IMO it comes down to lobbying. I would be shocked if Australia's lobbying laws are as relaxed as they are here in the US. Corporations can spend unlimited amounts on political campaigns whereas individuals are limited to a few thousand dollars. Our political leaders answer to their constituents, and some of their most important constituents are corporations.Corporate profits really seem to rule supreme in the USA. Unbelievable that your government really supports the rich. Sad really.
I understand how the lobbying works, it really is a sad state of affairs. Laws and policies are influenced by money. We have similar prob;ems here in Australia but nowhere near the extent as in America. Here politicians still try and hide who they're in bed with and we have limits to what your dollars can get you. Ultimately it all comes down to dollars, we have a two party system here where votes are passed onto the two parties as preferences and I'm cynical enough to have zero faith in my politicians promises and intentions. Sooooo, I've finally realised the way of the world and now donate money to a group calld GetUp on a weekly basis and additionally for other serious matters. They are having great success in Australia bringing issues to the public that people wouldn't otherwise know about. Then, more importantly, getting money and signed petitions out of people to combat the issue with campaigning, advertising and lobbying. That could be the future of positive change, money from the masses.