Or perhaps the way we now function is so clinical that we make it impossible for them to emerge and have a meaningful impact.

Among the political class in Australia, a series of challenges in the past year or so has focussed attention on the performance of the prime minister and the state leaders.

The opinion polls indicate that almost all are respected for the job they have done.

But history would tell a story that such reactions are but a snapshot in time.

John Brumby in Victoria and Anna Bligh in Queensland were each given big ticks for their captaincy during their state's respective bushfire and flood disasters. Yet it didn't save them in elections held soon after.

Michael Gunner in the Northern Territory and Annastacia Palaszczuk in Queensland will find out soon enough whether their approval ratings in times of crisis will hold them in better stead in defending their governments at the polls. Australia's past reveals a yearning for leadership - and in return an admiration when it is delivered.

It has not just been about direction and inspiration in government but across the board in all elements of society.

Perhaps I am being too discerning but right now there are not many standing out from the crowd. Maybe we don't tell the stories so well any more - maybe we have become so egalitarian and personally aspirational that we don't want to acknowledge those who lead and inspire. Each year we recognise Australians of the Year.

Many are unknown to the majority of their fellow Australians while some, like cave diving doctors Craig Challen and Richard Harris, have higher profiles due to more recent events - even if now we remember what they did but not their names.

Each is encouraged to seize the moment over the ensuing 12 months to educate and motivate the nation about that which is dear to them. Sadly, too few succeed beyond their pre-existing sphere of influence and those who do speak out, like Rosie Batty and Adam Goodes, find their detractors. We need a better environment in which true leadership can flourish. The 24-hour news cycle, the prevalence of social media, the demise of story-telling and investigative journalism, newspapers and local television production combine to make this a real challenge. In local government modern management theory and the rise of the council bureaucrat fetters the opportunity for elected representatives to make their mark. In the voluntary sector the obsession with trendy governance principles fundamentally discourages the rise of true leaders and shows them the door if they manage to do so.

In the political game many of those with real potential to be leaders in their community (as distinct from leaders of their parties) are snuffed out at the beginning by pre-selection processes or later by the rigidity of daily talking points and toeing the party line.

It's why a Jacqui Lambie can rise above the pack. But is that all that holds potential leaders back? In today's complex lifestyle far too many are time poor and maybe social media has given even further weight to one of Australia's darker personality traits - diminishing our poppies who dare to grow taller. The national obsession with sport in the middle of the last century fostered the emergence of heroes and leaders like Marjorie Jackson Nelson and John Landy both destined to be chosen as state governors.

Each is exceedingly humble and has left a mark not only on those whom they have met but on the broader community.

Maybe in the future Ashleigh Barty, who displays such similar qualities, will be allowed to make a similar lasting impact.

I have never met either but, like many, I am readily engaged by the personalities and achievements of Anh Do and Poh Ling Yeow. Maybe their stories should be more widely told to provide the likes of them with the platform to make a difference.

For me, immediate potential for lasting leadership is personified by two standouts - one Australian and one from not so far away.

During the New South Wales bushfires Shane Fitzsimmons was calm, considered and methodical - yet far from bereft of a touch of emotion when required.

He fits the definition of a leader on every count. Surely Governor-General material.

Across the Ditch, Jacinda Ardern is an accidental Prime Minister. Elected NZ Labour's leader just weeks out from the national election in 2017, she made ground but still finished 10 seats adrift of government.

New Zealand First's right-wing leader Winston Peters saw enough potential to throw his party's support behind her.

Few have subsequently seized the moment like Ardern.