The Mundine Factor & Victimhood

Anthony Mundine is inviting people to protest at the grand finals to be held this weekend. Encouraging people to turn their backs or kneeing during the playing of our national anthem. Firstly, any footballer who does should be condemned. Sport is sport and it should not be used in a cynical political protest.

I wonder what the response would if 'we' suggested people turn their backs during the welcome to country? A ritual that I personally have a major issue with. This is my country. I was born here. I do not need to be welcomed to my own home. But, we pay due respect to that ritual. Even people like me who disapprove of it. The operative word is RESPECT. Scant little we receive from people like Anthony Mundine. 

In voicing my displeasure on social media, I did solicit the wrath of an indigenous activist. One I might add who is either new to Twitter or not very popular given the number of her followers. Anyway, this activist proceeded with the now common 'white supremacist' slurs. The, “II am fighting white colonialism" mantra. I'm fed up with that BS. Which is racist in the purest form. 

What people like Mundine and my activist don't realise is, they are driving deeper and deeper wedges. They say they want reconciliation. No, they don't. They want to go back 200-years. They want to blame others for their own failings. 

No one is born a victim. Some become victims reasonably late in life. These are professional victims. They see mileage in it. But really, it has nothing to do with their culture. Sure, if they are born into a victim social structure, that's the path many will travel. They are conditioned to do that. In those circumstances we have to break the cycle. This is where people like Mundine do a disservice to his own people. He encourages them to follow him down the path of racism and division, the victim path.  Victims, will always be victims unless they themselves choose to change. I know that sounds harsh, but truth often is. 

Self imposed victims, hold themselves back. They blame everyone else for their own failures. They blame the current generations for what happened 200 years ago. That is frankly absurd. 

Those who will get on and make something of their lives, are those with the will to rise above and take control of themselves and their life. They don't go around blaming society. Or, playing the race card. Society as a whole will go out of their way to help people like this. As they should. But I for one, am not going to go out of my way to help ungrateful people who seek to divide the country. People who insult and slur me. 

Until these self-imposed victims accept responsibility for themselves and stop blaming others, they will always stay victims. As I said to my activist. She can either live in the past or get on and make the best life she can now. It's her choice. I think, that would really be honouring her ancestors, 

I was really pleased to see PM Turnbull speak out against Anthony Mundine. It needed to be said. 

Polls Are Down - Let's Chuck Out The Leader

The Newspoll is out today and the knockers are in full flight. I've commented many times, it's rather funny to watch people diss the polls. That is until the results suit their agenda. Hence, the Turnbull assault squad are having a jolly old time this morning. 

This really stuns me. After suffering the chaos that resulted from tearing down a succession of prime minister's there are people who are openly championing doing it again! It's alarming. We either enjoy the chaos or we are exceptionally slow learners. There appears to be little consideration of the real impact of political overthrows. 

Even more alarming if the polls are right is the support for Labor. Despite the fact Malcolm Turnbull is the preferred PM, Bill Shorten leads Labor. Bill Shorten's sole mission is to destroy Malcolm Turnbull. Hence, Labor's sole mission is to destroy the government. Forget about running the country, getting debt under control and passing necessary legislation to make that happen. In essence being an effective opposition. Destroying the government isn’t being effective, it's being a vandal. All Shorten is focusing on is wedging Turnbull on SSM.  I'm gobsmacked people prefer as their government a bunch that behaves like this. 

Labor lied about Medicare during the election. They scared the pants off vulnerable people. Now they are insulting the public with their vile accusations about the SSM plebiscite. This is despite the fact that Bill Shorten supported a plebiscite only a few years back. So what is he saying? We've all turned into a bunch of homophobes who can't be trusted to behave responsibly in a couple of years? It seems he is. Yet, the public prefers a government that thinks so lowly of them? Yes, I am gobsmacked people would prefer a government with no integrity and no respect for us. 

Whether you approve of Turnbull and how became PM or not, he is. In addition, he won an election as PM albeit by a slim margin. It was always going to be slim but, a win is a win. He therefore (much as it might be galling) has a legitimate claim to the position.  

So as I see it we have three choices. One. We join the call for Turnbull's removal and go through even more upheaval and time wasting. Meanwhile, important initiatives stall or aren't implemented. Labor gains more ammunition provided by the LNP. Under those circumstances, how long would another leader last I wonder? As for the call to bring Abbott back. Look at his polls. Unless of course you believe those polls were wrong for 30 cycles and now they right. 

Two: We desert the party and give Bill Shorten and Labor a free pass to continue destabilising and politicking unabated. Three more years of soap operas. Stuff the country. 

Three: We think about what is best for the country. I consider that to be a stable government delivering on what the majority voted for (with sensible modifications where warranted). In other words we let the government do their job and if we don't like it, we vote them out next election. We just can't keep turfing leaders out. Politics isn't a popularity contest, it's about governing.

There is another question I have. If Turnbull is still the preferred PM over Shorten. But the LNP is down in general. That tells me that whilst there is a negative Turnbull impact it's the party per se that needs to brush up. Time for a bit of inwards soul searching chaps. The behaviour of some members of the LNP is less than satisfactory and it does contribute to the poll result. The same as it did in the Abbott era. 

There are even people who believe Pauline Hanson is the solution. Surely, we have more sense than that. But, the divide and conquer plays to her hand. Of that there is little doubt. She attracts the protest vote, but remember protesters are rarely effective competent leaders. They are good at protesting. There is a big difference. 

As for us voters. Perhaps it's time for us to grow-up and stop acting like a bunch of petulant kids. 

The Election Is Over, The Battle Begins

The election is over big sigh of relief. But the stress and worry begins. This election was never going to be easy. That said, the result is much worse than I expected but very close to what the pollsters were saying. 

We now have the recriminations, finger pointing and blame game following tight outcomes. The anti Turnbull voices are loud in their proclamations Tony Abbott would’ve romped in. Well, they don’t know that.

“The sign of intelligence is that you are constantly wondering. Idiots are always so dead sure.” 

I like to think I possess more than one grey cell. So as I sit and ponder on the wreckage that is before us, I do wonder. I wonder how different it possibly would be if Tony Abbott hadn’t been so pigheaded and made Malcolm Turnbull Treasurer. I wonder how different it might have been if the voters in 2013 hadn’t been so stupid in backing people like Palmer. If they had given Tony Abbott, a workable senate and stopped playing this game of political senate Russian roulette. I wonder what the outcome would look like if  Malcolm Turnbull had brought Tony Abbott into the fold. But, that's the past we can’t change it. All we can do is focus on now and try to influence the future outcomes. 

I am very disappointed in the Liberals campaign. Whilst some of the blame for our poor result rests on Malcolm Turnbull’s shoulders, he isn’t responsible for everything. It's obvious our inexperienced campaign team in comparison to Labor’s well seasoned and experienced attack squad were totally out-played. Wrong strategy, wrong tactics and not nimble enough. Despite what the likes of Bolt say the Medicare scare campaign resonated with the electorate. It should have been stopped dead. It wasn’t. On polling day Medicare signs were everywhere along with GetUp spreading the fear message. As one journalist said, people were already scared about health. So you can see it wouldn’t take much to scare them even more.  

I will say again, I’m not a huge fan of Malcolm Turnbull. But the personal stuff being levelled at him is nasty. I suspect a lot is tinged with a level of envy but that's the attacker’s problem not mine.  I’ve spent a lot of time trying to learn more about the man. From where I sit he's a decent bloke who has made a success of his life. He's got a lovely family who he adores and who love him. He’s been accused of disloyalty. That's debatable. Politicians first loyalty is to the voters. We’ve got to stop the personal attacks. They serve no purpose other than feeding the attackers revenge and hurting people. 

The only questions we should ask now are. (Assuming we do manage to retain government)

Is he a good Prime Minister? On current form that's questionable and, it depends on what measures we use. Using the election as the measure you’d have to say no. We may scrape in and whilst a win would be a win Turnbull’s authority is weakened.

Is he capable of leading a marginal Government and becoming a good PM. He should be. Others have in the past and I’m a believer that “when the chips are down” a person’s true skills and abilities comes to the fore. 

