The first four months
Australian issues - - Posted on March, 25 at 1:15 pm by Ken L
Dear Kevin,
Was it only four months ago that we woke up to the clean sweet air of a Howard-less Australia? How quickly the time has flown. It seems like the ex-roosters have been squatting on the backbench like feather dusters since forever Mr Speaker, reminding us of what a second-rate bunch of nonentities and clowns huddled around the chief rooster for 11 years … now of course himself a feather duster, who has retreated to his spiritual home at the American Enterprise Institute. It’s funny how the conservatives used to bag Paul Keating for not being a true Aussie because he liked Europe, but somehow it’s OK for Howard to grovel at the feet of the AEI.
However I don’t want to write about the previous government, just couldn’t resist the urge to give the hideous corpse a kick as I walked past. I want to let you know how I rate your performance so far, because I’m sure you’re dying to know.
The transition to government has been handled brilliantly. No shock/horror revelations about black holes in the accounts justifying you in ditching half your election promises. No amateurish mistakes by ministers, despite the endless beatups by the usual suspects who predicted that some like Garrett and Swan would be out of their depth; pundits who will now spend the rest of their careers manufacturing evidence to ‘prove’ how prescient they were. After 11 years in opposition, and only 12 months after you became leader, it’s been a most impressive performance that speaks highly of your management skills.
In matters of style and appearance and overall administrative competence, then, top marks. And it’s wonderful to have a deputy prime minister of whom we can be proud instead of whatever clod happens to be leading the Country Party this year.
I’m less impressed with the substance. The apology was wonderful symbolism that will serve a useful purpose, likewise Kyoto, but they didn’t do anything very concrete. Getting rid of AWAs was fine but I’m still waiting to read a detailed description of the new IR system that you intend to introduce. There have been a few too many inquiries and committees for my liking without clear statements of the overall policy objectives that you stand for.
Take defence for example. A white paper is all well and good but what foreign policy parameters should it recognise? From what I have seen, the answer is ‘pretty much the same ones as we had under the last mob’. Sure there’s a bit of fine tuning with our Middle East commitments but nothing serious. Certainly no indication of a genuine willingness to consider a substantial review of our relationship with the USA, which drives so much of our foreign policy and thus our defence considerations. No sign that you intend even to open up for discussion the desirability of forging a new role for our nation that sees us finally shake off our child-like attachment to Great and Powerful Friends.
National security is another example where you seem reluctant to rock the boat. I can understand why; no government wants to set itself up to be blamed for any future terrorist attack, no matter how remote the possibility. We’ve already seen the way a flourishing industry has developed in America around the proposition that the Bushistas should have known about and prevented the attacks on the World Trade Centre. I can understand why you don’t want to give ammunition to the bedwetters who want the state to be an omniscient and omnipotent Leviathan.
Nevertheless the way you’ve set up the Haneef inquiry strongly suggests that it’s meant to be a whitewash. Inquiries are generally useful to find out stuff that people would prefer remain hidden. By witholding the power to compel people to give evidence or produce documents, you’ve pretty much ensured that the Haneef inquiry won’t make any serious findings to the detriment of either the AFP or the DPP. That suggests in turn that far from wanting evidence that would justify a review of Howard’s endless Law on Terror, you’re happy to let it alone. And I think that’s disappointing.
Even more disappointing is your tendency to impose your own moral standards and preferences on the community. It was one of Howard’s more objectionable traits and I thought we might be free of it with your accession to The Lodge, but apparently not. I neither expect nor want the prime minister or the federal government to spend time and resources interfering in what people watch on the internet, or how much they drink, or whether they play the pokies. Bugger off and mind your own business is my frank advice and tell senator who TF? from the family fascist party to do likewise.
Speaking of families, will you also please drop this ‘working families’ crap? You’ve even got the ACTU doing it now. It was OK as a bit of meaningless election rhetoric but speaking as a working single man, I have to tell you it’s really starting to piss me off. I suspect I am not alone. I think you’ll find that many people resent being told constantly that the government’s attention is focused firmly on the interests of some group other than them.
Finally, let me plead for a bit more courage. If you can’t show a bit of ticker at this stage of the election cycle, when can we expect you to show it at all? The first signs appeared in the election campaign that you tended to panic at the first bit of rough handling by the media. Matching Howard’s tax cuts might have been clever politics but it was lousy economics and you’re going to pay the price. Unfortunately we saw the same gormless capitulation to media hysteria in the great bonus debacle. You know those bonuses are a poor use of taxpayers’ money but you decided to keep them anyway, just to appease the journos. Why TF didn’t you just tell everyone they would find out future welfare arrangements in the May budget and just shut up from then on? It would have made your future life much easier.
