PM Anthony Albanese has an uninspiring, slippery character, honed by a lifetime of political practice, the dark arts of Labor Party organisation and factional manoeuvring. What principles does he hold to? His wooden speech style could be leavened by courage or conviction, but alas these qualities are mainly missing in action too.
In the aftermath of the Bondi Beach massacre his obstinate refusal to agree to a Royal Commission, against a roll call of eminent legal figures and the Jewish community, can only mean that he does not want a forensic spotlight shone on his government and its agencies’ actions – or lack thereof – to deal with a wave of anti-Semitic violence in Sydney and Melbourne over the last few years.
He also tried to arrogantly dismiss the most recent travel claims scandal involving Federal ministers and others with their snouts deep in the trough of ‘parliamentary entitlements’ (apt description of gross rorting ‘within guidelines’ at taxpayers’ expense).
Recently we were also collectively insulted by the improper State funeral for Labor mate ‘Richo’, a party flunkey and backroom operator with a list of doubtful business activities. The shameful gang of political attendees was like a Mafia-style round-up in the Catholic (of course!) cathedral reserved for these tribal gatherings. Another appalling lack of judgement and principle.
I could devote a couple of paragraphs to his total mishandling of the failed Indigenous Voice Referendum, but let’s just stick to recent egregious examples of his abdication of responsibility.
Finally, clear evidence of him flagrantly avoiding systemic accountability is in a sense more serious. The PM’s department has instructed lobbying firms to use encrypted Signal messages in their communications with the government – to avoid detection or traceability in subsequent freedom-of-information requests, as they seek favours and influence. A breath-taking denial of transparency and the epitome of backroom dealings!
I know we supposedly get the politicians we deserve, but the Abdicator’s missing emperor’s clothing is obvious to the naked eye.
KOOKYNIE COURIER 