadvertently made many feel disconnected from the pressing issues of the world.

For Australia to combat the growing tide of apathy, a diverse  approach is necessary:

Schools and universities should prioritize civic education, ensuring future generations understand their role in both national and global contexts.

Media organisations also play a vital

role in presenting balanced news, focusing on both local and global implications.

Leaders, both in politics and society, should actively encourage public discourse and debate, ensuring a vibrant democratic process.

So, while Australia faces a growing challenge in the form of apathy, it's a challenge that can be met and overcome, if Australians are prepared to re-engage return to days where apathy was only a myth in Australian society, however, now its ann insidious social disease that has swept the country.

The events of COVID highlighted the risks of indifference.

Now, more than ever, Australians need to rekindle their interest in the world around them, understanding that the stakes are too high for complacency.