This is not a criticism of Tony Abbott’s attendance at fires as a member of his brigade, or his bike riding in events that raise money for charity. They show he is a ‘good bloke’. However, perhaps the fact that he still pursues those activities after becoming Prime Minister, our Chief CEO, could be an indication of his management style and it could be fair to wonder if he is ready for the big picture.
Denying that wild fires in Australia are influenced by
Climate Change, while running around the bush with a fire hose, may be the clue
that explains why he favours a policy of direct action over a cap and trade
system to mitigate climate change. One would expect a Conservative to have more
faith in a market driven system than one that must meddle and cherry pick its
targets, needing a dedicated bureaucracy, charged with the task of deciding
where, when and how much is to be give polluters not to pollute. One wonders
why he doesn’t pay Philip Morris to stop making so many cigarettes!
One suspects that his direct action policy is really driven
by his determination continue to negate every Labor initiative, regardless of
merit. Let’s hope he lets go the ideology and starts to think things through. Tony’s
scattergun approach to problem solving is also revealed by his ideas of buying
up Indonesian fishing boats (since withdrawn) and his tree planting pledge (since
withdrawn). Germaine Greer was right to ask: (paraphrased) “How can a
government headed by a Rhodes Scholar be so stupid?”
So here we are, with apparently intelligent people,
defending the indefensible, about to witness the repeal of the only mechanism
experts agree has any chance of delivering lower emissions in a world that is
burning up before our eyes, simply because Action Man wanted so desperately to
become PM and stay there. If he continues to deny the science, let’s hope
Tanya Plibersek gets her wish that he is indeed
One Term Tony. With the whole world desperately needing leadership on the big
issues of overpopulation and climate change, being a member of a fire brigade is not enough.
Posts
Welcome back, Stafford! Unfortunately, leaders with no policy or political philosophy other than to be seen as good blokes and to be re-elected next time, find appeal in an increasingly dumbed down electorate. You need look no further than a three hour flight south-east to see evidence of that.
ReplyDeletegood post Stafford - the other scary stuff is the defunding of agencies that put climate change and research on the agenda - the cuts to the csiro etc., I don't believe he will even fund direct action - he'll just keep changing the subject and ignore what he doesn't like to hear and get rid of all the people saying what he doesn't want to hear - monkey don't see, monkey don't do ...
ReplyDeleteWhere've you been? Though I can't complain cause I've been more absent(-minded) than you! But I agree with your sentiments here. You should also mention that whatever Tony wants to do with his 'spare'(?) time is his business, but it should also be his to pay for - and not put on parliamentary expenses!
ReplyDeleteit is beyond depressing
ReplyDeleteThanks Keith, Gabe, Chartreuse and Kylie. We can only speak out and make sure he is 'One term Tony' and get back into the real world!
Delete