Both major parties have been guilty of this.

Whatever your views of either party, Malcolm Turnbull, in his character, appears to embody a more positive, optimistic view of what it means to be an Australian in a regional economy dominated by China.

If, subjectively, outgoing PM Tony Abbott could be seen as rather medieval in his approach and personal style, Mr Turnbull is seen as a Renaissance man.

He, on many platforms, is seen as someone who can draw progressive votes from both Labor and the Greens, by articulating a more statesmanlike vision for Australia.

If under the leadership of Tony Abbott, Australia seemed a smaller place, with less sway on the world stage, Mr Turnbull appears more confident of the bigger picture.

Labor, too, has shrunk in this race to the bottom.

Both parties have been dominated by their right-wing factions and as they vied with each other, they began to sound more and more alike.

Increasingly, both parties presented shrink-wrapped visions, based on fear of what a few voters in a few marginal seats might think.

In this race to the

bottom, ideas and vision were the first casualties.

Bill Shorten, with his rusted-on ties to the right of the Labor Party, with all its murky branch-stacking past, has not so far articulated a brighter vision of where Australia could go.

Far from their hearts sinking at the elevation of Mr Turnbull, those elected MPs from the Labor side of the house, should be celebrating.

If Mr Turnbull signals a breath of fresh air for the Coalition, the same should be true of Labor.

If the race to the bottom is over, Labor, too, can be-come more of a movement and less of a machine.

If both parties are aiming high, they have a chance to truly differentiate themselves and be judged on their policies.

If both parties are aiming high, the electorate truly has a choice.

Viva la difference!