In a crude indication of how poorly the prime minister is travelling in this state, during the July Ravenhall prison riot one marauding inmate scrawled the words "**** Tony Abbott" across a wall.
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The idea that the performance of the federal government might have played a part in a prison rampage triggered by a smoking ban says a great deal. The sense of political despair has now filtered through the entire population, from the business community downwards. The country feels rudderless.
A common claim is that our political leaders have fallen victim to a phenomenon known as the "24 hour news cycle", spending ever more time scrambling to respond to ever more demanding media imperatives.
There could be some truth in this, but overwhelmingly the idea is a copout. The fault lies not with the media (since when was too much scrutiny a bad thing?) or the public.
Rather, it lies with our political leaders. In recent years, many have been terrible, across both sides of politics. No wonder Australians are fed up. Broadly speaking, there are three problems.
First, a disproportionately large number of politicians seem to squander our money for self interest rather than public interest. Bronwyn Bishop's use of a taxpayer funded chopper to attend a Liberal fundraiser in Geelong typified this.
Second, there is an excessive focus on ideology and navel gazing. The Rudd, Gillard and Abbott governments have been riven by internal strife. Right now, the Abbott government seems more interested in attacking opponents and pandering to fringe groups.
Third, the debate seems to lurch from short-term issue to short-term issue. We are peppered with distractions, but there is little sense of a clear direction for the future.
It needn't be like this. In NSW, the Liberal government led by Mike Baird has shrugged off its ideological robes. Indeed, Baird went so far as to recently declare himself to be "sick of politics" in this country.
After an incredibly fraught period in NSW (remember Eddie Obeid and the Independent Commission Against Corruption?) there is now a sense of momentum.
New Zealand, a country which has not had the benefit of a resources boom, is another example. The reform and economic record across the Tasman has been remarkable. Last year Prime Minister John Key was reelected for a third term with an increased majority.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews is looking closely at the experience of both NSW and New Zealand as a template.
Early days, but so far the signs are positive. There is a focus on delivering election commitments, including eliminating level crossings and getting started on the metro rail tunnel.
And although there have been political problems, these have been dealt with relatively expeditiously.
People are sick of politics. But the good news is it need not be so bad. If nothing else, Canberra provides us with a salutary lesson on how not to proceed.
