We Have A New Leader

After waking to yet another Monday morning of media leadership spill speculation headlines, I pleaded with the party via my blog, to Put Up or Shut Up. Little did I know, when making that impassioned plea, we would end up with a new Prime Minister by day's end. 

Malcolm Turnbull called for a spill. Sitting Prime Minister Tony Abbott moved quickly to bring the spill on and he lost the vote to Malcolm Turnbull 54-44. A sad day for Australia and a sad day for many conservative Liberal supporters. But that said, something had to be done to bring the leadership issue to a head and whilst I am extremely disappointed with the outcome, I am relieved that it has been sorted. 

The reaction from many conservative voters is to be as expected. They are deeply distrustful of Malcolm Turnbull, and they did not want to see their party sink to the same lows as the previous Labor Government. They are very angry with regards to timing, with the Canning by-election this coming weekend. And they are deeply distressed that Tony Abbott has been executed by a previous failed leader who was ably assisted by a deputy who is looking very much like ‘the teflon princess’, never to be Queen. But the deed has been done, and the question is now, what do we do. 

A number of people have declared they are resigning from the Liberal Party. Others have declared they won't be voting for the Liberals at the next election. An understandable response. Perhaps just not the best one given the alternative; a Labor Government come the next election. 

Malcolm Turnbull’s press conference to announce his spill motion wasn’t inspiring. His underhanded swipes at Tony Abbott were disappointing. And I suspect Turnbull's comments about the Prime Minister only add to the distrust people have of him. That said, Turnbull's address to the press gallery following the spill was more positive toward Tony Abbott if somewhat full of hubris.

I don’t trust Malcolm Turnbull, I’ve made no secret of that. I trust Julie Bishop even less. Her doe eyed flirty looks at her ‘very dear friend’ Malcolm as he addressed the gallery after the spill were nauseating.

As mentioned, I’m disappointed with the result. And, I’m angry about the timing? But I won’t knee-jerk and cancel my membership or threaten not to vote for my sitting member. I will wait three months before I pass judgement. I expect Malcolm to his promises to support the agreed climate policy, stand by the commitment to hold a SSM plebiscite, stick with the existing immigrant policy and control of our borders, improve the economy, and to have articulated a clear strategy and vision for the country. 

For this leadership change to be successful and to start to go some way toward mending the bridges that have been broken, Malcolm Turnbull has to swiftly and decisively; 

Pick the right team. The team capable of delivering ‘the message to the electorate’ and the team to get this country moving again. He has to bridge the gap with the conservative arm of the membership base. He has to negotiable an agreement with the Nationals who are clearly fed up with the infighting and destabilisation of the previous regime. He has to prove to conservative voters that we can trust him. The trust element also applies to Julie Bishop. She lost a lot of support yesterday. Turnbull has to unite the team and with 44 MP’s not supporting him that won't be easy. He has to seek the cooperation of a feral senate and he has to stop the media assaults. Most important of all he has to turn the poll results around. 

There has been a very obvious, active and vicious anti conservative campaign being run by the media in this country. It destroyed Tony Abbott. Of course, it wasn’t the only cause of his downfall, but it did play a significant role. I expect Turnbull will be given the expected honeymoon. But if Turnbull does deliver a new style of leadership from his previous very green stance and he moves to the centre / slightly left of centre ground we may end up back where we started. Only time will tell. 

First things first. We have to win the seat of Canning on Saturday. We need a public declaration of peace from those MP's who supported Tony Abbott. And, we need to see the promised unity. For now, I'm looking forward to questiontime today. I expect it will be facinating to watch. 

What Crime Has Tony Abbott Committed?

If you believe the polls, Prime Minister Tony Abbott is a dead man walking. This viewpoint is promoted at every opportunity by our salacious left leaning media and the fickle among the middle to right journos. Given these unrelenting attacks. More and more Liberal supporters are starting to waver and to doubt Mr Abbott’s suitability to lead. In all truthfulness, I’ve had my doubts, but something always brings me back from the brink. That one thing is, Tony Abbott’s ability to withstand these unrelenting attacks and to stick to his guns. That takes guts and courage. 

