T he outcome of the Brexit poll in Britain  that stunned the world and sent a continent into a spin demonstrates how significant each person's single vote can be. 
In a way, the Brexit vote was perfectly timed for Australians, one week away from a Federal election, because it shows the power of the ballot box and potential consequences of voting.
The public is often despondent and disinterested because individuals don't believe they can have an impact.
There are people in Britain who reportedly now regret their choice and feel they did not examine closely enough what campaigners were saying the outcome would mean.
This extraordinary case of voter remorse, sparked by the political and financial turmoil that occurred immediately after the "leave" side won the day, should serve as a reminder to all eligible adults that their duty is an important one.
At the start of the final week of the Federal election campaign, Australians are under an obligation to focus their attention on what each side has to say.
Now that both major parties have put most of their big policies on the table and launched their campaigns, voters who have been disengaged or too busy to bother with the election need to start paying attention.
The economic plans of both Malcolm Turnbull and Bill Shorten should be closely scrutinised. Much of the coalition's blueprint (although not some significant spending promises) is contained in the   May Budget and Labor's policy costings were released yesterday.
Labor confirmed it will increase the deficit by at least $16.5 billion, prompting Treasurer Scott Morrison to claim it will weaken our economy at a time we need it to be strong. Australians can evaluate the Treasurer's assessment for themselves and give serious thought to whether they believe Labor's investments in health and education are worth higher deficits in the short term, with a potential return to surplus after that.
Mr Shorten contends that with a re-elected coalition, Medicare will not be safe. He has retreated somewhat from his initial claim that the Liberals plan to privatise Medicare but is still arguing that the universal healthcare system is at risk.
Voters have the next week to test the veracity of that claim and decide whether Mr Turnbull is right that it is the "big lie" of the campaign.
Australians also need to consider what voting for minor parties and independents might mean for government stability.
If there's one thing Brexit has shown us, it's that nothing can be taken for granted in modern politics.