The “ATM” governments: Failures were their forté

Why we need to put LNP last

Looking back at the terms of the “ATM” governments – Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull, and Scott Morrison – a common thread emerges: significant policy missteps (though “catastrophes” might be a more fitting term). Below is a summary of each leader’s most memorable failures, a stark reminder of the potential harm LNP governments can inflict on society.

Tony Abbott (2013–2015)

2014 Budget Backlash

Abbott’s first budget in 2014, crafted with Treasurer Joe Hockey, aimed to “end the age of entitlement” but was widely seen as harsh and unfair. Measures like the GP co-payment (a proposed $7 fee for doctor visits), cuts to welfare, and deregulation of university fees sparked significant public and political backlash. Many of these policies were either abandoned or heavily watered down due to Senate opposition, cementing a perception of broken promises (e.g., “no cuts to health or education” from the 2013 campaign).

Legacy: He’ll likely be remembered for misjudging the public mood and failing to sell austerity, damaging the Coalition’s early credibility.

Climate Policy Reversal

Abbott repealed the Carbon Pricing Mechanism (carbon tax) introduced by Labor, replacing it with the less effective Direct Action Plan. Critics argue this set Australia back on emissions reduction, with the policy widely regarded as inadequate for meeting climate goals. His famous “climate change is crap” stance (from 2009) lingered in public memory, despite later softening his rhetoric.

Legacy: A failure to lead on climate, seen as prioritizing ideology over science.

Malcolm Turnbull (2015–2018)

NBN (National Broadband Network) Debacle

As Communications Minister under Abbott and later PM, Turnbull oversaw the shift from Labor’s fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) NBN to a cheaper, slower multi-technology mix (MTM) using copper and HFC. It was criticised for poor speeds, high costs, and delays, with many calling it a missed opportunity for future-proof infrastructure. Turnbull defended it as pragmatic, but users and experts largely disagreed.

Legacy: A compromised digital future, remembered as a shortsighted cost-saving flop.

Failure to Deliver on Progressive Promises

Turnbull, a moderate with a reputation as a republican and climate advocate, raised expectations but struggled against the Coalition’s conservative wing. His watered-down emissions reduction policies (e.g., the National Energy Guarantee, abandoned in 2018) and inability to advance a republic referendum or marriage equality (beyond a divisive postal survey) frustrated supporters. Internal party turmoil led to his ousting.

Legacy: Disappointing those who saw him as a reformer, remembered for buckling to the right.

Scott Morrison (2018–2022)

Climate Inaction and Black Summer (2019–2020)

Morrison’s handling of the 2019–2020 bushfires drew ire for his initial absence (holidaying in Hawaii) and perceived lack of urgency on climate change. His government stuck to modest 2030 emissions targets (26–28% below 2005 levels), rejecting net-zero by 2050 until late 2021 under pressure. Critics argue this delayed Australia’s transition, leaving it a global laggard.

Legacy: “I don’t hold a hose, mate” – a symbol of detachment and climate denialism.

Robodebt Scandal

The automated debt recovery scheme, ramped up under Morrison’s earlier role as Social Services Minister and continued as PM, wrongly pursued welfare recipients for fictitious debts. It led to distress, suicides, and a Royal Commission finding it unlawful and cruel. Morrison’s refusal to fully apologise reinforced perceptions of callousness.

Legacy: A policy that harmed vulnerable Australians, remembered as a moral and administrative failure.

COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout

While Morrison’s early pandemic response (border closures, JobKeeper) was praised, the vaccine rollout in 2021 was slow and chaotic, hampered by over-reliance on AstraZeneca, supply issues, and poor communication (“It’s not a race”). Australia lagged behind peers, fueling public frustration.

Legacy: Squandering early goodwill with logistical incompetence.

Overarching Coalition Themes (2013–2022)

Economic Management Myth?

The Coalition touted fiscal discipline, but the debt-to-GDP ratio ballooned, driven by tax cuts (e.g., Stage 3) and pandemic spending. Critics argue they failed to deliver structural reform or a clear economic vision beyond “jobs and growth.”

Internal Division

Leadership spills (Abbott to Turnbull, Turnbull to Morrison) highlighted instability, undermining policy consistency and public trust.

What They’ll Be Remembered For

• Abbott: The 2014 budget fiasco and axing the carbon tax.
• Turnbull: The NBN downgrade and unfulfilled progressive potential.
• Morrison: Bushfires, Robodebt, and a botched vaccine rollout.

Guess who served as a senior minister across all three of those governments? Peter Dutton. His political instincts align closely with Abbott and Morrison – less so with Turnbull. To avoid a future where we’re looking back on his own string of failures, there’s a simple fix: put LNP last.

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