Pausing a divorce: what happens next?

Last Saturday, May 23, l wrote a piece about the future of the Liberal and National parties. After I had posted it, I had to revise it in light of the very public divorce that had taken place. Now we find it was nothing but a Clayton’s pause. So, I begin writing this on Sunday, June 25, knowing that sometime during the weekend, I will probably have to revise it again, depending on whether the pause continues, becomes a commitment, continues as a pause, or leads to a full-on divorce, an annulment, or whatever comes next.

Come Monday, May 26, l find the media have also paused. Nothing in The Guardian. No, wait, The Australian is full of it (not unusual) except to say they support a merger because they need a lot of bullshit to write about.

Yes, the front page of The Australian is awash with a series of articles that expose the intricate challenges faced by both the Liberal and National parties in their attempts to engage with one another. These pieces delve into the complexities of crafting coherent policies and media strategies, shedding light on the often-chaotic internal disputes that hamper progress. Moreover, they highlight the daunting task of unifying their messages during campaigns, revealing a landscape where communication breakdowns usually prevail.

I feel people on the right of politics in Australia show an insensitivity to the common good that goes beyond any thoughtful examination. They have hate on their lips, and their hate starts with the beginning of a smile.

When looking for a word to describe how these two party’s co-habitats, one can look no further than “pathetic.” This term not only reflects the lack of progress in their relationship but also the missed opportunities and potential benefits of a more harmonious coexistence. That being so, the two parties would see the advantages of coexistence, but their self-analysis is just as unimpressive as their ability to see what needs to be done.

Personally, I find the most objectionable feature of conservative attitude is its propensity to reject well-substantiated new knowledge, science in other words, because it dislikes some of the consequences that may flow from it. Yes, there are known facts in the world.

Tuesday, May 27

The recriminations continue. Andrew Hastie reckons that:

“There’s no reason to think that we won’t disappear over time if we don’t get our act together. That’s how serious this challenge is for the Liberal Party.”

The position requires a dramatic response to what is an unprecedented wave of public discontent, primarily fuelled by specific issues or events. Still, instead, the LNP have chosen to listen to their own delusion rather than the opinions of those who delivered them such a sound rebuke. Yet, it remains a mystery how both factions continue to respond to this crisis with such baffling detachment.

For years, the Opposition has cultivated a narrative steeped in the shadows of extreme conservatism, much like rust creeping insidiously through the fabric of our community. Susan Ley, the so-called alternative Prime Minister of desolation, has relentlessly painted our economic landscape in the bleakest hues imaginable. Yet, the truth stands in stark contrast to her grim portrayal: our economy is, in fact, rising from the ashes, steadily mending the wounds inflicted by conservative policies.

Wednesday, May 28

As expected, the Coalition has officially reunited after Liberal leader Susan Ley and Nationals leader David Littleproud forged a formal agreement to reunite their parties.

On Wednesday morning, Ley embarked on a series of phone calls to her fellow MPs, sharing the news of their future roles in the shadow cabinet, as reported by party insiders. The Nationals secured six positions within the shadow cabinet – one less than the ambitious count Littleproud had sought during intense negotiations before the announcement of their split.

In a notable twist, Senator Matt Canavan, the rebellious Nationals MP who recently made waves by challenging Littleproud’s leadership, finds himself without a shadow portfolio. This will, of course, suit him as he will be able to push his anti-climate change views to his heart’s content.

Of all the pieces of review I have read, viewed or heard, the one thing that amazes me to the point of annoyance is how little of this gigantic loss has been attributed to Peter Dutton himself.

Later in the afternoon of Sussan Ley announced her Shadow Ministry, a “much ado about nothing” exercise that included loyalty rewards and the usual recriminations. What happens next is anyone’s guess.

My thought for the day

Never disturb your adversaries while they are making fools of themselves.

 

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