By Denis Hay
Description
The two-party trap. Labor won decisively, and voters expect bold action. Learn why breaking free from the two-party mindset still matters as Australians demand progressive change.
Introduction: The Illusion of Change
Australia has voted. Labor has secured a clear victory in the 2025 election, reflecting the public’s demand for progressive and rapid reform. However, familiar issues are still – housing affordability, underfunded healthcare, climate inaction, and corporate influence. The two-party trap still risks slowing down transformative policies. Australians must push beyond habitual voting to ensure Labor delivers on its promises and embeds real change.
The Duopoly Still Casts a Shadow
- Media Monopoly: Major media outlets favour establishment narratives, limiting scrutiny of incrementalism.
-
Corporate Donations: Despite public rejection of corporate influence, policymakers still hear big business.
-
Safe Seats and Complacency: A decisive Labor win risks breeding political complacency in historically loyal electorates.
-
Historical Entrenchment: Institutions and traditions still favour keeping the status quo over courageous reform.
“True democracy demands choices beyond managed change.” – Former independent MP
Labor’s Mandate – Why Stagnation is No Longer Acceptable
Voters have given Labor a mandate for urgent action. Half-measures will no longer suffice:
• Housing: Public housing must be fully funded to end the crisis, not just subsidise developers.
• Healthcare: Medicare must be restored and expanded, not chipped away by stealth.
• Climate: No more excuses. Australia must transition from fossil fuels rapidly and justly.
“We voted for change. We expect action, not excuses.” – Voter, Sydney
Independents and Minor Parties – Keeping the Pressure On
In 2025, independents and Greens continued growing their support, making clear that voters reject slow, corporate-friendly politics.
• Community-Focused: They engage directly with voters, not donors.
• Progressive Policies: They champion urgent climate action, integrity, and social equity.
• Diverse Voices: Reflecting Australia’s multicultural reality.
Case Study: Teal Independents and new seats signal ongoing hunger for progressive reform.
Holding Labor Accountable – The Role of Citizens Beyond Elections
With Labor firmly in power, voters must now focus on demanding the delivery of promises and resisting any drift towards status quo politics.
• Stay Engaged: Join grassroots movements and keep progressive issues in the spotlight.
• Monitor Performance: Scrutinise Labor’s actions and call out backpedalling or inaction.
• Push for Boldness: Use collective voices to insist on urgent, courageous policy implementation.
Tip: Democracy does not end at the ballot box – citizenship is a daily responsibility.
From Passive Voter to Active Citizen – The Push Must Continue
Labor’s victory is just the beginning. Citizens must stay engaged to ensure promises are turned into policies.
• Grassroots Mobilisation: Community groups will hold the government accountable.
• Marginalising Safe Seats: Independent campaigns keep pressure on Labor MPs.
• Candidate Scrutiny: Voters should watch performance and call out inaction.
“Change is not automatic – it’s demanded and defended.” – Local campaigner, Indi.
Australia’s Dollar Sovereignty – No More Budget Excuses
Australia’s monetary sovereignty means excuses about “not enough money” no longer wash.
• Economic Truth: Australia can issue public money to fund urgent needs.
• Policy Potential: Housing, health, education, and climate must be fully funded now.
• Only Progressive Voices Demand This: Independents and reformers understand and advocate for using monetary sovereignty.
“The only barrier is political will, not dollars.” – Economist, Centre for Modern Money Studies
A Vision for a Brave, Progressive Australia
The 2025 election gives Labor no excuse for half-measures.
• Participatory Democracy: Community-led policymaking should be implemented.
• End Corporate Capture: Ban donations, impose term limits, enforce transparency.
• Guarantee Social Rights: Enshrine housing, healthcare, education, and environmental rights into law.
The time for incrementalism is over. Australia voted for courage.
Q&A Section
Q: Is supporting minor parties and independents still important post-election?
A: Yes. Keeping reformist pressure alive ensures Labor delivers on its promises.
Q: How do I find genuine independents?
A: Look for those with strong community ties and progressive platforms.
Q: Can independents shift policy?
A: Yes. They hold Labor to account and push national debates forward.
Time to Demand the Promised Change
The voters have spoken. Labor’s mandate is clear: deliver progressive, transformative change – no excuses. Yet, the two-party dominance risks slowing reform. Australia’s preferential voting system and monetary sovereignty empower citizens to demand more.
Australians can ensure real change happens by staying engaged, backing reformers, and rejecting neoliberal narratives.
The future is not inherited – it is built. Now is the time to build boldly.
Call to Action
If you found this article insightful, explore more about political reform and Australia’s monetary sovereignty on Social Justice Australia.
Share widely and help drive urgent political reform.
Click “Reader Feedback” to let us know how this inspired you.
Support Social Justice Australia
We deliver independent analysis free from corporate influence. Support helps:
• ✅ Keep us online and strong
• ✅ Fund articles pushing for brave policy shifts
• ✅ Expand public awareness of economic and political realities
Thank you for being part of Australia’s progressive movement.
This article was originally published on Social Justice Australia
Dear reader, we need your support
Independent sites such as The AIMN provide a platform for public interest journalists. From its humble beginning in January 2013, The AIMN has grown into one of the most trusted and popular independent media organisations.
One of the reasons we have succeeded has been due to the support we receive from our readers through their financial contributions.
With increasing costs to maintain The AIMN, we need this continued support.
Your donation – large or small – to help with the running costs of this site will be greatly appreciated.
You can donate through PayPal or credit card via the button below, or donate via bank transfer: BSB: 062500; A/c no: 10495969
Be the first to comment