Australia and the United States, both vibrant democracies with shared cultural roots, often invite comparison. Yet, in key areas of governance and societal well-being, Australia implements policies that arguably set it apart as a model for progress. From its stringent gun control measures to its accessible healthcare system through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and its unique approach to civic engagement via compulsory voting, Australia demonstrates innovative solutions that prioritise safety, affordability, and participation. This article explores how these three policies not only distinguish Australia from the USA but also contribute to a more equitable and engaged society.
1. Strict Gun Laws
Australia’s gun laws are a global benchmark for firearm control, and they’re a stark contrast to the U.S.’s permissive approach. After the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, where 35 people were killed, Australia implemented the National Firearms Agreement. This banned automatic and semi-automatic rifles, introduced mandatory buybacks (over 650,000 firearms were surrendered), and enforced strict licensing requiring a “genuine reason” for owning a gun, like hunting or sport shooting – self-defense doesn’t count. Background checks, waiting periods, and safe storage rules are non-negotiable.
The impact? Australia’s firearm homicide rate dropped from 0.57 per 100,000 people in 1996 to 0.18 by 2019, and firearm suicides fell by over 50%. Compare that to the U.S., where gun violence kills about 14.7 per 100,000 annually (2021 data), with over 600 mass shootings in 2024 alone. Australia’s not gun-free – rural areas still have plenty of firearms – but the tight regulations mean fewer impulsive shootings and safer streets. The U.S.’s Second Amendment culture and patchwork laws make similar reform a pipe dream, leaving Americans grappling with a gun violence epidemic Australia largely sidestepped.
2. Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
Australia’s PBS is a cornerstone of its healthcare system, making medications affordable for everyone – something the U.S. sorely lacks. Established in 1948, the PBS subsidises prescription drugs, capping costs for patients. In 2025, Aussies pay up to $31.60 per prescription (or $7.70 for concession cardholders like pensioners), with a safety net kicking in after 36 scripts a year, dropping costs to $0 for concessional patients. Over 1,300 drugs are covered, from cancer treatments to antibiotics, saving patients billions annually. For example, take insulin, which can cost Americans $300-$1,000 a month out-of-pocket, is capped at $31.60 per script in Australia.
The U.S., by contrast, has no universal drug subsidy program. About 28 million Americans were uninsured in 2023, and even insured folks face high copays or deductibles. Studies show 1 in 10 Americans skip medications due to cost. The PBS isn’t perfect – new drugs can be slow to get listed – but it ensures no Aussie chooses between medicine and rent. The U.S.’s market-driven system, with its price-gouging pharma giants, leaves millions behind, while Australia’s PBS reflects a commitment to equitable healthcare.
3. Compulsory Voting
Australia’s compulsory voting system, in place since 1924, ensures democracy reflects the whole population, not just the loudest voices – unlike the U.S., where turnout can be abysmal. All citizens over 18 must enrol and vote in federal and state elections, or face a small fine (about $20-$50). It’s not draconian – informal (invalid) votes are allowed if you really want to protest – but turnout hovers around 90%, compared to the U.S.’s 66% in the 2020 presidential election and a dismal 46% in 2022 midterms.
This high participation forces politicians to appeal to a broad spectrum, not just motivated fringes, leading to more centrist policies and less polarisation. In the U.S., low turnout often amplifies extreme voices, as special interest groups dominate. Compulsory voting also fosters civic engagement; Aussies see voting as a duty, not a chore. The U.S.’s voluntary system, combined with voter suppression tactics such as ID laws or felony disenfranchisement, means millions are sidelined, skewing representation. Australia’s system proves mandating participation can strengthen democracy without sacrificing freedom.
Why This Matters
Australia’s not perfect, but these three systems – strict gun laws, the PBS, and compulsory voting – show a society prioritising safety, equity, and civic responsibility. The U.S.’s struggles with gun violence, healthcare costs, and voter apathy highlight what happens without such measures. Australia’s approach isn’t about being “better” in a smug sense; it’s about practical policies that tangibly improve lives.
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Now, if only we had a government that is SERIOUS about climate change.
They are, Harry. They seriously don’t care.
I agree, all we need now is a rational and viable energy policy. The simple fact is, humanity won’t survive without fossil fuels, every thing we have and every discovery made is a result of fossil fuels.
The point was made the other day when the Woodside NW shelf gas extension to 2070 was announced – ‘the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) projects that all coal-fired power stations in Australia’s main national grid will be retired by 2038, at the latest. However, AEMO forecasts that 90% of coal-fired generation will be retired within the next ten years (by 2034-35)’.
So, I can understand that the gas reserves that Australia has will be essential to see us into a wholly renewables future – to shut off gas production now would be a fatal mistake at this time. However, having said that, we do need to move towards gas reservation for the East Coast as they have done in WA.
Whether we like it or not, solar and wind with battery backup are not sufficiently developed yet to provide us with the energy we need.
…and that is just our starter for ten – freedom, safety, security, democracy, political stability, humanity, inclusion, belonging, sensibility, friendliness, natural environment… far from perfect but so much better carved and served in Australia than USA. We don’t make war everywhere we go trying to control everyone else. US is a nightmare, and the biggest threat to world peace and security.
Climate change… certainly we can do heaps better as we must, but the US is in the dark ages!
On democracy, the first past the post voting system together with the electoral college makes US democracy virtually unworkable, with a two party system firmly entrenched, where as the preferential voting system has demonstrated time and again that minor parties and independents get elected, and that means that legislation is more thoroughly scrutinised, giving fairer outcomes.
On the issue of the ongoing need for gas, the transition to renewable energy is a transition, the other matter there is that at no time in history have there been as many people alive on this planet, and never so many meals needing to be cooked, never so many households and business enterprises requiring power to continue operating.
2022 saw the lowest voter turnout since compulsory voting
https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/sites/default/files/electoral_commission_pdf_file/ECcompvotingsummaryfinal_22226-16485__E__N__S__W__.pdf
gives the countries with compulsory voting read ours and try to find any stats about failure to vote. As for the septics they have over 10x our population they could not handle compulsory voting
there is nearly 400m private guns in the USA. The lying rodent’s laws cannot compare.
The senate was to protect tas, SA and WA from the big three.
As that purpose has gone and politics controll the senate it is of no use and should be abolished.
To cater for Bert’s people preferential voting is useful but for democracy it should be optional.
Compulsory voting is hugely advantageous for the following reasons:
** It encourages people to really STOP AND THINK about who or what type of person they elect to power! This usually prevents dangerously undemocratic political psychopaths, fascists or, in most cases, abhorrently corrupt individuals from seizing or maintaining power;
** Compulsory voting, at a State or National level, encourages more people to thoroughly screen and investigate the backgrounds, aims and policies of individuals and/or political parties putting themselves up for election. This ensures that the individual or party running for election fairly represents the MAJORITY of egalitarian Australians and not just individuals with extreme views.
** Compulsory voting tends to “weed out” extremist regimes that have undemocratic, misogynistic and even fascist views that do not comply with our way of life here in Australia. History has proven that Australians are also rigidly conservative which is why, we tend to stick to the three main political parties: Labor, LNP or Greens;
** In most cases, Australians are politically savvy, fair-minded, racially tolerant, intelligent and foresightful which is why the huge majority of citizens are unlikely to entertain supporting radical parties that are either too far to the left or promoting policies that are too right-wing, racist, misogynistic or openly favouring avaricious corporate needs over the best interests of ordinary working- and middle-class Australian citizens. Sadly, the latter problem has become evident throughout the LNP which is why they have been so thoroughly rejected at recent federal and State elections.