It beggars belief and demonstrates an appalling lack of judgment that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is happy to entertain Grace Tame in the Lodge on Australian Day when she is wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the slogan ‘F-k Murdoch’.

Regardless of one’s political beliefs or what one thinks of Rupert Murdoch, that the Prime Minister and his wife are smiling and appear to see nothing wrong with such an egregious lack of civility and respect should not surprise.

Society, and how people interact within it, was once ruled by a moral code based on a strong sense of civility, manners, and what constituted correct social behaviour. In restaurants, diners were properly attired, knew how to hold a knife and fork, and spoke without disturbing others.

On public transport, women and the elderly were treated with respect and anyone daring to put their feet on a seat soon found themselves reprimanded. In shops, customers were courteous to staff and in hospitals there was no need for security guards to protect nurses and doctors.

Children had been taught by their parents to respect teachers and always to treat other students as they expected to be treated themselves while their school uniforms were worn with pride. In sport, while winning was the key, but equally as important was to abide by the rules and the umpire’s decision.

It’s obvious such a time has long since passed. What was once taken for granted and left unsaid has to be repeated publicly ad nauseam.

In workplaces, shops, restaurants, banks, on public transport, and in hospitals multiple signs have appeared calling for respect and good behaviour. They then warn about the consequences if this request is not followed.

In restaurants, supposedly dedicated to fine dining, patrons wear T-shirts, shorts, and sneakers while mobile phones are commonplace. Diners often confronted with patrons at adjoining tables laughing and shrieking, oblivious to their surroundings.

Proven by Virat Kohli shirtfronting Sam Konstas at the recent test match and spectators booing Novak Djokovic when he retired hurt doing the Australian Open semifinal, sport is no longer immune from crass, boorish behaviour.

It’s common to see teenagers on public transport acting like self-entitled buffoons and, while mediocre when it comes to literacy and numeracy results in international tests, Australian students are among the most misbehaved and disruptive among the OECD countries.

Does it matter that the Prime Minister allowed Tame to commit her self-serving act of vulgarity? Judged by the 156k impressions on my X account, where the overwhelming majority are critical of the event, it obviously does.

Regardless of political persuasion, whoever holds the office of the Prime Minister is obliged to respect the position and ensure it continues to be held in high regard. Albanese’s failure to respect the office of Prime Minister is made worse by his pledge, on winning the election, to act with civility.

The Prime Minister argues the standard you walk past is the standard you accept. Clearly, on this occasion, he fails his own test.

Increasingly, people are saying ‘enough is enough’ and it’s time to restore a sense of civility, good manners, and respect. As argued by Samuel Johnson, ‘When once the forms of civility are violated, there remains little hope of return to kindness and decency.’

There’s no denying that humans are social animals, dependent on family and community for their happiness, prosperity, and survival. There’s also no doubt that civility, respect, and good manners help to bind society and once such qualities are lost antagonism, dislike, and hostility soon follow.

Given the negative impact of social media and with it, the rise of an entitlement mentality where it’s all about self and the ever-increasing belief intolerance is now acceptable, how people interact has dramatically changed for the worse.

At the same time, it’s critical to argue the case for civility, good manners, and respect, especially for those holding opposing opinions and beliefs. Parents must do more to instil in their children such virtues.

Teachers and schools must enforce a more disciplined classroom environment where there are clear boundaries between what constitutes acceptable and unacceptable behaviour and the consequences for breaking the rules.

Politicians, instead of defaulting to personal abuse and highly charged rhetoric, need to stop the character assassination and focus on arguing in a reasoned and balanced manner. Journalists also need to stop defaulting to simplistic, headline-grabbing language and be more impartial.

As the saying goes, kindness and respect as well as being civil cost nothing, but the rewards are many.

Dr Kevin Donnelly is an author, commentator and editor of Defend The West The Culture Of Freedom.