Here in Europe we have many of these issues too. In the Netherlands the country is practically run by big corporate, the leading party is basically a string pup

Here in Europe we have many of these issues too. In the Netherlands the country is practically run by big corporate, the leading party is basically a string puppet for them. Though the opposition is still strong. We also have extreme house price increases, decline in public education and health (due to budget cuts and privatisation). Australia is very neoliberal but so are many countries in Europe. Though there is a lot of difference between EU countries. The Nordic countries and Germany are a lot less like this. But between Australia and the Netherlands there isn't actually that much difference when it comes to corporate interests running the country. PS I've lived in Australia a couple years too :)