Calls for his sacking are ludicrous. People whinged ad nauseam over Rudd/Gillard/Rudd and then Abbott/Turnbull. Then before the ink is dry, they're screaming for another head. The party room appoints the leader. Not social media or bloggers, journo’s or radio hacks. The party room needs to do the right thing and give Turnbull the opportunity to turn this mess around. The chopping and changing has to stop. 

As for Mr Turnbull. It's OK to blame Labor's disgraceful campaign but, it's been said. Move on. You need to stand before the Australian voters and admit ‘we’ did a poor job and as leader you accept responsibility for that. Then tell us how it will be different. What are you going to do and if it means amending some policies fine. If it means doing a few deals to get key policies through do it. But explain the what why and the impact. That's the only way to bring people on side and for them to understand the cost of their decisions in voting for minorities. Last, bring Tony Abbott into the fold. He passed the test during the campaign. As they say, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Labor is the enemy. 

It will be an interesting if somewhat tense few days and potentially a very rocky road ahead. But voters planted the seeds and we all better pray really hard that the crop we all reap sustains us. 

Election 2016: Is It Time To Call A Truce?

We are a little less than two weeks away from the election. Many people are still making up their minds who they will vote for. For those who have, the polls are close. A hung parliament is looking like a real possibility. Fantastic I say, another three years of chaos. 

From the liberal/conservative side of politics the lead up to this election has been like no other I’ve experienced. Conservatives attacking conservatives. The far right beating the c##p out middle to left conservatives. Abbott supporters attacking Turnbull and party supporters. Labor supporters haven’t had to do anything. They must be in hysterics over the land mining that has gone on within the conservative supporters groups. 

I will ask the liberals and conservatives who support the conservative side of politics to call a truce. These are my reasons. I believe we have stuffed up the last three elections. Wait! Yes we did vote the LNP into Govt but it wasn’t a parliament that enabled the Govt to do their job properly. So let's drop the, it was an overwhelming victory for the Abbott Govt. It wasn’t. It was the worst senate result for the LNP for many years. That is fact.

So what are those choices? 

We return the LNP to Govt. This allows them to continue on their path of economic reform, and debt repair. To make sure our borders are protected and to deal with climate in a responsible way. Plus, deliver on the rest of the initiatives in the policy plan. But to do that they must be given a parliament that works. Not one based on ‘hedging bets’ which will deliver an unworkable senate controlled by Labor/Greens, single issue parties and untested and untried new comers. 

The electorate DID NOT give Tony Abbott a workable parliament in both houses. Instead, they delivered a senate controlled by Green's and cross-benchers. I use the word “they” because I voted for the Liberals in the upper house. I marked one above the line because I did not want to preference any party. I will be doing the same thing again this election.

People can continue with their ‘strop’ over Malcolm Turnbull and vote informal. Or vote for new parties like Xenophon, ALA etc. Palmer is back running candidates in the senate. We have dozens of opportunists running. There are choices but I urge people to think about that and the likely outcomes of voting for these people. It's important to check policies. I know for a fact many people don’t. They protest vote. Not smart people. There are nasties hidden in many of the policies dependent on your views. I've discovered a few. Policies that true LNP supporters would not support. Check who they are giving their preferences to and who they will favour out of the major parties. I’ve been surprised by a couple when I’ve checked. Although with Xenophon who would know. He won’t give us that information. But from Xenophon’s own policies we find this.

I read an interesting comment to a column by Paul Kelley in the Australian. It was from one of the ALA supporters. His sole argument for recommending the ALA was the candidates had real jobs. Any job is a real job? It's a stupid term. Anyway, how does a ‘real’ job translate into a good politician. There was no mention of policies. There was no mention of who the ALA will preference. It's a worry. There are some concerning policies within the ALA suite. Their senate preferences in NSW are enlightening to say the least.

Another example I recently read. “I want to protect what is left of the Liberals, so I’m voting for Bill Shorten.” It's not the only comment I’ve read along those lines. Beggars belief and graphically highlights the lack of intelligent thought applied by this voter. He isn’t a lone wolf. 

Ex Libs you can vote for Labor or the Greens. But let's get serious. We are talking politics so let’s dispense with the I couldn’t live with myself if I voted for Turnbull BS. It’s a choice between communism/socialism or capitalism. It's that simple. The electorate has already tested six years of Labor. Let's not forget how painful that was. Apart from new leaders, it's the same bunch you are voting back in. You are placing a lot of trust in their ability to have ‘gone to Jesus’ in three short years. I belief we've had a glimpse of what the next Labor Govt will look like thanks to Daniel Andrews and Victoria. The unions control the puppet Shorten and the left are poised for a take-over. 

I have read many comments urging people to destroy the Libs in a vain hope Labor will be defeated in three years. Well, they weren’t last time. Labor carried on with another three years of destruction and chaos. Regardless, they can do a lot more damage in three years. As for a new conservative party rising from the ashes that could take years and years. I don't hold out much hope for that.

Whilst many cannot stand Malcolm Turnbull he is but one man. If conservatives do the right thing, we will have a good mix of liberals and conservatives in a new Govt. I’ve said before I am not a big fan of Malcolm Turnbull. I wasn’t a big fan of Tony Abbott either. I vote for the party. It’s very important that Barnaby Joyce retains his seat. He brings balance. I would much prefer a Turnbull led Govt over the possible alternatives any day. We can deal with Turnbull. It will take three years perhaps more to remove what replaces the LNP if it comes to that.

Malcolm Turnbull has shown a lot of courage. He could have called an election earlier when his stocks were significantly higher than they are now. He didn’t. Anyone who believed Turnbull’s approval rating would stay in the 60’s plus for any length of time has rocks in their head. Malcolm Turnbull knew that and his advisors encouraged him to go earlier. He ignored that advice. Gutsy decision. 

Kitchen Cabinet this week with Senator Cash was interesting. Her comment to the question about Malcolm Turnbull just implementing Tony Abbott’s policies was spot on. Michaelia Cash pointed out, they are the policies of the party. It was a fair point. They are the policies of the party.

So to summarise the choice is:

A Liberal National Government.

A Labor / Greens Government. 

A hung parliament controlled by who knows who. It could be the Greens or Xenophon or a combo. It's the walking the plank solution.

I’ve said before when I asked the question, can we afford to gamble in this current climate with so much uncertainties. I believe the answer is a resounding no. I want no part in delivering chaos.

What the rest of you do is your decision and your business. But, I sincerely hope we can unite and call a truce until after the election when the LNP is hopefully returned? 

History teaches us that unity is strength, and cautions us to submerge and overcome our differences in the quest for common goals, to strive, with all our combined strength to make our nation stronger. That’s what is really important. What is in the best interests of the country and therefore our future.

Revenge v's Justice & Grace

Jennifer Oriel’s column in the Australian today titled, Federal Election 2016, electing Labor would have dire consequences. I thought it was an insightful and sensible piece. Her last paragraph had meaning. It reads; 

“In the wake of his ousting, Abbott has demonstrated the qualities of character that earned him the office of prime minister: humility and generosity of community spirit. The political power he lost has been replaced by ­something greater: the Christian gift of grace. Instead of seeking vengeance against Turnbull or his team, Abbott took the higher ground. Conservatives too must choose between vengeance and grace in the upcoming election. Don’t leave two graves behind you at the ballot box.”

From reading the comments it appears there is a groundswell of people who are seeking revenge. Their decision of course, but I wish they would reconsider. That reminds me of a recent piece I read, written by Leon F Seltzer Ph.D. He refers to the confusion between revenge and justice. This piece is particularly relevant

. 

"Revenge is about retaliation; justice about restoring balance. The motive of revenge has mostly to do with expressing rage, hatred, or spite. It’s a protest, or payback, and its foremost intent is to harm. In and of itself, it’s not primarily about justice but about victims’ affirming their inborn (but non-legal) right to retaliate against some wrong they perceive has been done to them."

Some of those commenting in response to Jennifer Oriel’s column are disillusioned with politics. I get that. It’s those who profess to be avenging Tony Abbott’s ousting as PM, or who consider the action a betrayal of their values that intrigues me. 

The only person who has a legitimate claim to being wronged is Tony Abbott. He is openly supporting the party and campaigning to help deliver the return of an LNP government.  He has continued to fight for the values LNP supporters say they hold dear. He is about restoring balance with a workable parliament; both houses. Something his government and the Turnbull government didn't have. Let's not forget it was voters who delivered that outcome. Many are a advocating a repeat of that. I find that hard to believe but it's true. 

