As NSW processes its state election results and Australia turns its attention to the federal election, now is a pertinent time to ask: What do we want from our leaders?
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Having watched Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern talk to The Project about the Christchurch mosque shooting, in which 50 people died, I can't help but feel that one is playing to voters while the other is focused on doing what's right.
Thousands were looking for assurances of safety as they tuned in a week ago to hear what Mr Morrison had to say about the violent act carried out on New Zealand's Muslim community, allegedly by an Australian male. So, did our leader make it clear that such behaviour was wrong and that it would not be tolerated by the government?
I'll give you these points: Mr Morrison, of the conservative Liberal Party, would not say whether Australia had an issue with Islamophobia. He also would not commit to putting One Nation last in federal preferences, even after interviewer Waleed Aly pointed out that ON leader Pauline Hanson had said Islam was a disease Australians needed to vaccinate themselves against.
For the majority of the interview, it was difficult for Mr Aly to finish a question or sentence, persistently interrupted by Mr Morrison, who seemed defensive but able to smile or laugh while answering questions relating to extremism and terrorism.
In stark contrast was Ms Ardern's interview. She started by asking if she could hug Mr Waleed. Without hesitance she called the mosque shooting as a terrorist attack and told Mr Aly her "job is to make people feel safe"; that she was deeply distressed by the idea that people do not feel safe now. Ms Ardern has been labelled as an inspiration and role model to leaders across the world for her relatable and down-to-earth style. Is that how Mr Morrison will be remembered and is that what voters want?
