EDITORIAL: How about party politics claim another PM

Malcolm Turnbull has been voted by the Liberal Party to lead them and in doing so become the 29th Prime Minister of Australia. Over the last five years there has been an unprecedented change of prime ministers due to leadership challenges. This is something that has been witnessed before, first with the Labor Party in their last term and now with the Liberal Party. Paul Keating challenged Bob Hawke in early 1990’s but this happened after he was Prime Minister for more than six years.

The people of Australia elected a Liberal Government in 2013.  Tony Abbott, as leader of the Liberal Party, became prime minister, expected to be for the full three-year term in order to deliver his policies and promises.  It is a worrying trend to witness prime ministers in office for only one or two years. The Australian people voted for a Liberal Party led by Tony Abbott for a full three-year period until the next Federal election.

Tony Abbott took a brave stance. He greatly enhanced Australian relations with other countries and the reputation of Australia globally. We should not forget his outstanding performance and effective leadership in opposition and government.

Tony Abbott was challenged amid negative internal fighting by his party.  The internal fighting and challenges impacted on the performance of the government and on its reputation in the community which was reflected in poll results. It should be also considered that this reflects on the reputation of Australia in international markets.

Much of this stems from the first year of power indicating that his party did not give Tony Abbott adequate opportunity to accomplish and implement what had to be done. It is apparent too much emphasis was placed on opinion polls. How can a leader achieve change and reform in light of internal disunity?

The Liberal Government, as with all Australian Governments, implements policy to fulfil promises and achievements to correct imbalance in the economy and ensure the growth of Australia. This needs stable and long term leadership.

Tony Abbott faced challenges in terms of determining a direction for Australia including economic reform and contending with rising unemployment. However, slow economic growth and high employment is a global matter with the former impacting on Australia. This required making unpopular decisions within the budget to reduce the deficit.

To recount several of the issues were climate change, mining tax, higher education, stopping boat refugees, the free trade agreement with China, decision to receive 12 000 refugees from Syria and Iraq, and the fight against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.   

Among the issues to be faced is the need to increase the number of women from a multicultural background in Cabinet.

Editor in Chief