I was rather excited for today. It’s interesting – if I had been in Australia I am sure I would have spent my time watching the Rudd/Gillard developments as closely as possible. I am sure there have been speculation articles in the lead up to today’s showdown, and I am sure I would have found them. For some reason I like to read that stuff. But there is something about getting on a plane and going overseas – I sort of forgot it was happening.
And then there was today. By the time I had woken up and gotten into our workshops, and then connected to the Internet, everything was in full swing. Suddenly, after it had completely passed from my mind (even though I had been discussing this in full detail only a few days ago), we had a new Prime Minister. A completely new political situation.
I can’t explain how frustrating it is to try and sit through conference sessions when you mind is really just focused on what is happening on the other side of the world. When all you want to do is get onto Twitter and live stream ABC 24 (which I couldn’t do because the Internet connection was failing today). I couldn’t get away from it – I wanted to be there – not here.
I know there are so many people are so frustrated with this – who are sick of all the internal fighting. People who couldn’t stand watching the TV screen. People who just wanted to scream. I get those feelings. Yet at the same time, it is strangely hard to be on the other side of the world when such a big political shift is happening at home.
I cannot quite explain how I am feeling after it is all done, whilst everyone in Australia is asleep. I think there are two thoughts.
The first is relief. As I have explained before I have a strange emotional connection to the Julia v Kevin fight and that has dissipated. I am however feeling rather relieved that it is all over – that at least this fight is finally done. That we can maybe move on. But more importantly that we can have the election we deserve – the election I kind of wanted in 2010.
The second thought though is panic. What the fuck is going to happen whilst I am asleep tonight? I am hoping to all hell that an early election isn’t called – whilst I may like it in theory the idea of watching an election whilst I am overseas is a bit too much to bear (I look forward to a life where I can really disconnect). I am hoping I can get through the next two weeks without feeling like I need to come home.
In the meantime though I will continue on at GPS. And I am finally going to get to some content. Expect a piece on violence very soon!