It was a quick 2014. Each year seems to go more quickly. 

The feedback I have been hearing at get togethers over Christmas is that people are nostalgic for a simpler, easier time. They are overwhelmed and pretty cynical about constant messaging. 

The bombardment of social media and 24 hour news reporting is not a small factor in this. We want things to be the way they were, simpler and easier, but we are constantly drawn to what’s on our screens. 

At times, it can be difficult to achieve a sense of perspective. I know there is community anger about the atrocities we have seen in the past 12 months – and when it happens close to Christmas, it is an even greater challenge to forgive. 

Australia remains a very safe place to live. We are incredibly lucky and privileged to have the freedoms we have and to enjoy the standard of living we so often take for granted. 

Is it possible to see ourselves as the rest of the world sees us, as a country which is free, fair, and prosperous – and the envy of many?

Perception is important - and it is a great challenge within this fast paced, digital world, for leaders to explain clearly to the community their direction and their reasoning.

But as I say to many people around me, and I say it often, good policy is much more important than the optics.

In a week’s time, the landmark trade agreement with Japan will start to come into effect, meaning two rounds of tariff cuts this year for our exporters – the first on January 15, the second on April 1.  

For beef producers for example, and there are many here in Hume, the current 38.5 per cent tariff will be halved over 15 years, with an eight per cent cut in this first year. 

This is good policy. The benefits will be felt for decades. 

In our own lives and on the broader stage, let’s take time these holidays to reflect on perception versus good management.

On taking time, I encourage all busy people to take the chance to switch off, literally, even for a few days. If there’s one thing we can do to slow the pace, it’s to turn off the technology. 

I for one will be trying to heed my own advice.

Angus Taylor