It's a sad phenomenon that's generally happening all over the world, especially when these job owners wanted to thin the herd or maybe reduce their workforce. I didn't know you worked in so many places not to talk of the State government in Brisbane, apart from the issues, how did it feel like working for the government? If you ask me I'll say changing your job description came with reduction of salaries and all the dividends or extra bucks that came with it.
As for people fighting for their country. The Nigerian citizens tried it recently and they were murdered by their owne government. Wanting a better government is always resulting in bloodshed. As peaceful protest for change is always turned against people. It's a really dicey situation.

@tipu curate