The majority of those who seek to slap Malcolm Turnbull down are out for revenge and retaliation. Many are honest enough to admit that is the case. Others hide behind “I will not betray my principles BS.” These are people who by their very actions are willingly heaping their desires to avenge what they consider past wrongs upon "innocent generations” who will follow. They are doing it handing government to Bill Shorten and Labor. Or worse still they risk the control of the country by placing it in the hands of a gaggle to self-interest micros or Greens. Principles? 

We have others who openly declare they are “true blue” Liberals but they are voting for Bill Shorten. True Blue? Never. No true blue Liberal would ever vote for Labor and particularly not modern Labor who wrecked havoc on this country for six years. AND, who will do it again. Bill Shorten has no economic plan, just a huge spending plan. 

These people profess to be voting for Labor in the hope it will be short lived. Then hope springs eternal again with the desire for a new conservative party to rise like a Phoenix from the ashes of defeat. That’s their idea of justice. Well I suppose that's OK if you believe in mythical creatures. But I wouldn’t be relying on hope to save ‘us’. I'd add lumbering the rest of us with Labor, Greens or a mishmash in either house is anything but just. 

"Revenge can masquerade as justice, but it frequently ends up perverting it." Yes it does. 

The question for all us genuine true blue Liberals is; what is the risk and can we really afford to take it in kicking the Libs out. Or, do we stick with what we have and help change it? I’m opting for the latter. I can’t rely on hope and I’m not into revenge. I'll stick with justice and grace. 

Gerard Is Right: Leave Turnbull Be .. What We Need Him To Be

Gerard Henderson wrote a piece published in The Australian on the 28 May  titled, “election 2016: Media should just let Turnbull be.” As you would expect there has been a lot of comments. Most of it seems to be negative anti-Turnbull. 

It was an interesting piece. Much of what G Henderson said was in my opinion true.  But there were contradictions. There was one statement in particular I thought was a contradiction. It also generated most of the negative comment from those who state they are conservatives. Honestly, who would know if they are or aren’t. But the statement was this, “If Turnbull wins on July 2, then he will have a greater opportunity to fashion the Coalition’s policy with reference to his own policy vision.” 

The point made related to SSM and the Nationals. The point escaped most of those commenting. They see it as a broader issue. But, it plays to the fear many people on the liberal/conservative side of politics express. If Malcolm wins he’ll take the party down the left channel. 

The statement conflicted for me because it clashed with other points made by G Henderson. 

“Some of those who want Turnbull to be Turnbull overlook the fact he is the leader of a right-of-centre Coalition administration. No Liberal Party leader can ignore the views of party operatives, parliamentarians and the rank-and-file members who keep the organisation together and do most of the work at election time.” 

Correct  and it  won’t change if he is elected. So why would he be stupid enough to revert to the ‘stereo-type’ Malcolm the leftie? He remembers what happened last time. He’s been warned what will happen if he tries it again. 

G Henderson stated, “And then there are the Nationals. When Turnbull led the Liberal Party in opposition in 2009, he was close to presiding over a situation where the Nationals dumped the Coalition agreement. The issue turned on Turnbull’s support for an ETS.” 

Do you honestly believe the Nationals wouldn’t threaten this again should Malcolm stray from the path of the straight and narrow? Perhaps the not so happy Libs who are championing a vote for Barnaby might like to consider that and insist on an agreement to be sure. I think it makes sense to have one.

Our elected representatives have shown they are prepared to remove a leader. They have done that twice in recent times. Malcolm as opposition leader and Abbott as PM. Why would Malcolm or indeed us think they wouldn’t do it? If the LNP with Malcolm as leader are elected. If he strays too far to the left changing agreements we vote for, I’ll be one of the loudest voices calling for his head.

Tony Abbott broke promises. That didn’t sit well with many centre moderate Libs. If (and it’s a big if) Malcolm was to break promises after being elected there would be a monumental revolt. I’m in doubt it would be the case. 

Malcolm Turnbull is many things but a fool he is not. He knows the score and I doubt he wants to be turfed for a second time assuming the LNP gain government and he remains leader. 

I will refer to one comment to G Henderson’s column. It was this from someone named Andrew.  

“I agree with the very many right wing Abbott supporters who attack Turnbull.

Not because Abbott was deposed as he was hopeless and had to go.

(I concede border protection etc)

Turnbull has turned out to be a socialist and bereft of ideas, and more hopeless than Abbott.

I'm very sorry that Costello left Parliament he would have been an even better PM than Howard.

Unfortunately I'm voting for the truly awful Labor lot in the hope that a new liberal-conservative party will arise from the ashes.

The Other Andrew.” 

I have no idea who The Other Andrew is. Or whether he is genuine. But if he is, there's not a lot you can say about comments like that except HELP!!!!! No self respecting, genuine conservative would ever vote Labor. Ever advocate voting for Labor. I don't often reply to media comment but I did to this one.  

“To reward Labor after they almost led this country to the point of ruin, on the off chance a new conservative Phoenix will rise from the ashes of a decimated LNP I find astounding. Even more so given Labor are promising to spend more, tax more and weaken our borders in removing TPV's that's just for starters.

There's also the very real likelihood you could be waiting 20-years for the 'saviour' to reach maturity. There is no guarantee it will happen. 

So good luck with your gamble. I just hope the rest of us don't end up paying for the bet.”

So back to G Henderson’s headline. Yes. Let Turnbull be. Let him be the leader he has committed to being in leading a right-of-centre Coalition party. Not the leftie, republic pushing, social engineer so many would will him or wish him to be.  Hold to account on that commitment.

People do change and they do modify their opinions. It's called maturity and taking into account team and voter expectations. Turnbull knows the score. Time will be the judge of his conviction. He may never completely give up his attachment to a republic. I’ve little doubt that we will traverse that path one day. When the time is right. The same goes for SSM. He has stated he supports the party’s plebiscite decision. The will of the people will decide. As it should. Turnbull will stand firm on border protection. As PM he knows more about the inherent risks of weakening our policy that the armchair experts.  Turnbull will hold the line on the economy. As he absolutely must. He's no fool. We must not forget; there are still people waiting in the wings to topple him (that isn't a dig at Tony Abbott). There are others.  He knows it and so do we. 

Back to focusing on what is really important. Bill Shorten and Labor. Keeping them OUT. If they get in as conservatives we can't control them. We can control Turnbull.

Jones and Turnbull Peace Deal. Why?

Daily Telegraph a lead story. Jones and Turnbull’s Peace Deal 

That any politician regardless of what side, has to cosy up to a trumped up peacock like Jones infuriates me. The fact their possible meeting is newsworthy is beyond belief. Plus, we’ve heard it all before. Why should any politician require Jones blessing? Why do we allow people like Jones and other shock-jocks to determine who is worthy of being elected and who is not? 

I was a long time Jones listener. I turned off some years ago because I could no longer take his two-faced sycophantic ravings. Jones, like Bolt plays to an audience. He does it not because he always believes in what he is saying. He does it to gain an audience, increase his ratings and hence his paycheque. 

I have been on the receiving end of Jones attacks more than once. I was a climate skeptic when Jones was a climate change advocate.  I took issue with Jones pushing the climate myth down our throats.  It was obvious it was a money making scam. Given my job at the time I saw it firsthand. I believed I was in a position to speak from a basis of fact. He disagreed. Yes, he has changed his position now because the mood changed. But it doesn’t absolve him of the vicious attacks on people who disagreed with him. 

Who could forget his denigration of people who had the temerity to take off public holidays? Remember those episodes?  At the time Jones had to work public holidays. So it was the perfect excuse to climb onto his soapbox and attack those who didn’t.  Jones circumstances changed and he hasn't worked a public holiday for years and never a word has been uttered since. 

Then we suffered his endless railing against the development at Circular Quay. Jones went on and on about the harbour foreshore being stolen from the people. His accusations of impropriety against the developer and those who approved the development were a daily occurrence. We found out sometime later (when the attacks had stopped) Jones owned an apartment and lived there. What a hypocrite.

