Unpaid Work: The Hypocrisy of Being an "Unemployed" Politician

The Australian government claims to value public service, leadership, and democracy, yet when an independent politician dedicates himself to philosophy, policy, and the betterment of society, he is considered unemployed.

I am working full-time on political theory, policy development, and engaging in public discourse—yet, in the eyes of the system, I am not a worker. Why? Because I am not employed by the government or a corporate-funded political party.

So what does it take to be considered a real politician? Apparently, not actually doing the work—just being part of the right institutions.

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I Moved to Canberra for Political Engagement – But Found Only Silence

I live in Canberra, the heart of Australian politics, where the country’s leaders debate policy, pass laws, and shape the nation. I came here to engage with the political community, to be a part of the national conversation.

But what have I found? Silence.

📢 No one will engage with me.

📢 There are no public discussions.

📢 The political system is locked away behind closed doors.

Where is the open debate? Where is the democratic participation that politicians claim to support? Why does an independent leader have to scream into the void just to be acknowledged?

I am doing their work—thinking critically about policy, governance, and the future of Australia—and yet I am treated as if I am doing nothing at all.

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The Hypocrisy of "Employment" in Politics

Let’s talk about what it really means to work as a politician.

🔹 Major party politicians get paid for their positions—even when they contribute nothing of value.

🔹 Political staffers and lobbyists are funded to manipulate the system for corporate interests.

🔹 Think tanks and advisory groups receive government funding to shape policy.

But someone like me, who is actively thinking about the nation’s future, crafting policy, engaging in political discourse, and advocating for systemic change?

🚫 No paycheck. No recognition. No support.

I am doing exactly what politicians are supposed to do—developing ideas to improve society. But because I am not part of the system’s inner circle, the government considers me unemployed.

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The System Is Designed to Shut Out Independent Voices

This isn’t just about me. This is about how the system keeps power in the hands of those who are already in it.

🛑 Independent politicians are not given the same recognition or financial support as party-backed candidates.

🛑 The media only covers those who already have power.

🛑 Political conversations are kept within elite circles, excluding those who challenge the status quo.

The system is rigged to make sure that real change never comes from the outside.

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What Needs to Change?

If we truly believe in a fair democracy, then:

🔹 All independent politicians should receive financial support for political work.

🔹 There must be greater public engagement in Canberra, with open forums and debates.

🔹 Unpaid political work must be recognized as labor—because ideas and governance are real contributions to society.

If Australia wants real political engagement, then it must stop excluding the voices of those who are actually trying to do the work.

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I Am a Politician – Whether They Recognize It or Not

I don’t need government approval to know that I am doing the work of a leader.

I will continue developing society, crafting policy, and shaping the future of democracy—whether the system acknowledges me or not.

But make no mistake: I am not unemployed. I am working harder than most of the politicians collecting a paycheck for doing nothing.

And eventually, the world will have no choice but to listen.

🔗 Join the fight for a real democracy at: wendellsdiary.com