It's not a bad place

Australians are closer to their representatives than here in France. It is not difficult for Aussies with a viewpoint to confront their local MPs – or even party leaders.

This is not the case in Europe. In late 2008 every French citoyen was outraged at a law requiring cars to have a fluorescent safety vest visible from the outside.

"Just call your MPs and tell them to fix it or you will vote them out," I suggested helpfully. "If no-one wants the law, they have to change it."

"Ah, it doesn't work this way, Alaahn."
"Why not? This is the birthplace of modern democracy."

"Ah, vous ne comprenez pas."

They got that right. I still don't.

Australian MPs, in contrast, pay close attention to opinion polls and routinely respond to voter inquiries.

Unfortunately Australia's political process is less well served by the commentariat than in Europe and elsewhere. News reporting is characterised by levels of inaccuracy, sensationalism and sometimes just plain fabrication unknown outside Australia.

Take that Channel Nine clip, for example:

"An angry, raging mob …" No, it wasn't. They were loud and assertive. But it wasn't rage.

"A moment of terror captured here on Julia Gillard's face." No. She was grinning.

"It was then the violence broke out." No, it didn't. Not one blow struck. The only physical contact was by the police.