Jones was a long-time champion of Julia Gillard. In fact, he even convinced me (cut my wrist and my blood runs blue) she was OK. Then he turned on her in the most vicious way. Was she a good PM? No. Did she deserve to go. Yes. Did she deserve the vicious attack by Jones in claiming her then recently departed father died of shame? No, no, no!!! No person with a modicum of decency would think that let alone say it. How cruel. How contemptible. Any respect (which wasn’t much) I had for him flew out the window at that point. He lost me as a listener. 

What genuine Liberal supporter would forgive Jones full on assault against the Queensland Liberal Party? Jones even returned from holiday to (his words) sink them. Jones summarily dismissed what the Libs had inherited, their record or the impact of electing another Labor government. It was a personal vendetta, stuff everyone else. That speaks volumes about the man. 

Jones cares only for himself and his mates. He's never gotten over being overlooked for Liberal pre-selection. He's an A class hypocrite who wields far too much power. Jones sees himself as the King maker, the ego of the man is unbelievable. 

I laugh when I read comments about him ‘standing up for us’. He doesn’t. He stands for himself and his mates. He will stand up for you as long as you fawn over him and stroke his ego. Or, as long as there's something in it for him. The moment you stop or there is no benefit for him, Jones drops people. Listeners are no different. Try disagreeing with him. 

Jones found his niche and as a result he has become very wealthy. But he isn’t your friend and I would be much happier if Malcolm Turnbull had continued to boycott him. But I understand why he possibly won’t, I hope he doesn’t live to regret it as so many others have. 

Election déjà vu

This comment came from the Australian today. 

"If the Libs do win the election, can you just imagine how Turnbull will react. He will actually think it is because of his 'wonderful' leadership when the only reason would be the alternative is too terrible to contemplate." Joan wrote that. 

My reply. 

“You could say we won for the same reason in 2013.  Labor was simply too terrible to contemplate then and, nothing has changed in 2016.”

By the way the only person who knows what Malcolm Turnbull would think should he win is Malcolm Turnbull. So Joan and all the other Joan's out there you are talking through your hat. You don’t have a clue what he will think. 

But now to my election déjà vu. LNP voters cheered enthusiastically over our 2013 win in the lower house (hence gaining us government) it was impressive. But, I wonder how much of that win was down to how bad Labor was. Not necessarioly how good the LNP were. I suspect the anti-Labor impact was reasonably large.

At the risk of repeating what I’ve said before where it mattered (in the Senate) it was the LNP’s worst ever result. That says to me swinging voters and disillusioned Labor voters wanted to send Labor a message. In other words, a protest vote. The majority (and this probably included anti-Abbott LNP voters) delivered a mess in the senate; we don't trust you enough. 

Now we are facing the 2016 election. Labor are still on the nose but there are the anti-Turnbull LNP voters championing protest votes. Plus a gaggle of opportunistic ‘parties running for the senate. This group are championed by you've got it anti-Turnbull supporters. They justify that in stating we voting for other conservatives. Of course those other conservatives haven’t said who they’ll favour out of the Liberals or Labor. Mind you, some of their policies border on alarming though. Clive and his group were conservatives. So were some of the other cross-benchers. That turned out well didn’t it, she says dripping with sarcasm. 

But no worries you can hear the protesters say ‘I’ve vented my spleen’ and sent a message. Please write a bloody letter it would be less damaging and the rest of us don’t have the pay the price. 

We have short memories and it seems we are addicted to chaotic government. I hope the country can survive a repeat of 9-years of mess. Six dark Labor years and three years of senate high- jacking.  Why would you want either of those again? Beggars belief.

Are Superannuation Changes Fair?

I’ve been contemplating that question since the budget. Are superannuation changes the end of the world? Are they fair? Changes were’t a surprise. They’ve been on the LNP agenda for sometime. Going back to Joe Hockey and Tony Abbott. Previously, the government has either backed down or been voted down. Malcolm Turnbull is standing firm despite attacks from media, conservative supporters and self-interest groups. Good on him.

When I’m working through a vexing question I try to think back on a past experience.

More than once in my career I’ve had to sit down with my senior team and both explain and ask their permissions to in effect, hit them in the back pocket. Tough  economic times means making tough decisions. You take those decisions in the hope you can make improvements in the months and years ahead.

Asking people to agree to give up their merit increase and any potential bonus is a tough decision. Tougher when asking people to forgo themselves and to use those dollars to bump up the less well paid in our wider team. Most people are selfish. I’m selfish. But, I’d already swallowed the bitter pill so, I wasn’t asking them to do anything I wasn’t doing myself. Was I over the moon about it? Hell no. But sometimes you simply have to do the right thing.

So why am I sharing this? It reminds me of the discussion that is now taking place as a result of the 2016 budget. Particularly the push back on superannuation changes. Those ‘with’ are being asked to be prudent and to give up a few perks and those who need a helping hand are being given a leg up.

When superannuation changes have been raised in the past, I’ve been critical. But I’m also realistic enough to accept that things needed to change. The wealthy and those who could were using what was set-up as a retirement fund as a wealth accumulation tool. In my opinion Scott Morrison and Malcolm Turnbull have done a reasonable job with something that was always going to be emotive.  It wouldn’t matter where they placed the cut-off point for contributions. Or, what limit they placed on non taxable etc someone would be unhappy.

They’ve delivered a suite of changes that takes certain benefits away from the higher end. But added in a handful of sweeteners. Although no one mentions them. The biggest sticking point appears to be centred on the ‘retrospective’ claim applied to the non-concessional contribution. Taking this back  to 2007 and limiting it to $500,000. The following comment from the Australian today I thought summed it up perfectly.

“All of the complaining around retrospectively is just noise. If I have already placed more than $500k in non-concessional contributions then I am only stopped from adding more in the future. The retrospectivity argument is only semantic. The facts are, nothing about my past actions have been changed. The consequences all lie in my future actions.”

If you managed to add $500,000 in non-concessional contributions to your super in the last nine years, you are either on a huge salary or you’ve had a windfall. It equates to $55,500 per year.

I made two comments this morning. How many of those complaining will ever have more than $1,600.000 in their superannuation account? Given the volume of whinger’s I didn’t realise we had so many rich people in Australia.

So if we have an abundance of rich people with over $1,600,000 in their super accounts why is our welfare bill so high? Just wondering. But that isn’t the case according to readily available research which states.

The average male has a super balance of just over $80,000; the average female about $44,000. Even at the point of retirement, the average super balance for a male is just shy of $200,000. For a woman it is $105,000. Sure, people want to build that up but to get from $200,000 to $1,600,000 10 years out from retirement is a Herculean effort.

So, would it be safe to assume that the bulk of the complaints are coming from those who are already self-sufficient or will be self-sufficient. Is it coming from those who were planning to cash in assets and start funnelling into super as a wealth building exercise.  Is it from those who think they are missing out on something? Or maybe it's the usual eruption we get when people say ‘we must fix this but don’t look at me’. I’m not sure which.

My first reaction on hearing of the changes was was, sod. But after giving this some thought and speaking with my financial advisor it's not so bad and I as everyone else does, does have other options for investment.

Whilst there has been endless chatted about the negative aspects few people talk about the upside of the changes.

For lower income earners the co-contribution scheme didn’t change. According to reports I’ve read very few people take advantage of that. Free money.

Whilst the government lowered the salary sacrifice cap to $25,000 on concessional contributions from the current $30,000 for under 50s and $35,000 for over-50s. They added a sweetener. At the moment  if the annual cap is not used you lose it. But the new $25,000 cap will be cumulative for five years for those with super balances of $500,000 or less. Based on research that’s the majority of people.

Ability for everyone up to age 75 to make contributions to super without having to meet the work test. Surely that's a positive for those in retirement now with some ready cash. Plus future retirees.

Plus, the ability to make personal before-tax contributions, if your company doesn't offer salary sacrifice or you don't have an employer. Before this was only available to the self-employed

Lastly, they added an increased eligibility for the spouse super tax offset

So it's not all downside.