In fact you seem determined to keep all the largesse that Howard’s mob scattered from the verandas over its declining years, no matter how irrational or wasteful it might be. It suggests your instinctive reaction to any unexpected event is to hose down negative media coverage as quickly as possible. Your response to any media beatups about alleged misbehaviour by union officials last year followed the same pattern - kick them out of the ALP so you can tell Kerry O’Brien the controversy has been fixed. It might be good media management but it’s not good government.
So all in all Kevin I have to say my praise for you is somewhat faint, consisting mainly of the fact that you are not John Howard. Nevertheless it’s no more or less than I expected and there’s a fair amount of time before the next election so I’ll try to keep an open mind.
Posted in Australian issues |
March 25th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Couldn’t have written it better meself, Ken. Well done.
March 25th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Even more disappointing is your tendency to impose your own moral standards and preferences on the community.
How the f2ck do you keep on stealing the very thoughts from my head kennel?
So all in all Kevin I have to say my praise for you is somewhat faint, consisting mainly of the fact that you are not John Howard.
Enough already, please stop kennel, you’re prescience is beginning to scare me.
March 25th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Hear hear. Not being John Howard entails a bit more than just not being John Howard.
Keeping an open mind is all very well and good, but it gets boring. If it wasn’t for the Liberal Party’s antics we’d have no politics at all. No policy and no politics will likely see an increase in cat blogs, or is that your devious plan Kevin?
March 25th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
I won’t be happy or satisfied until we have a federal government that is left of centre, and that’s the old centre, not the current one where the pointer has moved to the right.
I didn’t expect a lot from Rudd and his team, getting rid of Howard and his gang was enough. However, the lukewarm lot that we are seeing is definitely below that initial expectation. I hate to imagine them in the eighteen months prior to the next election.
March 25th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Well written Ken, thank you.As far as I’m concerned Rudd is going ok, give him a bit of leeway, it’s a big job. That being said three things need to be done and done properly;
A full inquiry into the AWB affair,
A full inquiry into the Haneef affair
and not just a half hearted effort, full and frank even if it means a Royal Commission and,
back of on censure, we’ve had a gut full of bullshit from Howards mob, so don’t start old chap, you’ll pay for it if you do.We may have supported you to get rid of Howards slimey mob, don’t mean you’ve got Carte Blanche over our lives.
March 25th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
Well said Ken. I always thought that Rudd’s style would be antipodean Blairism, which in turn borrowed from Clinton and the ‘third way’ prattlers that infested a number of centre left parties in the 1990’s. I suspect however, that ‘events dear boy, events’ are going to start to concentrate everybody’s minds this year, as the US elections will be the largest ‘electoral contest’ between the 1980’s/1990’s and reality seen for a long time.
I also suspect that we will never actually get a ‘overall policy objective’ for decisions from Rudd, any more than we got one from the Man of
Steelthe second Prime Minister to lose his seat, other than staying in power.The funny thing is, I think the more worrying issue, is that these days, nobody really expects anythhing else from a government, even one formed by a centre left political party.
There are a number of reasons for this, but I forget what they are!
March 25th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Aussie Sheila, one could infer from your comment that the Rudd-led government might possibly act like play dough and allow itself to be manipulated by the mainstream media, including radio jocks & selective polls, whose very existence depends on a few interfering media moguls…in combination w/ ruthless & well resourced advertising companies that promote a monopoly of industries from Big Pharma to Fast Food to Fossil Fuel Resources to Cars worth jumping in the air for?
Wouldn’t that turn out to be a “lemon” of a government?…or should we say “Iemma” of a government? It potentially keeps them in power…but it ain’t pretty. The Country deserves better.
Certainly there have been a few worrying signs that the Federal ALP govt. are heading in that pathetic direction as aptly expressed by Ken during his “If you can’t show a bit of ticker at this stage of the election cycle, when can we expect you to show it at all?” related comments.
Media firestorms constructed by “faux Libertarians” & “greed for gain types in free maket clothing” are difficult for Governments to ignore…particularly if a gullible, dumbed down, cynical and fatigued population react w/ a mass knee-jerk, “torch and pitchfork” way…instead of doing some research and blowing away the smoke, smashing the mirrors. Breaking the CANDY surface.
Perhaps governments need to ensure that publicly funded news & information outlets “empower” the citizenry and provide alternative ideas and ways of living rather than just regurgitating the info-tainment pap and daily “gotya” hook-ins of the Corporate media? The tag team character assassination bit done on Barack Obama during Lateline last night is a case in point.
