How do you spell the sound a cockatoo makes? It’s not screech. It’s not squawk. It doesn’t even start with an S.

It’s more like whoaaareiirrr – screamed while inhaling. A sound for our times.

Especially when it comes to politics.

I can’t recall the lead-up to an election where people felt more dismayed by politicians.

Come May and federal polling day, I wonder if voters will even have the energy to scream.

I think most Australians would prefer to like their Prime Minister. Or at least, have a grudging respect. I despair, given the state of debate, whether that’s still possible.

When was the last time you heard a political leader speak and felt genuinely inspired? When was the last time you heard a politician give an interview and answer questions clearly? Not just sounds, but substance. Followed by action.

Last week, I interviewed the Federal Environment Minister on my radio program. Sussan Ley announced that the koala was officially endangered.

“How may koalas are there in Australia?” I asked. There was no clear answer.

Approximately how many koalas, I persisted, seeking some kind of estimate. How do you declare an animal is endangered, if you don’t know how many are alive?

The answer still proved elusive. Ok, what’s considered a healthy, sustainable number of koalas, I inquired. What are we aiming for when multimillion dollar conservation commitments are made? Again, no clear answer.

At least the Minister accepted the invitation to come on my show. It’s been more than two years since the Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, has agreed to appear on my program. I’m not even sure the audience cares anymore, since politicians seem to have forgotten how to answer questions.

In search of some optimism and ideas, I went back to the maiden speeches of the two people who hope to be elected as Prime Minister at the next election. The first speech delivered on the floor of the House of Representatives should reveal the least cynical moment in a politician’s career.

Scott Morrison’s maiden speech was delivered on Valentine’s day in 2008.

“It is with humility and a deep sense of appreciation to the electors…” he began his speech filled with references to family and faith.

“To my wife, Jenny, on Valentine’s Day: words are not enough.”

He spoke of his wish to “combat the negative influences on our young people that lead to depression, suicide, self-harm, abuse and antisocial behaviour that in turn threatens our community.”

Scott Morrison moved from business to Bible quotes to explain how his Christianity defined his principles in life.

“From my faith I derive the values of loving-kindness, justice and righteousness, to act with compassion and kindness, acknowledging our common humanity and to consider the welfare of others; to fight for a fair go for everyone…”

He quoted the Book of Joel, Jeremiah and also Desmond Tutu:

“We expect Christians … to be those who stand up for the truth, to stand up for justice, to stand on the side of the poor and the hungry, the homeless and the naked, and when that happens, then Christians will be trustworthy believable witnesses.”

Will Australians trust Scott Morrison to lead the Australia in the next term of federal parliament? No doubt, he’s praying they will.

On 60 Minutes this week the Prime Minister said he’s worn out the carpet next to his bed in Canberra because he’s spent so much time on his knees praying for our country,

Karl Stefanovic suggested he might need more than a miracle to win the next election.

“You might need the second coming,” winked Karl. “Well, I believe in that too,” the PM laughed righteously.

Karl’s fireside chat with the Opposition Leader is yet to come.

Anthony Albanese’s maiden speech in parliament was on the 6th of May 1996. Almost 20 years before Scott Morrison entered parliament. Yet, many Australians feel like they don’t know him.

“I will be satisfied if I can be remembered as someone who will stand up for the interests of my electorate, for working class people, for the labour movement, and for our progressive advancement as a nation into the next century.”

He thanked his mother, Maryanne “who raised me under very difficult economic circumstances. She instilled in me a strong sense of social justice and fairness.”

Anthony Albanese was the youngest Labor member of the house at the time and championed a progressive social agenda.

“The bigots who criticise programs aimed at the special needs of sections of our community ignore the fact that there is not equality of opportunity across class, gender, sexual preference and ethnicity.”

He relished noting that “there were many in the media who confidently predicted that I would not be in this chamber today.”

And now, 26 years later, Anthony Albanese wants to be Prime Minister, as does Scott Morrison.

No one can confidently predict what might happen on May 21, which is shaping as the likely polling date for the next federal election.

But I wonder if each leader had to give a heartfelt speech today, who might be listening and who would have faith in them. Or would it all just be screeching and squawking like those cockatoos?