Would I love to keep building my super nest egg (which is very healthy) and not pay tax on it when the time comes to start drawing down? Of course,  I’m selfish but I’m a realist. Is it fair, perhaps not. After all, I will continue to reap the benefits of things like healthcare, subsidised pharmaceuticals (should I need them in the future). Roads and other infrastructure. So whilst I’ve accused people on pensions and on welfare of being a burden on tax payers. Maybe in using super as a wealth building system (and not contributing fairly to the government pot) I’m not any better. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not being a martyr here. I’m simply recognising that I can’t demand changes to stop abuse then scream when a few not unreasonable changes impact on me. I’d be nothing more than a hypocrite if I did.

I’ll swallow the bitter pill and look at what other options I have to reduce my tax liability. I hope the PM and Treasurer do stand firm. It may cost them votes but at least they had the guts to try and fix the inequity that some many complain about.

Budget 2016 : Now The Hardwork Begins

The budget been delivered and so far comments have been largely positive. I’ll ignore the idiotic ramblings of people like Andrew Bolt. No government can deliver on the wants of everyone. It's about balancing fairness. On that point I believe Scott Morrison has done a good job. 

I’ve said on many occasions that my assessment of the Turnbull Govt would be based on a couple of key measures. 

1. 1) Budget 2016 
2. 2) The Treasurer, Prime Minister and key cabinet ministers ability to sell the budget 
3. 3) Election policies 

I’m comfortable with the budget. I was pleased to see Treasurer Morrison resisted the urge to open Pandora’s Goodie Box. I mentioned in a recent blog that the Treasurer should steer clear of ripping the guts out of school and hospital funding. He did. Big tuck for that. Changes to superannuation are reasonable.  The removal of the works test for over 65 year olds who want to make a contribution should please self-funded retirees. 

Over the coming days we will be subjected to more and more analysis and sad people like me will plow through the budget papers. But, so far so good. 

The Treasurer and the Prime Minister hit the airwaves today, as they should.  But, the real test will come over the next week or two. Labor and the Greens have already flagged they will block certain initiatives around tax cuts. We expected that, so no surprises there. 

Now we sit and wait for an election to be officially called followed by various parties delivering election promises. This is where the real test begins for Malcolm Turnbull. Turnbull will lead the party to the election. He has 50-days to convince the electorate that his government deserves another run. He’s starting behind the gate but that is often a good place to be. It's certainly advantageous if you are a fighter. We’ll now see if Turnbull is a fighter. I suspect he is and I suspect he will enjoy the challenge. It  won’t be ‘fire and brimstone’ but I expect we’ll see restrained determination. I’m comfortable with that. 

The real highlight of the day was the announcement by Clive Palmer that he won’t be re-contesting for the seat of Fairfax. He cited family reasons.  He made a complete ass of himself in QT yesterday but don’t be fooled by his hollow gesture. He makes his intentions clear in his valedictory speech at the 7min27sec point. He wants the balance of power in the senate and you can bet your life he’ll be running for a senate spot. Note, despite family reasons he HASN’T ruled it out. I just pray to heavens voters are wiser this time round and give Palmer and PUP a very, very  wide-berth. 

(link to) Palmer's valadictory speech

So now the hard work begins. The LNP are off to a good start. They’ve performed strongly in the parliament over the last two days. The budget has been reasonably well received and for me I can tick off my first point. I hope I can tick off 2 and 3. Time will tell. 

Can We Afford To Gamble With The Election

Now that Malcolm Turnbull has signalled the Double Dissolution and a July 2nd election date, it's a good time to reflect on where we are politically.  It's important for two reasons; 

1. To try to understand what led us to this point

2. And, to make sure we don’t make the same mistakes  

The Liberal National coalition sweep into power in 2013 after the six year nightmare under the Rudd/Gillard/Rudd Governments. Tony Abbott was riding high as the elected PM and swiftly went about delivering on promised key objectives. We have talked about those ad nauseam.

The honeymoon ended with the 2014 budget and we were on a steady slide for months. In August 2015 I penned a blog to ex Prime Minister, Tony Abbott. It was titled Dear Prime Minister Abbott. What I wrote, wasn’t only about how I felt. A lot of us felt the same way. I know that from personal conversations and chatting with people on several forums. It was supported by the overwhelming response I received on posting this piece on Twitter. 

Things sadly didn’t change so the party changed leader. In came Malcolm riding high on the crest of a wave. But things turned sour fairly quickly and now we are plunging rapidly back to where we started. Cue Turnbull’s big play. It took guts to do what he did calling for a DD. I believe the intentions are sound but the risk of it turning pear shaped are high. That said, I believe courage deserves support. 

Perhaps if Mr Abbott had listened and made the called for changes things may have been different for him and us. But we won’t know, so we have to deal with the cards we’ve been dealt. Malcolm Turnbull will lead us to the election. I don’t mind admitting I’m not overly enthusiastic about that.

But it is, what it is. 

I accept and understand why many conservatives are unhappy. But that isn’t new. There were many unhappy conservatives when Abbott was leader. This unrest steadily increased throughout 2015. But most of the moderates were not comfortable sharing how they felt. They were slammed when they did. Now we have the DelCon movement. The major difference between the DelCon's and previously unhappy Liberals  is, many of the DelCon's are hell bent on payback. As a result, we risk being in a worse position than we find ourselves in now. The consequences of that are alarming. 

If we were in a solid position financially and the global market was buoyant, we could run the risk of experimenting. That is, send the Liberals a very strong message. But, we aren’t financially solid and the global market is particularly volatile. Due to Labor’s recklessness we are swimming in debt. Our mining boom has fizzed and we need time to build new industries. The warning bells are ringing on another market crash. We have NO cookies in the jar to buffer us (thanks to Labor). The odds for taking a gamble are not in our favour. 

Given the above I’ll be helping the LNP win government. I wasn’t over the moon with the change. But I’m just as angry with Tony Abbott as anything else. He could have done something he didn’t. So he gets no sympathy from me. I’m no different to many others I’m a Liberal and through gritted teeth I’ll vote for Turnbull’s team and work my butt off to help keep him honest.  The only thing which will change my position is a shocker of a budget. That coupled with a plan that lurches far too far to the left. If that happens there's no hope for any of us. I may as well pack up and move permanently to my UK home. 

I’ve said before Tony Abbott achieved a significant majority in the lower house but people didn’t trust him in the senate. His senate result was the worst ever. So claims he achieved a landslide are overstated. Unless the electorate delivers you a senate that works it's no victory as we’ve discovered.We can blame the ‘vote whisperer’ & I have. BUT if people had given Abbott the vote to enable him to govern we wouldn’t be in the position we are in now. It's that simple. 

The scary thing is, the micros and independents are still re-contesting. In addition, there will be many new ones running; all untried and untested. So the question for me is? Can I trust the new ones to do what they say they will? No. Do I trust the current backbenchers? Hell no. For me, it a matter of can I afford to gamble. I seriously don’t think I can. 

In the absence of an alternative to the Liberals a number of unhappy conservatives have stated they will donkey vote in the lower house. Their right of course but if enough people do it, they will effectively hand the seat over to Labor. One donkey might not seem much but if 100, 200 plus people do the same, it's a huge risk. Remember, Clive Palmer won by 53 votes against a Liberal candidate who scored 41.3%  first preferences against Clive’s 26.5%. Look how that experiment worked out. 

Adam Bandt said yesterday if we end up with a hung parliament the Greens will hold the balance of power in both houses. Just think about what that means. They want to increase the asylum seeker intake to 50,000 per year. They want to bring back a carbon tax (but so will Labor). The list goes on and on. If through our actions we give Labor a ‘leg-up’ the risk of a hung parliament is real. Queue left, in walks the Greens. 

All elections are important but this one more so. This one is about reforming (cleaning out the senate) stability and prudence. I’m not convinced it's the time to protest or to gamble with our future. Whilst I am but one vote hopefully I can convince a few unhappy conservatives to rethink sending a protest vote. To ask them to give the government an even chance of getting back with a workable parliament in both houses. To ask themselves the question; can we afford PM Shorten and his union controllers? Can we afford the Greens controlling both houses? Can we afford another unworkable senate? Can we afford taking a risk on single issue micros and independents? That includes the Australian Liberty Alliance.

