Sadly, the election of a couple of "real people" to the Senate has been greeted in many quarters by undisguised contempt and much hand-wringing about allowing amateurs near the seat of power. Let's see this for what it is: class bias.

We are not used to seeing working-class people in Parliament any more.

Unfortunately, the majority of politicians tread the well-worn path from private school to university, involvement in student politics and then a role as an adviser to a politician or a union before preselection.

And all the time, many of them, unlike Senator Muir, have the security of parental support.

Senators Muir and Lambie are to be congratulated for their success in getting elected, particularly when you consider the obstacles they have overcome.

As can be seen by Senator Muir's article, the experiences they bring to their jobs will inform their decision-making. A policy that cuts payments to young unemployed for six months will (thankfully) not get past them.

They understand that "doing it tough" is not just a slogan, but a constant for many people.