Now, some will interpret that as stubbornness and unwillingness to listen. I dispute that. He has listened and backed away from a number of proposed initiatives; example GP tax. There have been others.  But on those things he promised to deliver, he has stuck to his guns. That says a lot about character. A very important element in a leader. 

No one can be stabbed in the back day in, day out and not wear some scars. After the new government came to power, in 2013 it didn't take long for the left brigade to start their attacks Tony Abbott. They were swiftly joined by the media. They attacked him over boats, removing carbon and mining taxes and trying to deliver economic reform. The very things that the majority of people voted for. He also stated SSM marriage wasn't on the agenda this term and there would be a review into unions. Of these things he has delivered or is delivering. So he is doing what he said he would do. Hence delivering what the electorate asked of him. 

Tony Abbott has ‘put his neck on the line’ over thorny issues in the past; the Republic debate and Climate Change being two of them. The media were extremely vocal in expressing their views that the public wanted a republic and the media supported the climate change myth (they still do). The media said YES, the public said NO. Tony Abbott was right. Interesting given the questions over his judgement of late. Now of course, if you believe the polls we believe climate change is a big issue and we want  more stringent targets than the government has suggested AND we want a tax on carbon. Really? Have we really come a full circle in less than two years? 

I have said before, It was NEVER going to be easy for Tony Abbott. The opposition and the media were never his friends. It was made much harder by a bunch of new, inexperienced MP's to parliament and as has been proven,  a bunch driven by self interest fuelled by massive egos. The moment the attacks on Tony Abbott, started they went to jelly. They jump into the dump with the knockers. That was the cue for the ego driven opportunistic's within the inner circle to start their divide and conquer. What astounds me is, our party and elected representatives have learnt nothing from Labor’s downfall.  After spending six years in opposition and a large portion of that attacking Labor’s instability, they have quickly degenerated to the same level. The one person who has maintained their resilience, determination and loyalty is Tony Abbott. 

Tony Abbott has attempted to clear the decks so he can focus on those things that will continue to make a difference.

1. Jobs growth

2. National security

3. And, the economy

The soft issues like SSM marriage will be  up to the people to decide. Polls indicate people want this and the only question is timing.  Climate will be dealt with and supported by a sensible plan that will cost between $3 to $4 billion per annum, not the unsustainable Labor plan. He is putting the economy ahead of the climate.  

The Prime Minister is standing firm with regards to the Royal Commission and given the Unions and Labor are fighting so hard to stop him, you know there are more dirty dealings to emerge. For what it is worth, I applaud this initiative. Protecting employees should be paramount. 

So, given Tony Abbott has delivered. What exactly are we 'hanging' him for. It can't be for not getting things done. So is it down to? 

Is it because he is a bit clumsy and awkward?  Hardly a hanging offence. 

Is it because he holds christian values and won't cave in to social reengineering bullies? Doesn’t make him a criminal. 

Is it because he put some things out there in trying to balance the books that weren't popular? You would have to be very foolish not to think this would be an outcome given our welfare dependant society. 

Is it because he can't sell a vision? Fair enough, but who else has stepped up to help? Great teams use their strengths for better outcomes and if the leader isn’t the strongest at selling the plan those who can step up. Unless of course there are hidden agendas driven by self-interest. 

Or, is it because as someone suggested to me, that he has become a laughing stock. Why? Because the media jumps  on every little word stumble? Big deal, we all do it. Is it because he is a volunteer firefighter and he does a lot for charity? Is it because he loves his wife and daughters? Is it because he goes to church?   

I'm struggling to find the hanging offence. Perhaps I’m missing something. I’d love to know what it is. 

