Great leaders lead, poor leaders leave

By Lachlan McKenzie

Some argue that politicians should stay removed from hands-on disaster response, delegating crises to professionals. Yet this is precisely why they must step into the fray: leadership isn’t just about policy – it’s about presence. Great leaders don’t hide behind podiums; they stand in the mud, coordinating aid, listening to survivors, and channeling resources where they’re needed most. Their visibility restores hope, holds systems accountable, and bridges gaps between bureaucracy and urgency. Weak leaders, by contrast, vanish when stakes are high – leaving communities feeling abandoned and distrust festering. History shows that crises don’t just test infrastructure – they expose character. This is what separates leaders who inspire from those who merely govern.

Politicians providing hands-on support during disasters is crucial for several interconnected reasons, each contributing to effective crisis management and community resilience:

Trust and Credibility

Presence during a crisis demonstrates empathy and commitment, fostering public trust. Communities are more likely to cooperate with relief efforts when they perceive leaders as invested and authentic.

Situational Awareness

On-the-ground assessment allows politicians to grasp the disaster’s scope beyond reports, enabling informed decisions about resource allocation, such as emergency supplies, medical aid, or infrastructure repair.

Expedited Response

Direct involvement can streamline bureaucratic processes. Politicians can leverage their authority to mobilise agencies, secure funding, or fast-track approvals, ensuring timely aid delivery.

Morale and Solidarity

Visible leadership uplifts community spirit, reducing panic and fostering collective action. Symbolic gestures, like assisting in relief tasks, reinforce that affected individuals are not alone.

Accountability and Advocacy

Engagement ensures politicians remain accountable for both immediate and long-term recovery. Witnessing challenges firsthand motivates sustained advocacy for rebuilding and policy reforms to mitigate future risks.

Media and Public Attention

High-profile visits attract media coverage, amplifying awareness and potentially galvanizing broader support, including donations or federal assistance.

Community Feedback

Direct interaction with survivors provides insights into unmet needs, enabling tailored responses. This feedback loop can improve recovery strategies and policy-making.

Examples

Contrasting responses, like the criticised absence of Scott Morrison while Australia burned (and who can forget that he doesn’t hold a hose?) versus Kevin Rudd’s proactive leadership during Queensland floods, highlight how visibility impacts public perception and effectiveness.

In essence, hands-on involvement balances practical crisis management with psychological and political benefits, ensuring leaders remain connected to their constituents while driving efficient, compassionate recovery efforts.

Let’s talk leadership during disasters. Here in Australia – and around the world – it’s simple: showing up matters. True leaders rise to the challenge; weak ones vanish. Look at history: Churchill rallied Brits through the Blitz. Zelenskyy stood firm as bombs fell. These leaders didn’t just govern – they led, visibly and unflinchingly.

Yet here, when floods and fires hit, some politicians go missing. Peter Dutton and the Gold Coast Lord Mayor chose absence over action. Their communities noticed. Dutton’s 1.5% margin? At risk. Voters don’t forget who showed up – and who didn’t. The quality independents and Labor candidates? They were boots-on-the-ground, helping. That’s how you earn trust.

We pay politicians extremely well – part of that salary is stepping INTO disasters, not away from them. It’s about uniting people, securing resources, and fixing what’s broken. If you can’t lead in crisis, why lead at all?

Weak leaders lose seats. Strong leaders – and their communities – win.

PS: Leadership isn’t just for politicians – it’s for emergency crews, health workers, and everyday heroes. But when elected leaders fail to step up? That’s a choice. And voters will choose differently.

 

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