"Our political system has the outward appearance of democracy, but it is largely controlled by undemocratic forces. We find ourselves on the wrong side of the portcullis, watching helplessly as crucial decisions are taken about us, without us. If there’s one thing the coronavirus fiascos show, it’s the need for radical change."
This article by George Monbiot is about the UK political system, but there are obvious parallels with the Australian system, and no doubt others in the West.
Britain's claims to being a functioning democracy are only skin-deep