We came here to Australia over 40 years ago to what was then still in some ways an isolated country.
A long way from the rest of the world with overseas travel only for some.
A very friendly people, wonderful weather compared with what we knew in UK, vast countryside hard to imagine before.
Beaches that stretched far beyond the horizon, warm welcoming waters, bush that has an inviting feel that calls for further exploration. A country side that takes the man and moulds him to suit the clime.
Bars that at the time still had ladies only sections, restaurants that were simple but inviting.
Blue skies that without warning could bring flooding rains so welcome after months of drought.
Native animals roaming the land with impunity, forcing traffic on side roads to halt until they passed.
Mountains that beckon the traveller to seek further peaks, desert lands that stretch for ever, lakes that may only see water once in a decade.

A land that took not only my life but my soul as well, there is no finer country in which to live, no country can give the freedom this does, no other the welcoming this does.
A country of extremes in all manner, distance, state culture, weather, with cattle stations the size of some small countries.

But over time changes have taken place, the population grown from some 15 million to over 25 now. The largest multicultural nation on earth with persons from 179 nations, mostly living in peace with each other and nature.

But now brought about by an unseen enemy in the form of a Virus unwelcome changes are taking place, states locking down fearful of others bringing the Virus in, families separated for months as a result. All from State premiers who behave more like the Dictators of some minor totalitarian nation.

A few months past the Federal opposition Attorney General made the statement that he does not believe in Free Speech, claiming that using such will often some members of society.

Earlier in the week the secretary of the Australian Football League told the wife’s and girl friends of players they were not to post on social media or speak with the media on any matters relating to the manner in which the league operates. A comment by a husband or partner on the match result or any other matter relating to it must remain secret from them.

In Western Australia there is a branch of the Australian Political Party which is basically a religious one, they were to hold a seminar for about 700 members.
The State government has stopped this on the grounds that their political agenda is different from that of the State Government and different from the belief of the majority of the electorate.
Despite the law saying such discrimination is illegal.

My concern, and that of many others is the is the erosion of Democracy brought about by such actions.

Is similar occurring in other nations or only here?