Could be because our (the Australian) government looks after us a bit better than the American government looks after their people? I mean a good, free healthcare system, university fees aren't through the roof, reasonable minimum wages, comfortable standard of living.
That might be right, but do they need to be mutually exclusive? The policy on healthcare, education and minimum wages could be made while maintaining strong civil liberties (I think?).
An interesting difference to highlight - the statement "government looks after us" is something many folks in the US would find strange. The US views government more "of the people, by the people, for the people" - ie the government is us governing ourselves.