I’m keen to see what's in the budget and the plan for the next three years. Government is about compromise. No government can satisfy everyone's demands. It's a matter of weighing up what's important to us as individuals. That said, it’s equally important to acknowledge what's best for the country as a whole. I didn’t agree with all of Abbott’s policies. I won’t agree with all of Turnbull’s either. The lead up has been messy but I’m not going to hang the government for that. It's the substance that counts not the theatre. 

If Malcolm Turnbull does anything stupid then by all means we should demand they kick him out. As with Tony Abbott, Malcolm is the leader he needs to prove he deserves our trust. If he fails, don’t let him get away with what Tony got away with, blaming everyone else but himself. It's the leaders bums on the chair. Perform or get kicked. I'm counting on Turnbull performing.

We Shouldn't Just Dismiss Polls

Much has been said about opinion polls over the last few years. The merit of which often depends on the personal like or dislike of parties and leaders and the results presented. Someone recently pointed out if the results are what you want to see they are right. But if they aren't what you want to see they are made up and lies. Makes me laugh but it's true. 

Whether you believe the poll results or not, it should be remembered they are often the only mechanism us, the voting public has to tell parties and their leaders what we think. They are a pulse check. It's too late when it comes to the election, the only other opportunity we have to voice our opinions. 

The most recent Newspoll has been the source of great delight to the antiTurnbull brigade. Let them have their fun whilst we focus on what the poll told us. Whilst the majority  of voters prefer Malcolm Turnbull to the alternative Bill Shorten, they are less enamoured with the LNP. That is a collective problem not just the problem of the leader, Malcolm Turnbull. If it was just down to Malcolm Turnbull’s leadership, both the party rating and his personal rating would be below that of Labor and Shorten. 

So, my take is the voting public sees the LNP as a party that is lacking direction and that’s a combination of many factors not just leadership. From where I sit and from what I hear I can summarise that around four key points. 

There is no united front: In a broad-church party there will be conflicting opinions and views. That's fine but but once a decision is made it needs to be owned by the party. Petty squabbling must be kept behind closed doors. Please stop airing your opinions about others in the party in public. Let the media do that. 

Distractions: There’s too much noise being generated by the Liberal Taliban, the gang of three; Tony Abbott, Eric Abetz and Kevin Andrews. 

Leadership: Malcolm Turnbull has to toughen up and take Labor head-on. I know he is careful with language but you can still be considered in your response and get the message out. Please accept the invitation to go on 2GB and take the likes of Alan Jones head on whilst you are at it. 

Policy: The vast majority of conservative voters are not in the top percent of income earners. So policies that include retention of the super tax concessions and private school funding (particularly if we are taking a tough line on public schools) will be considered unfair. Repair the education system and that must include the massive problem we have with unpaid debt. Lastly, more money for health. That means hospitals NOT health care bureaucrats   

So the message from Newpoll was a simple one. We aren’t happy with you lot and you need to get your act together. Stop the squabbles and pull together, let Ministers do their job, drop unfair practices and Malcolm please, start to lead. 

I honestly don’t think the public will buy the hollow barrel policies of Bill Shorten and Labor. That said, if my party (the LNP) doesn’t get their act together post-haste that could be the outcome. Bill Shorten PM, and almost the same front bench that presided over our worst period in Government ever, back in charge.  

What a nightmare that would be. 

Who Leaked The Confidential Discussion on Tax Sharing?

When Tony Abbott came under attack from the media over bumbled statements and announcements  I came to his defence. As did many others. So it’s only fair I do the same for Malcolm Turnbull. 

When the PM announced his intentions over his determination to have the ABCC passed I let out a big sigh of relief. He sounded authoritative and prime ministerial. In essence the leader we needed to see.  Then came the fumbled announcement of the COAG discussion over tax income sharing. Much was made about the setting of this important announcement; standing at the edge of a football field. Even more was made about Scott Morrison not being present. The media went into overdrive and I was crestfallen and as a result openly criticised the PM. 

But then I stumbled upon a transcript of Turnbull’s interview with Fran Kelly. 

“FRAN KELLY:

A process question first, if I may Prime Minister – why did you choose the launch of a football academy on the edge of a sporting field to reveal your plans for “the most fundamental reform in generations”?

PRIME MINISTER:

Well let me remind you that at the COAG meeting – this is the premiers and chief ministers meeting with me and the Treasurer and others in December last year – we agreed that we would at the next COAG – which is this week – review, look at a wide range of tax reform, that’s state tax reform and revenue sharing options between the Federal Government and the states. So this has been on the agenda.

We have raised it because I don't believe in dealing with the states via a megaphone. It has been raised privately and discussed between me and other chief ministers and between the Treasurer, Scott Morrison, and his counterparts and of course between Martin Parkinson the head of Premier and Cabinet and his bureaucratic counterparts. Those discussions found their way into the media yesterday morning. I heard you had a very good program yesterday morning talking about it.

PRIME MINISTER:

So really we're in a position where because, you know, confidential discussions had been breached, it was obvious I had to clarify what we were talking about and look, I'm an open person, it was an issue of concern so we – so I answered it. So there it is.”

The interview is worth a read. It clarifies a view points and highlights the difference between a perceived announcement and what in essence was a clarification. It also highlights some of the challenges with the States. 

Interview With Fran Kelly

I still think the delivery could have been better. But, perhaps given the leak I’ve been harsh. That said, it's obvious someone was out to sink this proposal before it was even discussed. As I’ve said many times. For all the demands for reform the moment ideas are put up for discussion it's a deafening NO, NO, NO. 

So the $64,000 question remains. Who leaked the confidential discussion? It's poor when leaders and their aides can’t be trusted to maintain confidentiality. If they were business leaders they’d be fired in similar circumstances and rightly so. 

My lesson to self? Do your research before jumping to conclusions. 

The Liberal Party Terrorists

If I was in Barnaby Joyce’s shoes, I’d be tearing my hair out over what is going on within the Liberal Party. As a member of the coalition group, The Nationals fortunes to a large degree rely on a strong and united Liberal party.  Instead, the Liberal Party are beset with infighting, and accusations of disunity and divide. We have the ex-Prime Minister who takes every opportunity to stick in a barb despite stating he wouldn’t do that. We have a Prime Minister who appears to not be able to reign Abbott in. We have media who feed off this stuff and the willing leakers who are providing them with anything that will create a negative headline. I don’t mind admitting that as a member of the Liberal Party, I am tearing my hair out and I know for sure I’m not the only one. 

After years of relative stability and prosperity we plunged into the dark ages of six years of Labor. I won't rehash their failings they are well known. It was with a sense of overwhelming relief that the LNP coalition sweep into power in 2013. It wasn’t long before key election commitments were delivered. Boats, Carbon Tax, Mining Tax gone. Then came the budget and the ‘ship floundered’. We were paddling madly to stay afloat. 

Progress was stalling and every little glitch, stumbled word, fleeting glance was front page news. Relationships that were tenuous unravelled before out eyes. Internal power plays became the standard game. In February 2015 a message was delivered to Tony Abbott; take control of the bridge, get back on course or face the consequences. 

The next seven months were a low point in our Liberal history. The accusations and infighting continued. The get squares and removal or sidelining of anyone who posed a threat to positions of power was par for the course. “You leak and blame the other guy” strategy was in full swing. We continued to flounder. The parliamentary party said enough and in September we had a new leader. Once more there were signs of relief but this time we also had the insidious declarations of open warfare. It took no time and we were back where we started. The architects of the destabilisation were still there. Only their motivation had changed. This time their sights are set on bringing down the so called usurper Turnbull and with it, the  Liberal party. 

Had the ship had been in good shape in 2015 there wouldn’t have been a ‘mutiny’. But it wasn’t. While change was needed there is a group in the parliamentary party that did not, will not and cannot accept that. The same applies to the anti-Liberals within the community.

The upshot of that is we now have within our parliamentary ranks a destructive rogue gang. Some label them the Liberal Taliban. I think that's an accurate description. They are hell bent on wrecking the Turnbull Govt and along with it the country. 

Over the coming weeks there will be more and more destabilisation. We are hearing and seeing the commentary around the so called rift between Malcolm Turnbull and Scott Morrison. Much has been made over Scott Morrison’s exclusion from the PM’s inner sanctum meeting on Sunday night. The Telegraph and Australian both ran stories today stating who and isn’t in the inner sanctum. The laugh is, they have different lists. I think the leakers need to liaise more before they feed this stuff to the press. 

