This Ain’t No Normal Reflection on the Federal Election

Last weekend, I, along with another good mate, Brent 'Tui' Stowers, had the absolute privilege of helping one of our dearest mates, Garth Hamilton, on election day in his seat of Groom. Garth’s not just a mate; he’s a federal MP and a good human doing his best. To be able to chip in, even in a small way, was both humbling and energising.

And let me say,there’s something magical about standing on the ground on election day. Watching democracy in action, chatting to locals, seeing kids run around in campaign T-shirts two sizes too big and counting the 'Toowoomba trifecta' of flanno-vest-RM's (i think Tui won the unders-overs bet). Then, as the polls closed, we had the chance to supervise the AEC staff as they counted the votes, up close with our preferential voting system in play. It’s a great system. It has its quirks, but it works to its intended purpose (thanks for explaining to me a thousand times Tui). We’re lucky to live in a country with such a robust and fair democratic process.

But as I stood there watching the final ballots stack up, it struck me just how many parallels there are between a federal election and business. That final vote tally? It's basically your net profit. It’s the outcome of a whole heap of effort, positioning, trust-building, and, most importantly, value delivery.

You can’t just assume people will vote for you. Just like in business, voters (customers) have to be convinced that you understand their needs and can deliver something of value. They want authenticity. They want to know that you're trying to meet thier needs. They will give their business to a value proposition that speaks to them.

However, just like in business, if you take your clients, or voters, for granted, you’ll feel the swing.

This election saw big swings across the country. Some of them surprised even the most seasoned campaigners. But interestingly, many of those swings didn’t come from a huge shift in primary votes. They came from preferences, the second, third, fourth choices. That’s a big signal.

It makes you wonder: were the major parties really in touch with the voters? Did their messaging cut through? Were the policies on offer genuinely inspiring, or were they just the political equivalent of a product update no one asked for?

Remember the launch of the early iPhone models? They weren’t just phones, they were game-changers. People camped outside stores. They were inspired. The vision was clear, bold, and backed by real capability. That’s the level of aspiration we need to see again,from all ends of politics. Not just vague slogans, but properly costed, well-articulated policies. Campaigns that feel more like compelling product launches, not just corporate spin.

So, here’s my takeout: whether you’re running for office or running a business, you’re in the game of earning trust, building relevance, and delivering value. Do that well and the votes (or profits) will follow.

Let’s all aim to lead with purpose, have a crack when it counts, and inspire like the next big idea is just waiting for someone brave enough to back it in.

*P.S. To Garth, mate, you’ve done your family, friends and electorate proud. Thanks for letting us be a small part of the journey. And to the AEC staff who continued to count votes late into the evening while we were drinking more than our fair share of rum and cokes with the good people of Groom....thanks for your diligent service.