As expected, Dutton was unelectable

Early in February 2024, I wrote an article entitled “Why the Conservatives cannot win the next election.” (Link unavailable.)

In it, I suggested that:

“… the best thing Labor has going for it is Peter Dutton himself. On all accounts, he thinks there is nothing wrong with the party he leads. Its philosophy, its morality, its trust, its economic credentials and its equality.”

All and sundry dislike Peter Dutton so much that he couldn’t win an election if he had started now.

I was right. If you read my post titled “Dutton has had a seismic shift in the ground beneath his feet.” in March of this year, you will read my view on the character of the person known as Peter Dutton. In part, l say:

“The word that echoes through his current messages is ‘negativity’; if you listen closely, you can sense the disillusionment brewing regarding his own party’s time in power. This Term of office has become synonymous with scandals, dismal policies, woeful leadership, and troubling insinuations, culminating in governance that many would label lamentable.

The relentless onslaught of Dutton’s negative narrative can leave us fatigued by his utter lack of innovation. It’s a decade marked by stagnation and despair, highlighting the urgent need for policy innovation to bring about change and progress.

In stark contrast, the Albanese Government has navigated its Term without a shadow of scandal or the turbulence of leadership disruption. This stability starkly contrasts the negativity that seems to permeate Dutton’s rhetoric. It provides a reassuring picture of the current government’s performance, instilling a sense of hope and optimism in the reader.”

Dutton was unelectable

Insiders, May 4

While watching Insiders last Sunday, I took notes on each point the panel made. What follows is a comment or opinion of each.

With an increased majority and the possibility of another term, Labor can do things that might otherwise have eluded them. I will present some options in my next post for The AIMN.

These historic needs for change are not just a matter of political preference but a reflection of the evolving needs and aspirations of the Australian people.

They may never awaken to this reality if they fail to grasp it. John Howard and Robert Menzies belonged to a bygone era, their legacies long since interred in the sands of history. While it’s acceptable to reference them as figures of the past, the vibrant future pulsates with the energy of the young. Just examine their voting patterns; if the essence of “change” isn’t practically emblazoned on their foreheads, you’re simply ignoring the obvious. Continuously harking back to these two figures only reinforces how drastically out of touch they truly are with today’s needs and aspirations. They need to move beyond the suit and blue tie.

In contrast

Albanese was firing on all cylinders, his energy palpable and infectious. In contrast, Dutton appeared lacklustre, his commitment seemingly half-hearted. Albanese exuded vibrant confidence; his demeanour radiated determination, his eyes sparkled with intensity, and every word he spoke carried weight and conviction. He was in a race to win and wasn’t holding back.

As for Labor

Labor now stands at a pivotal moment, armed with a mandate that deserves the respect of the Opposition, the Senate, and the media alike. This result is their chance to transform into an ambitious government that listens intently, responds proactively, and takes decisive action. The potential for change hangs in the air, creating a palpable sense of anticipation and excitement for the future.

The leadership

The Liberals confront an undeniable reality: they have been leaderless since Howard’s departure. Within the party, there’s a glaring absence of individuals who possess the qualities essential for a distinguished leader. It’s a disheartening selection, where each contender somehow falls short of the mark, and I can’t help but think, “What a dismal choice.”This situation calls for a new leadership, instilling a sense of urgency and demand for change in the reader.

The review

A mandatory examination of the Liberal Party’s performance is yet to unfold, but it’s hard to recall when they truly heeded such evaluations. As for Peter Dutton, one can only lament the grave blunder he made by failing to recognise who we are. He seemed to neglect the vital voices of younger voters entirely. His campaign was a dismal spectacle, perhaps the worst I’ve ever witnessed; it felt like the policies were hastily cobbled together by a committee of distraught party members intent on hiding them from the public eye. The impending review will unveil the stark reality: they have forfeited significant ground, leaving Victoria and New South Wales as the only battlegrounds that hold any significance.

Speaking of policy – Try Nuclear Energy

The mind behind this tragically misguided piece of proposed legislation seemed to operate in a realm far removed from reality. It was riddled with flawed calculations and costings and was catastrophically misdirected, and its presentation is a disheartening reflection of a shadowy Minister whose credibility feels almost impossible to trust. This proposal emerges as a strong contender for the most calamitous example of public policy (Robodebt aside) we have witnessed in the past fifty years, a glaring misstep that raises serious concerns about the judgment and foresight of those in power.

Do they need a divorce?

Perhaps it’s time for the National and Liberal Parties to consider a thoughtful pause in their alliance. A metaphorical “trial separation” could offer them the essential space to rediscover their identities and assess whether they share a common purpose. This period could become crucial for introspection, inviting each party to plunge deeply into their core values and beliefs. Such a journey might reveal the threads that still connect them while allowing the Liberals an opportunity to embrace a vital dose of humility. Meanwhile, the National Party faces a pivotal crossroads: they must carefully evaluate whom they truly represent – the steadfast farmers who cultivate the land or the industrious miners who extract its resources. This critical decision could redefine their future in the political landscape.

Jim Chalmers

Jim Chalmers, alongside a cadre of dedicated Ministers, played a pivotal role in Albanese’s mission to promote Labour’s vision of progress, productivity, and keen insight amidst a backdrop of global instability and economic turbulence. Their message urged citizens to focus on the road ahead rather than dwell on past challenges. Albanese’s campaign and his ministers served as a masterclass in exercising authority and the art of delegation, showcasing a united front ready to navigate the complexities of contemporary governance.

Bunker mentality with the media

And Labor had been given a unique gift. See my next post in The AIMN.

Newscorp, a formidable titan in the media landscape, unleashed a barrage of critiques directed at the Labor Party and women independents, wielding every available platform as a weapon in their campaign. Their unyielding and frequently skewed reporting over the years has illuminated the daunting challenges journalism faces today. But this time, the electorate stood firm and declared, ‘Enough is enough.’

Is that enough?

On Insiders, the panel highlighted several issues. Included were the fact that Queensland proudly marks a milestone with six women representatives. Since the era of Tony Abbott, the Coalition has seen a staggering loss of 50 members – a striking indication of shifting political tides. The media generally has exhibited a surprising leniency towards Dutton, failing to hold him rigorously accountable. Projections suggest the Coalition may end up with fewer than 10 women in the 150-seat House of Representatives, while Jacinta Price remains poised to disrupt the governance flow. For all his lavish spending, Clive Palmer achieved little more than a flicker of impact in this complex political landscape.

My thought for the day

My wife and I, along with others in similar circumstances, sincerely wish to apologise to Joe Hockey and his government for the undue strain we added to their responsibilities. We recognise their challenges and regret being perceived as a burden during critical times. (2014 Budget).

 

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