We can expect to see an increase in contradictory statements made by the rouge group to those made by Malcolm Turnbull, Scott Morrison and the rest of the cabinet.  There is a deliberate strategy to distract the media and the public from the key message, to spook the electorate and fire up the disenchanted. 

Two of our female Ministers will be key targets. Don’t be surprised if there are more leaks relating to our subs contract. That's part of the get square. People within the rogue group will do everything within their power to thwart the DD strategy. They are still hanging onto the feigned hope of an Abbott resurrection. Winning government from a DD hurts their cause. 

The puerile campaign to let's make Malcolm look stupid is underway with the ridiculous stories, cartoons and media comment associated with his “Continuity and Change” comment. Claims it was stolen from Veep highlights the lack of intelligence of those pushing it. The study and adoption of Continuity and Change strategy has been around well before some cheap comedy. India and Russia have included “Continuity and Change” as a Foreign Policy foundation for years. It's frequently used in academic texts, including here. Religions use it as do businesses. A quick Google check proves it. For the record Veep used “Continuity With Change.” I think is a great vision statement but we do need to see what the plan is to achieve it. The budget and election policy plans should make that clear. If it doesn’t yet it needs to and it needs to. 

So folks batten down the hatches we are in for a rocky ride. It will get dirty. The true nature of the rogue gang will be evident. The usual line up of media bile pushers  will be out in force salivating over every bit of juicy gossip. 

In the meantime Bill Shorten and Labor are going about their business, largely unchallenged and just sticking their heads up from time to time to point the finger; hey look at that lot over there. 

That we have people within our own Liberal parliamentary ranks who’d rather destroy the party instead of our opposition I think is reprehensible. No wonder Labor are laughing at us. Let's just pray they don’t take the rest of us down with them. 

What Is Our Vision, Where Are We Heading?

Oliver Cromwell said “no one rises so high as he who knows not whither he is going.” Then adding the Peter Principle “Every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence.” We appear to have a combo of both as this relates to Canberra. 

This describes the last four Prime Ministers from Rudd to now. Turnbull is yet to be tested, but current indications are he is in the same camp. I am praying like mad Turnbull can pull a rabbit out of a hat and set a clear path to secure our future. It will be a bleak few years ahead if he can't. 

Yes, I am including Tony Abbott. He stopped the boats (with the help of an excellent Immigration Minister and Services support). He removed the carbon tax. He signed Trade Agreements (once again driven by the Minister responsible). But, then he lost his way and I for one had no idea where we were heading. After reading some of Tony's recent ramblings I can’t help thinking he suffers from an inflated opinion of his achievements.  This is particularly true when it comes to fiscal management. Add Tony to the delusional list. 

People voted for loopy Clive Palmer. In a media release on February 15 Clive claimed the credit for saving the country from austerity. He has also claimed he kept the North Queensland economy going. I'm sure the 200 plus who just lost their jobs wouldn't agree. Clive also stated "There has been little discussion or attack at any policies of our party.” Clive also mentioned there were no attacks what he’d achieved in Parliament. Correct and there are reasons for that. He doesn’t have any policies only grandiose plans and mission statements. None of which could ever be delivered. As for the positive achievement side, he hasn’t any. Based on recent reports Clive is trying to do deal with crossbenchers to form another party. Are we that stupid to vote for this again? Clive is another one for delusional list. 

I can’t muster the will to start on Labor, Greens and the rest other than to refer back to Cromwell’s quote. It describes just about every one of the useless lot we have in Canberra. There are  a couple of exceptions, but that is all. I'm fast forming the view we need to turf the whole lot out and start again. But then, I guess there is no guarantee we'll end up with anything better. After all, we the people voted them in. Senate wheeling and dealing being the exception. 

I could go on and on but to be frank, I am making myself more depressed thinking about the state of the nation. I wouldn’t mind betting I’ve depressed you as well. That said, we do deserve better than we are getting. 

We need a strong government as well as a strong opposition. Less of the personal power plays. Less of the fractional wreckers. Less of the negative media. More of the what, when, why and how. More things being delivered. Less of the politics for politics sake. We certainly need a whole lot less of the blackmail driven self interest. There has to be some acceptance that not everyone will get everything they want. Above all we need a clear vision of what we are doing, when we are doing it, why, how and very clear indicators that we are on track. At the risk of depressing myself even further,  I just don’t feel confident we have the people in place to do it. I hope to hell I’m wrong. 

Malcolm Turnbull Can't Afford To Fall Into The Tony Abbott Trap

When the Liberals changed leaders I breathed a sigh of relief. Despite getting off to a good start after winning the election, by early 2015 the cracks were forming. The consequences of that are common knowledge. The Government limped along until the challenge in September last year. 

When Malcolm Turnbull put his hand up for the top job he did it on the basis of the leadership failures of Tony Abbott. Such as Tony didn't listen to his caucus or consult with his cabinet. Tony’s arrogance and refusal to listen to ministers who, after all, are the ones in charge of their portfolio’s. Tony suspected the loyalty of his ministers and a lot of that drove his lack of trust issues. Tony’s inability to lead the team and to manage the recalcitrant backbenchers. Tony’s failure to deal with the heavy handed over controlling PMO. Ministers were frustrated, backbenchers were frustrated and the electorate was becoming increasingly disillusioned. This played right into the hands of our hound-dog left leaning media. 

Malcolm likewise got off to a great start. Whilst many Abbott disciples turned on Malcolm with a vengeance the electorate in good old Aussie fashion were prepared to give him a go. It was a baptism by fire with major security issues, TURC and bedding down a new team, etc., but he weathered the storm. I thought he did a pretty good job. 

However, in the last few weeks, Malcolm appears to be doing exactly what he accused Tony Abbott of doing, particularly when it comes to consultation and engagement, managing the trouble makers and making decisions. 

Despite what some people have said, the left wing media were never going to give Malcolm a free run. In particular, there is a well developed Fairfax/Labor partnership driving a ‘divide and conquer’ strategy that will run its course up to the election regardless of who is leading the Conservatives. They are using every crack, every stumble and every hint of discord to drive the wedge, spook the backbenchers and unsettle the electorate and it’s working. Again!!! 

Malcolm came to the chair on the basis that he was best placed to drive economic reform. He has credentials to do that, but he isn’t the Treasurer, Scott Morrison is. It appears blatantly obvious that Malcolm and Scott have not been on the same page. 

Malcolm made the fatal mistake of going to the public and talking up Tax Reform and not engaging effectively with the Treasurer. Malcolm in essence did a Tony he ‘jumped the shark’. The humiliating backdown and the resulting flip flopping is playing right into Labor’s hands. As a result the attacks on Labor’s budget plans are being derailed. We’re on the back foot, when it should be Labor. 

The Treasurer has been working for weeks with the department and other bodies to determine the best course of action to deliver a plan to bring our economic future into balance. That plan will be announced in the May budget. That’s no easy task when you consider the Treasurer has to manage Labor’s debt mine field and deliver on what conservatives hold dear; lower taxes, debt reduction, controlled spending, growth and jobs. He has to do this in the face of falling revenues, global uncertainty, an ever demanding electorate, a feral Senate who continue to block savings measures and a bunch of ‘jump at shadows’ backbenchers. 

Perhaps Malcolm feels that given the expectations the electorate had as a result of his financial background that he is one who should be engaging with the public on all financial matters. He shouldn’t. That’s Scott Morrison’s job. Malcolm should be managing behind the scenes. Given comments over the last couple of days it looks like Malcolm now realises that Scott Morrison is right when he talks about the importance of controlling spending and going after some minor reforms leading up to the election. The big Tax Reform can come later. Let's face it, you don’t have to eat the elephant in one go. Pacing yourself often gets a much better result and certainly creates less heartburn for both the Government and the voters. 

It takes an exceptional person to step into a new leadership role and not stumble a few times until they come to grips with all aspects of being the leader. Malcolm has been an extremely successful entrepreneur and businessman. That doesn’t automatically mean that he would instantly become a superb leader of the Government. I think he is trying to do too much himself. Good leaders manage from the middle, they understand their portfolio managers are grown-ups, they don’t need the boss holding their hand. If Ministers need consultation they know where the PMO office is.  This was something that Tony couldn’t grasp, but Malcolm can. His business success proves that. Now, he just needs to do it; for himself, his team and the many weary Liberal supporters out there who are losing the will to continue to support the party. 

