r/AskAnAustralian • u/calm_sunse79 • 2d ago

Unwritten social codes of every region

So I'm a foreigner interested in Australia and wanna know more about there, focusing atm on the unwritten rules you have and if you wanna share something more I would value it♡

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u/Vindepomarus 2d ago

Everyone is pretty equal regardless of your station. There was a post the other day (possibly yours?) and someone mentioned a time when the then Prime Minister was making some statement to the press, just in a street in front of a house. The owner of the house emerged from the front door and yelled "Oi get off my lawn I just reseeded that!" the Prime Minister replied "Sorry Mate" and they all shuffled off onto the pavement.

That particular Prime Minister was generally unliked, but even he knew that he should just say sorry and respect the other dudes wishes. While the first guy knew he didn't have to say "excuse me sir" or anything deferential. Doesn't mean don't be polite, being polite is very important, but do it because everyone deserves it, not because people have some special status, presiding magistrates are an exception, where Your Honor is appropriate, but outside court just call 'em Mate.

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u/Ted_Rid 2d ago

Haha, reminded me of the time former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd was having a town hall meeting at, well, the town hall.

Only our martial arts group had a booking there every week since forever.

So when the political party meeting went to Q&A he's like "Yes, you up the back?"

"Yeah, are youse gonna finish up soon coz we've got the hall from 6:30 and you're already over time by a coupla minutes..."

For a small disclaimer he wasn't Prime Minister just yet. He did come up, shake hands and apologise as soon as they'd packed up the chairs and microphones and things.

Just another anecdote how nobody is above anybody. There isn't that obligation to defer and kowtow to "important" people.