If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s this: good mental health and real wellbeing rely on a sense of agency—on knowing that we have a voice and that it matters. And yet, every time I see people rallying around a political “saviour” who promises to solve it all for them, I get a knot in my stomach. When we hand over our hope to a single figure, we’re also handing over a part of ourselves, trusting them to “fix” things. It’s a setup that can leave people feeling powerless, waiting instead of doing.

And if the recent US election has taught us anything, it’s that many Americans are looking for just such a “saviour”—someone who can single-handedly restore their vision of a better life. But here in Australia, we need to ask ourselves: how do we avoid falling into that same trap? How can we steer clear of a mentality that hands over our hopes, our voices, and even our power to a single figure?

The answer lies in building a culture of grounded, realistic trust—one that’s rooted in community, shared responsibility, and genuine accountability. 

Here’s where we can start:

1. Focus on Community Over Hero Worship

Australia has always prided itself on mateship, a spirit of looking out for one another and standing together. Instead of looking to leaders to “save” us, we can look to our communities and strengthen the connections that make us resilient. When communities work together to tackle local issues, it builds a stronger, more empowered society that doesn’t rely on anyone swooping in to solve our problems.

2. Support Leaders Who Empower, Not Just Promise

Real leadership doesn’t just tell us what we want to hear—it empowers us to make changes ourselves. We need leaders who inspire us to get involved, who emphasise collaboration over top-down solutions, and who work alongside us, not above us. When we choose leaders who see their role as serving, rather than rescuing, we build a culture that values agency over passivity.

3. Invest in Education for Critical Thinking

To avoid saviour syndrome, we need to be able to spot the difference between rhetoric and substance. Schools, libraries, and media literacy programs should prioritise teaching Australians to think critically, ask questions, and recognise when promises are unrealistic or hollow. When people are equipped to make informed decisions, they’re less likely to hand over their trust to the loudest voice in the room.

4. Celebrate Accountability and Transparency

A true leader is accountable. Let’s highlight and support leaders who don’t shy away from transparency, who admit when they’re wrong, and who are clear about both their successes and challenges. By valuing accountability over charisma, we make it clear that leadership is about integrity, not just persuasion.

5. Build a Culture of Shared Responsibility

Real change isn’t about one person fixing everything; it’s about everyone doing their part. By fostering a culture of shared responsibility, we create a sense of purpose and agency that empowers people to engage with their communities, contribute to solutions, and take ownership of our collective future. When people feel their actions matter, they’re less likely to place all their hopes on one figure.

6. Encourage Local Solutions to Local Problems

National leaders may set the tone, but often, it’s local communities that drive real change. We can strengthen our local councils, community organisations, and neighbourhood initiatives, supporting solutions that address the specific needs of each region. By focusing on local action, we’re reminded that real solutions often come from within, not above.

The lesson from the US election is clear: putting our faith in a “saviour” to fix everything is not only a recipe for disappointment; it risks giving away our own power. In Australia, we have the chance to foster a different culture—one that’s grounded in connection, collaboration, and a belief in collective effort. When we avoid the saviour mentality, we create a stronger, more resilient Australia that trusts in itself, not in empty promises.