Election day in Australia isn’t just about voting—it’s also about the iconic “democracy sausage.” But beyond the sizzle of barbecues at polling booths, important conversations are happening about policies, voting changes, and the impact of faith in politics.

Doug sat down with Jacob Hill from the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) to discuss how elections shape the nation and why every vote matters.

What is the ACL?

For those unfamiliar, the Australian Christian Lobby is a non-denominational group that advocates for Christian values in government. “We represent the church across all denominations and engage with political leaders on key issues,” Jacob explained. “We’re also non-partisan, meaning we don’t support a specific party but instead focus on policy.”

Key Issues on the ACL’s Radar

Jacob highlighted several issues that ACL is actively discussing:

  • Abortion Laws – “It’s confronting when you look at what’s legally allowed and how that aligns with biblical values.”
  • Voluntary Assisted Dying – “This challenges our belief in the value of human life.”
  • Birth Certificate Changes – “People can now legally change their gender without any medical or legal barriers. The knock-on effects are significant.”

He stressed that even small legal changes can have widespread consequences. “We saw this when the Marriage Act was changed. One law shift creates ripple effects across other areas.”

Changes to the Voting System in WA

One of the biggest changes in the upcoming state election is how votes are counted for the Upper House.

Previously, Western Australia was divided into six regions, and candidates needed 14% of the vote in their area to win a seat. Now, the entire state is treated as one electorate, and candidates only need 2.6% of the total vote.

“This is a game-changer for smaller parties,” Jacob said. “It gives minor parties a real chance of securing seats.”

Are More People Moving Away from Major Parties?

Jacob believes so. “For years, people felt voting for a minor party was a wasted vote. But that’s not true. Preferences allow votes to flow to major parties while still signaling support for specific issues.”

He added that as bigger parties become more distinct—one leaning more conservative and the other more progressive—voters are looking for alternatives that better align with their values.

Do Federal Issues Influence State Elections?

“Absolutely,” Jacob said. “Most people don’t separate state and federal politics. Issues like cost of living and housing cross over, and many voters see them as one and the same.”

He noted that the popularity of federal leaders can impact state elections. “Even though we should vote based on policies, personality and trust play a huge role in decision-making.”

Make an Informed Choice

Jacob encouraged voters to educate themselves before heading to the polls. “We’ve put together resources at vote.org.au to help people understand party positions and voting changes.”

Listen to the full conversation.