“The ego is one of the biggest barriers to people working together effectively. When people get caught up in their egos, it erodes their effectiveness. That's because the combination of false pride and an overactive and over inflated ego gives people a distorted image of their own importance. When that happens, people see themselves as the centre of the universe and they begin to put their own agenda, safety, status, and gratification ahead of those affected by their thoughts and actions.”

Dear Prime Minister Abbott

Dear Mr Abbott

You have many fine qualities which I admire and I value in a leader; courage, loyalty, tenacity, decency, values and strength. Strengths I want to see in leaders, in all walks of life.

But in saying that, it is sometimes those very qualities, that if misused, can also lead to a leader's downfall. Sadly, the perception I have, is that some of those qualities are being misused by you and as a result, they are letting you and many of your conservative supporters down. I know from discussions I have with many longstanding conservatives,  I am not the only one who feels this is the case. 

I accepted, that is was never going to be easy, for a first term conservative government, coming to power after six years of the chaos of Labor. And, in particular following a Labor government, who left more land-mines than in the killing fields in Afghanistan. That said, as a conservative supporter, I’ve hung in there through thick and thin. But I’m finding it harder to keep supporting what I am now witnessing.

I had high hopes when the Liberal & Nationals were handed the keys to The Lodge. In opposition I watched a strong team, unified in their mission to rescue the country from years of waste, dysfunction, back stabbing and chaos. Sadly, now I am witnessing similar behaviours in your team.

I am a middle of the road conservative. I am concerned about the economy, our security, jobs and growth. I believe in an environment where people are encouraged to be self-sufficient and not be a drain on the ‘public purse’. I accept that in a world driven by social reformers, who believe the government ‘owes’ people a living, that driving to self-sufficiency is a huge change effort and some ‘eggs will be broken” along the way.

I believe, as Australians, we can compete with and lead the best in the world. I am disappointed that important drivers that enable that, like the economy, our security, jobs and growth are being highjacked by soft issues such as same sex marriage. As a result, Labor, the Greens, the left media and sadly some within our own party are driving the political debate. I was delighted when you announced your intention to consider a plebiscite. I was hopeful the debate would settle down and government could get on with the important issues. But alias, that was not to be. I will come back to this point.

I know many good things are still happening. The passing of the research fund. Good news on the economy and jobs. But apart from the odd program like Bolt or articles such as the one published by Peter Switzer, in his excellent piece of August 18 headed up “Be warned. A politician called Joe Hockey is telling us the truth” (link below), we see nothing in the news unless we search for it. And we hear little from you, talking this up. So the vast majority of people only see and hear the negative stories promoted by the ABC, SBS and Fairfax with the able assistance of Sky and the rest of the electronic media. No wonder the faithful are losing faith. Add to that, the disgraceful misleading TV ads by unions and we have a sense of despair creeping in.

Sadly, far too much of the negativity is being fuelled by some within our own party. I was therefore very pleased to hear today that you will be taking tough action against leakers. Great, but we need to see action, not just words. It’s fine to present a different point of view to the public. In fact it’s healthy. But when key discussions are leaked or when MP’s and Ministers air their very vocal opposition to decisions made, in a public forum,  the message the electorate hears is; one of disunity. That is not a good look Mr Abbott. “We load the gun and hand it to the opposition to shoot us in the head.”

Which leads me to my next point; loyalty. You have a well deserved reputation for loyalty. But loyalty can also blind us to the perceptions of others; perception is reality in the eyes of many. I feel (and I know I am not alone) that Malcolm Turnbull and Christopher Pyne have demonstrated their disloyalty on a number of occasions, and therefore they need to go. Bronwyn Bishop was sacrificed over the expenses scandal and Christopher Pyne supported her accuser, Tony Burke.  The man who bullied Mrs Bishop out of office and who has been proven to be a significant serial abuser of tax payer dollars.  That is appalling. Malcolm Turnbull on the other hand made a big show of catching a train from Melbourne to Geelong; an act of deliberate public mocking. Disgraceful.

