to briefly answer your question - most of the population does not think when it comes to politics.
the dumbest statement in the world would have to be to not discuss politics and religion and yet many who think that way only ever vote for one party - labor or liberal for life.
the average punter in australia is unconcerned with the wider world but is only concerned with making a dollar to pay the morgage and get drunk every weekend.
the rallies you see by the unions are reminiscent and a copy of the rallies we see in countries that have des[pots as rulers who wish to portray themselves as a viable authority.
your concerns are valid - but few will recognise them
