God help Anna Bligh

I consider myself agnostic, but the events about to unfold in Queensland over the coming 24 hours could push me one way or the other, once and for all. First, some flooding, then the big floods, then a bit of a cyclone, more rain, and now another cyclone of category 4 proportions. Not the best holiday season.

The strength, clarity and leadership repeatedly illustrated by Premier Bligh however, leads me to thoughts long in the future. Thoughts that will save me from wishing ‘well, if only’ at times of inevitable natural disasters to come. Times like we had on Black Saturday. The Queensland Premier has set the bar, forging a new era of crisis leadership we have been begging for.

For perhaps the first time I feel Australian authorities are acting not only  pre-emptively but also comprehensively. That plans, action and unity of force and authority  have been garnered. The challenge for each individual of facing what cannot be stopped, may now become the makings of courage rather than fear. And that is something to cling to.

Perhaps we can also continue to thank the era in which we suddenly find ourselves for this all-inclusive communicative unleashing. Our everyday digital mediums harnessed for life saving constructive use, alongside the daily titillation by which they sprung into being. News conferences televised via broadband, mobile and twitter alerts, sure. But a less digital communication phenomenon is what is really impressive. Perhaps it’s been gathering momentum for a while, but now, this summer I see. I see sign language. And impressive is what it is. At each news conference and update the signers are there, in the line up, next to the defence personnel, next to the Premier. It is inclusionist, progressive and about time. It does another job though. It instills calm. Because if the people in charge of us, of it all, of today, are this comprehensive, then maybe they really have thought of everything?

Today I wish Queenslanders courage, strength and luck as cyclone Yasi meets their shores. Hold on tight, our will is with you. I hope God’s will is too.

Tracey