Or perhaps Aussie Sheila you mean the Rudd-led government don’t want to hang their “overall policy objectives” out there in case the hyenas in said media and certain lobby groups start chewing them up & transforming them into something unrecognisable? Well, who can blame them? Tho this can lead Labor down that rocky road to accusations of being “Howard-like” in their lack of transparency. Best to go w/ the making changes to the messenger methinks. A whole new set of media regulations and laws is in order.
I’ve made it clear on a previous occasion that I think Labor could be more diplomatic and compassionate in its approach to “animal rights & protection” issues & decisions. Trying to create a “hard man” perception by permitting acts of barbarism & savagery to appease “red neck” voters does not a “great leader” make. The History books are littered w/ the white hair on politicians that sprung from not heeding the advice of taxpayers who prefer their earnings be used for compassionate purposes…rather than on killing machines and “too hard to be bothered” practices.
On the whole tho, i’ve seen a number of indications that this government will be an improvement on the last…& i’m sure w/ the likes of Gillard & Tanner in the policy construction mix we can expect some “fair-go” moments that will warm the cockles of this far too cynical heart and mind.
Generally, i agree w/ much my learned colleagues above have stated…and can only hope that the outcomes of the American election, the China-based social upheaval, the economic contraction, and the events in the Middle East turn out to be less a bane for the Australian Government than some are predicting…by heeding wise counsel and taking courage in hand, it is possible for this Government to lead its people to a better future…with the Guardians of Democracy, ever vigilant, by its side.
March 25th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
I think that’s a well written letter Ken that summarizes the new government’s performance pretty well. I’d probably give the Labor Government a bit more praise than that, but I definately have similar reservations.
The improvements to COAG seem to be a bit more than symbolic. Four meetings a year instead of one - and more cooperation. More health funding, schemes to reduce waiting lists are reasonable improvements.
I think it’s good that the new government is consulting more, including using mechanisms such as reviews. They should consult widely with experts before making major policy decisions, in my opinion.
Of course Labor has or is about to reverse many of Howard’s more outrageous laws. Of course we’ve had WorkChoices buried, we’re going to see the reversal of those disgraceful electoral laws (you know the ones where the rolls closed on the day the election is called), and a number of others.
This of course doesn’t make the Rudd Government great, but it’s a substantial improvement on the last lot.
Hopefully next we’ll have bans on political donations. Let’s also hope that they don’t dodge the climate change issue. I’ve liked what I’ve heard from Profesor Garnaut so far. He seems to be taking the issue of climate change very seriously. Good on Labor for comissioning him to do this job. Let’s hope that they actually take proper notice and take appropriate action to tackle dangerous climate change, whether or not it is popular.
March 25th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
Anyone who thought we were going to see revolutionary change with Rudd’s first term just wasn’t paying attention in the 12 months leading up to the election. He is a conservative Labor leader.
And let’s not rush to judgement just yet. It has only been four months, and any stumbles or failures to deliver so far from this government have been minor, at worst.
Rudd is nothing if not cautious, and my bet is that he will spend the first term settling in and bedding things down, restoring some integrity to public administration (not sexy but necessary post Howard)), and giving the electorate the chance to become comfortable with him, before offering us any greater vision he may have.
Be patient, little grasshoppers, and give credit where it is due. Rudd understands well history and diplomacy, and is way too smart to blow his chance in a flash flood of dramatic and confrontational Whitlamesque reform.
Rudd plays for the long term. Read him that way.
Here endeth the lesson.
Selah.
March 25th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
I dont know what exactly Ken meant by bed wetters and Leviathan,the evidence is pretty well in,that the Bush camp or individuals in it were part and parcel of the 9/11 bombing,and to deny it is to deny the falsity of the illegality of the Iraq invasion,and the failure to give real and substantive help to Afghanistan,rather than McCains wish for a hundred years there.I disagree entirely that Rudd has done or said anything substantive,and, pathetically is involved in watching,like others,to Australia s detriment,elections elsewhere.An idiot on the Lismore ABC this morning said we are all linked into globalism,and it was the idiots who lent money to unemployed who are making the mortgaged stressed go through,what they maybe now because of the uncertainty of interest rate direction.Seeing it has been reported there are 5 million Australians of working age,it seems like the present government has already set out on a path of,like so many in the workforce, of being the only ones who can do the bloody job,have all universal knowledge,and by the nature of being paid to work means their nonsenses are superior to the non-paid work force.To such an extent,that every mention,and evidence,that Geo.W.Bush has been close to impeachment,gets sideways kicked that the truth of 9/11 hasnt been duly found.Rudd remains a fantasist,and anyone showing any kindness to the man,is suffering some sort of evaluation perspective loss.
