Firsthand experience of migration, homelessness and disability reveals shortcomings in access to political participation: Student reflections on power and governance
This week on the Power to Persuade blog, we hear students’ reflections on power and governance in Australia. Today, we hear from Natalie Pink, a Bachelor of Social Work student at RMIT University. In this reflection on democracy and voting in Australia, Natalie shares her lived experiences as someone who has experienced migration, homelessness and mental health issues.
Throughout the first three weeks of classes, we discussed Australian democracy as we know it and how political participation is critical to democratic governance. Anchored by compulsory voting, Australian democracy prides itself on inclusivity. Yet, my firsthand experience of migration, homelessness and disability reveals systemic and intersecting shortcomings in access to political participation in Australia.
Reflecting on my family's immigration journey from Estonia to Australia highlights the importance of political engagement for marginalised groups. Fleeing the Soviet invasion of Estonia and the prospect of life under a communist regime, my father's family sought refuge in Australia, recognising political participation as essential in a democratic country. However, obtaining citizenship proved to be a lengthy process, during which time they had to wait for the opportunity to participate in their new country's democratic processes.
Growing up, I learned to appreciate the rights that come with citizenship in a democracy and the value of having a voice in shaping government policies. According to Tham (2019), "In 2016 non-tourist visa holders numbered more than 1.5 million people, or more than 6 percent of the Australian population. Today, the figure would likely be higher." This statistic represents a significant portion of taxpayers in Australia, mainly immigrants residing under various types of visas, who are unable to engage in our political system due to their non-citizen status.
“The story of my family’s immigration journey serves as a personal reminder of the need to ensure that everyone, regardless of citizenship status, has the chance to participate in shaping our nation.”
It emphasises the urgent need for inclusive political practices that serve marginalised individuals; the difficulties faced by people like me who have experienced homelessness further highlight this need.
Political participation in Australia presents unique challenges extending beyond non-citizens to other marginalised groups, such as those experiencing homelessness. Approximately 11% of Australians have experienced unstable housing in their lifetime (ABS 2019). As someone who has personally experienced homelessness, I encountered firsthand the obstacles inherent in the obligation to vote. Navigating the electoral process while homeless in Melbourne exposed the harsh realities of my disenfranchisement.
“The daily struggle to secure necessities and ensure personal safety left me with little energy or opportunity to engage in the electoral process.”
Additionally, the transient nature of my situation further isolated me from political information, increasing my sense of alienation from the voting process. Exercising my voting rights proved too difficult without a permanent address and support to access polling booths, resulting in my inability to vote in the 2016 federal election. This made me feel even more ashamed of my situation, especially knowing there could be penalties for not voting, which only added to the burdens I was facing.
“The lack of resources available to support homeless individuals not only made it harder for me to participate in democracy but also made me feel that the voices of those experiencing homelessness don’t carry much weight in the shaping of political decisions.”
Reflecting on these challenges reveals broader issues of indirect discrimination within the Australian political system, perpetuating the disenfranchisement of society's most marginalised. This is especially clear when considering the obstacles that marginalised voices, including those with disabilities, face in Australia's political system when trying to exercise their democratic rights.
Despite the nation's commitment to diversity in political participation, individuals with disabilities still face barriers that hinder their engagement in the voting process. Statistics reveal that approximately 18% of Australians have disabilities (AIHW 2019), highlighting the widespread nature of this issue.
As someone with a psychosocial disability, I intimately understand the challenges faced by this marginalised group, such as stigma and discrimination, which further marginalise us within the electoral process. People with disabilities experience even greater disenfranchisement when there is a lack of support services and inclusive polling practices, which can result in a lower voter turnout. Still, to this day, a significant portion of polling places lack essential modifications for those with physical disabilities, such as ramps and accessible polling booths. Furthermore, it can be difficult for people with visual or cognitive impairments to obtain information in appropriate formats, including braille or materials that are easy to read. These difficulties are exacerbated for individuals with speech or hearing impairments, as expressing their choices or comprehending what election officials are asking of them can prove challenging. The intersection of disabilities and homelessness highlights how urgently systemic changes must be made in Australia to guarantee accessibility, inclusivity, and political engagement.
“My experiences have shown me how urgently we need policies that value marginalised perspectives and promote diversity to shape our democracy’s future. Ultimately, everyone deserves an equal opportunity to participate in politics, regardless of their circumstances. ”
In conclusion, my experiences with family immigration, homelessness, and disability highlight the marginalisation of certain voices in Australia's political system. Navigating Australia's political landscape makes it clear that urgent action is needed to build a democracy that includes everyone. We must work towards an inclusive system that gives everyone the same opportunity to participate in politics, regardless of their circumstances or background. By embracing diverse perspectives and amplifying all citizens' voices, we can shape a future where everyone is heard and valued in the Australian political system.
Content moderator: Dr Lisa Wheildon