A Moment That Matters: Watch the Casey Candidates Discussion

“The decisions we make in this election will echo across generations. They will shape the kind of country our children inherit”.

Australians are heading to the polls for a federal election in just a couple of weeks. (Stay with me — this matters.)

Research — mostly from the United States — shows that parents, and especially mums, have a powerful influence on how their children engage with politics. In the US, studies have found that when a mum votes, her children are significantly more likely to vote when they reach adulthood. Civic engagement really does start around the kitchen table.

Of course, in Australia, voting is compulsory once you turn 18. But simply showing up on election day doesn't guarantee thoughtful participation. It's the conversations we have, the questions we ask, and the example we set that truly shape the next generation of engaged citizens.

This is why community conversations like our recent Casey Candidates Forum are so important. We weren’t just asking questions for ourselves — we were modelling active citizenship for our families and creating the kind of community where future generations know their voices matter.

If you missed it live, don't worry — the recording is available! You can watch it here.

But as we listen to the candidates and prepare to cast our votes, we need to be clear-eyed about what’s missing from the national conversation. Some truths can’t be ignored:

• Women make up 51% of Australia’s voting population.

• Yet, every day, women across the country live with the threat of male violence. In just one week, four women were killed — a level of violence that police themselves have described as "unheard of." Despite this horrifying reality, there has been little effort from political leaders to frame it as a national crisis, a failure that should concern us all (source).

• The leaders of Australia's major political parties — Anthony Albanese (Labor), Peter Dutton (Liberal), and Adam Bandt (Greens) — have been largely quiet. To date, none have presented detailed plans that fully respond to the scale of the issue.

• Mainstream media has also struggled to sustain attention on this important topic. Comprehensive coverage and national focus are still needed.

And it’s not just women’s safety being overlooked. Climate change — a major challenge for future generations — has also received less attention in this election than many had hoped. Addressing climate risks and safeguarding the environment should be central to any discussion about the future we want to build for our children.

At its heart, voting is not just about today. It's about the world we are shaping for our children — for our sons and daughters.

Real change begins with ordinary people making thoughtful choices, even when those in power stay silent. Speaking up doesn't have to mean being loud or political — sometimes it’s simply about choosing your vote with care.

When we show our children that democracy is something we take part in — not something that happens to us — we teach them that even quiet actions can shape the future.

The decisions we make in this election will echo across generations. They will shape the kind of country our children inherit — whether it’s one where they can live safely, pursue opportunity, and thrive on a planet that is cared for.

This election, our votes are not just for ourselves. They are a legacy we leave to those who come after us.

Watch the recording, have the conversations, and let’s make sure our legacy is one we are proud of. 💛