March 25th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
This seems worthy of two thumbs up:
The federal government expects funding for transitional beds to move elderly patients out of high-care hospital wards to begin from July.
The Rudd government will bankroll the facilities under a $158 million plan which will cost taxpayers 10 times less to operate than acute-care beds in conventional hospital wards.
Patients undergoing rehabilitation will also be moved to the new beds.
Health Minister Nicola Roxon said the plan was part of the Rudd government’s election promises to ease the bed crisis in public hospitals.
(The Age.com…March 25, 2008)
as does this:
The federal government wants to push more secondary students to learn a foreign language.
Federal government research to be released on Tuesday has found students avoid language subjects fearing their university entrance scores will be affected, or because parents and career teachers say foreign languages are not relevant to their futures, Fairfax newspapers reported on Monday.
Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Julia Gillard told Fairfax she was worried a lack of language education would make young Australians less competitive internationally.
(SMH…March 24, 2008)
How’s that Seeker…:)
March 25th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
Oh, excellent student, little grasshopper.
And no big surprise that Rudd is keen on promoting languages, hey? Cutting funding to them was one of Howard’s more idiotic, regressive, and ideologically driven false economies.
It remains to be seen, but I suspect that in 20 years time a lot of people here (and across Oz) will look back fondly, and gratefully, on the Rudd years in office. The same will not be so true of the Howard years.
(Though, for the record, I have no doubt Rudd and his government will make some poor, and even distasteful decisions along the way, and let us down at times. Just remember, the alternative was more Howard, and with control of the senate.)
March 26th, 2008 at 1:05 am
ya know those pebbles you had me grab from your lightning fast hand? Apollo swallowed them…he thought they were boiled sweets.
“And no big surprise that Rudd is keen on promoting languages, hey? Cutting funding to them was one of Howard’s more idiotic, regressive, and ideologically driven false economies.”
True…but ya must admit he did a great job in fostering affection for the local dialects and tribal groups…”Pisshead giving a good Earbashing”, “Rural moaners”, “Ocker petro-head”, “Mongrel w/ a Mullet”, “Oi Oi Oi drongo in the stands”, “Boofheads on the beach”, “Full of themselves sports stars”, “Post-closing time pissed as a parrot Sheila”, “Off their tits celebrity”, “Bellowing babymaker in the supermarket”, “Spruiker w/out a STOP button”…
brought a whole new meaning to the term “National pride”.
March 26th, 2008 at 10:28 am
I like this comment from a newspaper item on the AMA.
“So, if the Rudd government wants to prove it will not be bullied by the nation’s unions into policies that are not in the interests of working families, the cashed-up Australian Medical Association would be lovely place to start.”
Pigs might fly.
March 26th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Christmas came and kids are angry that they didn’t get all the toys they wanted. 4 months and the government is condemned at a time where it is endeavouring to firmly establishing itself we have some on the Left coming out to undermine it. Pretty clever. More than a decade in the wilderness still hasn’t taught some the lessons they needed to learn. Patience is not a thing valued by spoilt kids, they want it now. Save the assessments until the term is almost done.
Maybe some should contemplate just what John Howard had in store for Australia if he had been re-elected.
March 26th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Rudd starts from a very high base simply on the grounds that he is not-Howard (and not a Liberal Party member, too)
March 26th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
As RSMs say to lieutenants, “Officers shouldn’t run sir, it panics the troops.”
The govt has achieved quite a bit without frightening the horses, at a time when the horses are very skittery because of that strange wind blowing from the US. Not to labour a metaphor. Labor a metaphor?
Anyways well done Kev thus far.
March 26th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
Well said, Sean, and good point.
March 26th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
I remember quite vividly the days of Neville Wran and not frightening the horses.And I remember going to the CES once,and a smart arse behind the desk asked me did I know a foreign language,after a previous smart-arse Labor government went on about foreign languages ,and,only engaged in a few words here and there,for product differentiation as Party at the amassed and always happy Multi-Cultural turn-out.And it must be complete bunk,as a policy initiative,if all the various backgrounds of Australians now,cannot,or do not hold the linguistic skills!?If that be the case,maybe a lot of people who have gone through our education system,and moved on to other countries,are ripping us all off..and havent contributed much to Australia,as the great harping goes, that Australian born dont want to work.Face up to it soon please,there are no redeeming qualities about Labor.Its racism is harder to pick,and its incompetence over time and governments,is a terrible thing to have to recognise.To be on the Left excludes the ALP, and if they surprise you..well and good.Some of Rudds pre-election stuff,was purely Barry Jones revisited,and denatured.I simply cannot recognise anything of value in the ALP.Am I suppose too!?