Now that Australia’s recovered from the election hangover, the nightmare of having a Coalition Government leading the country stares squarely right in front of me.

It’s sadly a reality.

We have chosen a leader who doesn’t support gay rights for marriage equality, despite having a sibling who is gay.

We have voted for a man who claims he isn’t sexist yet there’s no denying he believes it would “be folly to expect women to ever approach equal representation in all aspects of public life”

Our new leader doesn’t welcome asylum seekers believing they should return to live a life of peril and dangers yet his background as a 10 Pound Pom comes under a separate, privileged category of immigration.

Yup. For me, Australia’s future looks grim, morbid and hopeless.

But at this point, I’d like to thank Tony Abbott.

Thank him that his double sided, hypocritical views have fuelled a rage that’s determined to closely monitor the next 3 years with a hawk’s eye, ready to pounce on his next gaffe.

That in turn, this anger and frustration has immediately eliminated all senses of complacency.  The unstable political climate needs my attention, as well as the rest of the nation’s.  That it’s time for more than mere speech but action.  Even campaigning.

That as a woman looking to return to work, I will fervently do everything in my power to show society you’re wrong; that a mother’s capabilities go beyond the ironing and housework.

As an immigrant, I can teach my children to be tolerant of other cultures and nationalities.  That there are innocent, desperate people who are left without a choice other than to run away from the perils of their own home country; Australia does indeed have the resources and facilities to help them start a new life here.

If you – as the leader of my country –  Mr Abbott want my respect, by turn I demand that you earn it.

Thank you Mr Abbott for reminding me that as a citizen of Australia and in this battle to make our country great again, I have just as much work to do as you.