I should add at this point, that it is to your credit, that you appointed a team to review politicians expenses and that shows you have courage. I am sure, many within your own party,  who seem to think that access to tax payer funds is a right regardless of questionable justification, were not happy about that. But, you responded to the overwhelming electorate outrage and I am grateful that you are dealing with this obvious abuse. Well done. But, following your announcement in confirming the report would be completed first half 2016 was a huge disappointment to me. I feel that is far too long.  The report needs to produced before the end of the year. If it isn’t, it simply looks like delaying tactics and an opportunity to restore faith with the community will be wasted. People have short memories.

So back to loyalty and solidarity. I would never support any group where every member of the team thinks the same. Different viewpoints are important and essential to the effective performance of any team. However, once debate has taken place, the arguments from all sides heard, and the decision of the collective group reached (based on the agreed decision criteria be that unanimous, 80/20 or the power of one) then that final decision must be supported in public. That is an important key in maintaining faith with the electorate. I haven’t always agreed with every decision your team has made. However, if I understand the logic, the overall benefits (not necessarily a personal benefit to me) then I support the decision. And, in my own small way I do that in public, to my own detriment at times. It was very disappointing therefore, to have Ministers breeching the party room decision on SSM. Christopher Pyne in particular was very vocal in condemning the process and the inclusion of the Nationals team. Malcolm Turnbull was another who could not wait to voice his concerns to anyone prepared to listen. Once again the perception of the electorate is that of a divided team with some members outwardly undermining the leader. That’s hard to defend.

It is blatantly obvious your PMO is not doing their job. With respect Mr Abbott, neither are you. The Labor Party and the Greens supported by an ever increasingly left learning media are winning the battle. They lie, they bully and you and your PMO appear to do nothing.

You have a good story to tell. Many of the pressing issues we asked to be addressed in changing government, have been delivered and are being maintained. Carbon and mining taxes repealed. Boats stopped, borders secured and the backlog of people in asylum centres and in the community being assessed and necessary action taken. Hundreds of children released. The economy is being dealt with; challenges acknowledged. Since the second budget was released, hardly a word of dissent has been heard; well done. Social Services, under the very capable guidance of Scott Morrison is addressing issues such as welfare abuse. Great news. Trade deals with major trading partners signed. But all of this great work is constantly overshadowed by soft issues like SSM, which frankly benefits a very small minority within the community.

People like me who want to see an LNP government returned next election are growing weary. I’m tired of the undermining within the party that results in members cancelling their membership, after 20 years of loyal support as some have. I’m tired of the one sided media push and the open bias of the ABC (in particular). I tired of spending hours of my time on social media platforms, on blogs etc, defending our government who appears incapable of using those same resources to defend themselves and to support us.

So what do I want from you?

I would like you to have the courage to deal with those in the cabinet who are playing into the opposition's hands. Strip them of portfolios, demote them, force them to resign. I don’t care, as long as they are dealt with in the most efficient way. In essence remove the deadwood.

I would like you to have a media strategy to take the opposition parties and unions head on. Call them out on their blatant lies, particularly those being pushed by unions via various TV ads. Even the ABC showed a union ad attacking Commissioner. That is appalling.

I would like you to clean out the deadwood in the PMO and to set-up a mechanism for listening to what people are saying on social media and to actively respond to feedback. We need a greater share of voice in all media areas; print, electronic and particularly social.

If you can’t or are unwilling to do what is necessary, I would like you to consider stepping aside and handing the reigns over to someone who is capable of taking control back. We want to win the next election but time is running out. We are rapidly losing support and without dramatic change that will only get worse if not dealt with now.

I don’t think that is a lot to ask Mr Abbott. Courage, loyalty and strength, you have those attributes, now it’s time to act. We simply can’t afford to let a Labor/Greens government back into power.

Be Warned: A Politician Called Joe Hockey is Telling The TRUTH