What If Our Next Prime Minister Was a Child's Dream Today?

By Samantha Pillay

As Australia heads towards another federal election, the nation turns its gaze to leaders who promise to shape our future. But while we scrutinise policies, platforms, and promises, I propose we ask a different question: What if our next Prime Minister was a child's dream today?

Children see leadership through an unfiltered lens — a leader who listens, solves problems, and brings people together. They aren't burdened by party politics, polls, or political agendas. Instead, they value fairness, honesty, and the courage to do what's right. As we face mounting global challenges and societal divisions, the question of how we cultivate future leaders has never been more pressing.

Planting the Seed of Leadership

Every young girl who declares, "When I'm the Prime Minister, I'll listen carefully," is not just playing pretend — she's practising the language of leadership. Words like accountability, collaboration, and advocacy lay the foundation for understanding the responsibilities of those in power. These are the seeds of curiosity and confidence that can one day grow into a commitment to public service.

Yet far too often, leadership is reduced to a spectator sport. We analyse political manoeuvres, follow the latest controversies, and critique from the sidelines. But genuine leadership requires more than political tactics; it demands integrity, resilience, and the ability to unite communities in pursuit of the common good.

If we want better leaders, we need to start earlier. Conversations about leadership should begin in childhood — in classrooms, around dinner tables, and through stories that encourage empathy and vision. These conversations shape not only how children perceive leadership but also how they understand their role in a democratic society.

From Storytime to Civic Engagement

Fostering a leadership mindset doesn't end with a bedtime story. Encouraging children to participate in community service, student councils, and volunteer initiatives helps them experience leadership in action. It also normalises the idea that leadership is not defined by titles or political ambition but by a willingness to serve others.

Studies consistently show that leadership ambitions often form in childhood. Unfortunately, gender stereotypes and societal expectations can quickly diminish those aspirations, particularly for girls. When children see diverse role models in leadership, it broadens their understanding of who can lead. We must be intentional in encouraging girls to view themselves as capable leaders and ensuring boys grow up expecting to share leadership roles with women.

Leadership That Unites, Not Divides

The challenges of our time — from climate change to economic inequality — demand leaders who prioritise long-term solutions over short-term gains. Yet divisive politics has fractured communities and strained global alliances. Too often, leadership is viewed as a zero-sum game, where winning matters more than governing with purpose.

But children remind us that leadership at its core is not about winning arguments — it's about finding common ground. They see leadership as the power to unite, not divide.

This election season, we have an opportunity to lead by example. Let's model respectful debate, celebrate diverse perspectives, and demonstrate that democracy works best when leaders prioritise people over politics. Our actions today shape how the next generation will approach leadership tomorrow.

Building a Stronger Future

Imagine a future where our Prime Minister leads with the same optimism, fairness, and resilience children aspire to. A future where empathy guides decision-making, integrity is non-negotiable, and the pursuit of the common good prevails over personal gain.

We can't wait until election day to demand better leadership. We need to cultivate it now by instilling in our young people the values and skills that genuine leadership requires. Through mentorship, open dialogue, and opportunities for civic engagement, we can prepare the next generation to navigate the complexities of leadership with confidence and purpose.

After all, today's storytime dreamers could be tomorrow's decision-makers. Let's ensure they have the tools, values, and belief in their potential to lead us into a brighter future.