The Prime Minister is a smart man and from what I am hearing, Malcolm will listen to the advice he is receiving and I’m strongly of the belief he will act upon it and then we can all get back to doing what we like best, focusing on wiping out Labor at the next election. 

Dear Prime Minister Turnbull

There is no doubt in my mind that Tony Abbott had to go as leader of our Coalition Government. Abbott was on a hiding to nowhere. He’d lost the confidence of the vast majority of voters, as well as the majority of our elected representatives. He simply became ineffective. The broken promises, bungled budgets and most importantly of all, the failure to listen and to take action all led to his demise.  That loss of confidence was highlighted in both the overall poll results as well as Mr Abbott’s personal rating and his personal performance suffered.

The Government under your leadership very quickly rocketed in the polls; both overall results and your personal rating as preferred PM. However, the tide is turning and whilst your personal rating is still extremely high and well above Bill Shorten’s according to the latest Newspoll the overall drop in party rating is of concern. After all, the party is bigger than the leader and when we start to drop against a pathetic opposition it's time for a reality check.

I declared my intention to stick with the government following the toppling of Tony Abbott. Whilst I have never been a fan I was prepared to give you a chance to show what you could do. Sadly, Mr Turnbull since you took over the leadership nothing much has changed. You certainly present much better than Mr Abbott and I prefer your approach to internal security issues. But, and there are many buts, our internal ‘bun fights’, ministerial falls from grace (as a result of events that happened under Mr Abbott’s leadership) are taking their toll. As a group of elected representatives our Coalition team has learned nothing. The behaviour of some simply disgusts me.

We were turning the tide, in an election winning position and there are those who will do everything possible to make sure we don’t win because of factional infighting. If it was the opposition driving this it would be understandable, but when it's people within our own party with an axe to grind it's unforgivable. Someone needs to yank some chains and quickly. That someone is you Mr Turnbull.

The ‘on the table, off the table’ budget reform water testing is also taking a toll. It's right to test the electorates appetite for change and reform, but the communication around that needs to be much, much better. It is looking suspiciously like indecision and the rumours that you and Scott Morrison are not on the same page isn’t helping. Labor is going a good job of turning the tide back on us. That needs to be addressed.

We have a foreign affairs minister who I think does a great job. But sadly, Julie Bishop is starting to look like an international party girl probably better suited to working for a fashion house than driving our foreign relationships. It’s the old ‘perception’ factor rearing its ugly head.  A lot of that press is down to the media, but Julie puts herself in the position to start with. It needs to stop.

Then we have the back-down on the baby Asha issue. The headlines didn’t really tell the full story but we know that many people don’t read below the headline. The mere hint that we are softening our stance on asylum seekers results in concern that our borders will be weakened.

I am 100% in favour of change. Without change and renewal, we will stagnate and die. But, with that comes the vision. The vision story is sadly lacking. You are an excellent communicator, Mr Turnbull, but we hardly see or hear from you. Whilst you are still the preferred leader by a mile, it won’t last if issues are not addressed and if the vision for the future isn’t crystal clear, understood and re-enforced continually. Basic driving change 101 stuff.

We will no doubt be regaled with shouts of  ‘bring Tony back’. No, thank you. But I don’t think I’m out of step with many others who were prepared to give the new look leadership a fair go and who are now becoming increasingly concerned. If Scott Morrison’s budget flops in May we are gone come the election and Labor will regain power. What a nightmare that would be.

I’ve said many times the popularity of the leader is an important factor, but the party is bigger and the party is losing its way. The promised changes under your leadership are not manifesting and it is taking its toll. Recalcitrant senators are blocking good policy and we seem incapable of getting them on side. Labor’s stocks are rising despite sub-standard leadership and stupid policies and the polls are inconceivably turning against us. Your popularity won’t carry us to victory.

We have time to turn this around, but we don’t have forever. We have to start getting ‘some runs on the board’. I won’t stay loyal forever and I suspect many others are feeling the same way. I’m also one of those who will be losing their long standing member in Philip Ruddock come the election. So I’m in a quandary. In the absence of personal loyalty to our effective sitting member and in the absence of necessary change I’ll be forced into an informal vote. That prospect fills me with no joy but I feel I don’t have an option.

Our future is in your hands Mr Turnbull. Don’t let us down.

Winners and Losers, Leaders and Followers

When I was a child, I was encouraged to be the very best I could be in this life. I was told from a very young age, I was born to lead. I never believed that and in fact I saw myself as a struggling artist, sacrificing the material world for my art. I held onto this romantic idea of what my life would be like for many years. I was always a curious child. Fascinated by nature, arts and the universe. A dreamer. I never believed I would be a leader. 

When the time came to enter the real world and to start to make my own way I soon realised that the life of a struggling artist was simply a pipe dream. The thought of entering the commercial art world felt like for the want of a better word prostitution of my creativity Perhaps it was simply the subconscious acknowledgement that something else awaited. My destiny was to lead and to motivate others and in doing so to develop and grow myself. 

I was fortunate in the early years of my career to be nurtured, motivated and inspired by successful role models who taught me so much about self-belief and grabbing every opportunity. I worked hard and promotions resulted. Opportunity after opportunity opened up. I grabbed almost every one of them. A couple I passed over. Something told me they weren’t part of my life's blueprint.   

I had a very successful business career and as a result, I’m in the fortunate position now, of being able to do what I love most. But the part I am most proud of and gained the most reward from was being in a position to provide opportunities for others. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing others develop and grow and knowing that you played a small part in their success. It’s far better than any title or big pay check I ever had or earned. That is what leadership is about. You see all those years ago when as a child, I was told I was born to lead that is what they meant. To help lead others to achieve greatness. I have been blessed to have been in a position to have employed some of most inspirational, talented and wonderful people. Many who have gone on to achieve success and they will continue to do so. 

I shared my story because I am fed but with the 'slurs' used to attack Malcolm Turnbull, specifically the “he thinks he was born to rule” slur. It usually comes from those who clearly aren’t. Some people are born leaders and some people will forever to followers and some will simply be dragged along by others. Malcolm Turnbull love him or despise him is self-made. Anything he has achieved in life is a result of things he has done. He worked hard, he took risks and gave opportunities to others. So he wants to be Prime Minister and he believes he should be, great. We desperately need successful people leading the country. People who are driven by ambition to succeed because if they succeed we succeed. We’ve seen what career politicians and ex Union leaders have delivered. 

There is nothing wrong with striving for success in this world. There is nothing wrong with having an ambition to be Prime Minister. In fact, we need to encourage more people to strive to be better in all walks of life. Success doesn’t mean you have to be a business leader or even a Prime Minister. Success can come in many forms. But if you are really good at what you do, be it a wonderful parent, an inspiring leader, a carer or simply a street sweeper if you are the best you can be you will inspire others and people will want to follow your lead. I want the most important person in the country to be successful. I want them to inspire others to seek to be leaders. I fail to understand why anyone would will them to fail and to attack them for having ambition and believing in themselves. Judge them on results not on wanting to achieve high office. That simply smacks of envy. 

I thought this article summed it up really well. Have you always suspected you were born to rule, but never officially been tested?

https://studentedge.com.au/article/5-signs-born-to-be-boss

At the risk of sounding perhaps a tad New Age, Malcolm Turnbull is simply fulfilling his destiny and there is nothing wrong with believing you were born to lead. The question is, will he be a good leader. An inspiring leader and one who helps to leave the country and us in better shape than we are now. A leader who helps create opportunities for the country and us as individuals. A leader that inspires the kids of today to fulfill their destiny and to believe they can lead the country one day. That’s the real challenge for him and the questions for us. Smart people will be asking those questions the losers will continue with the slurs, but we’ve come to expect that. 

“Winners and losers, leaders and followers, those who celebrate and encourage success and those who envy”.  I know what team I’m on and I make no apology for it and neither should Malcolm Turnbull. I don't particularly like him, but I certainly don't condemn him for having ambition and belief in himself. I hope for our sake he is the very best Prime Minister we have ever had.