Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott faced off on Sunday night, each outlining the problems facing our nation as well as explaining how they would go about solving them.
As I listened to the debate I have to admit I found my mind getting way off track. I know that what they are talking about is serious business for millions of Aussies, yet I couldn't help thinking about how these problems compared to those experienced in the developing world.
They talked about refugees, and the problems we face in letting them in.
This is a serious problem for Australia.
But what about the poor refugees who are fleeing for their lives, have left everything they've ever known, faced dangerous seas for months and now face being locked up?
They talked about budget deficit and debt. It will take at least three years to get us back into surplus. That's not to be scoffed at.
But what about the poorest countries in the world who have enormous debts they can never repay? What about the high interest rates they are paying on these debts that keep their economies stagnant?
They talked about rising cost of living and grocery prices.
This is a problem felt by many Aussies.
But what about the Global Food Crisis?
What about the one billion who are chronically hungry?
What about Lalu with only a bag of grain for his family to last until the next harvest?
And what about his community with over half of the kids malnourished?
The election in Australia is important. But as we think about our own problems, lets not forget the always forgotten poorest of the poor. As we decide on good solutions for us, lets think about solutions for them.
Lets love our neighbours.