Recent Coalition governments have seen the public service as an enemy. That’s all about to change, writes economics editor 1RossGittins | OPINION
The election was so much about getting rid of Scott Morrison that few but the party faithful turned to Anthony Albanese with great hope and enthusiasm. He’s not the most charismatic bloke you could meet. Yet almost everything we’ve heard from him so far has been encouraging.
Kevin Rudd had to be strong-armed by his colleagues to give the job of ambassador to the US to his vanquished party predecessor, Kim Beazley, a job for which he was highly qualified. Albanese said he wanted to bring Australians together. “I want Australia to continue to be a country that, no matter where you live, who you worship, who you love or what your last name is, places no restrictions on your journey in life.”
Julia Gillard, like Albanese, is from the Left of the Labor Party. As PM, Gillard worked hard to show she was not a prisoner to left-wing policies.Paradoxically, they’re more likely than the Libs to stick to the conventions rather than overturn them, more likely to consult widely – the unions come back into the tent, but business stays in – and more likely to seek, and take, advice from officials.
Anthony Albanese has appointed former University of Melbourne vice chancellor Glyn Davis to lead the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.So, the moment the new government is criticised for some behaviour and replies that it’s only what the last lot did, you’ll know the game is lost. Nothing could be better calculated to ensure ministers are surrounded by yes-persons. It takes a wise and strong manager to see the benefit of having around them people game to say, “Are you sure that’s a good idea, boss?” when considered necessary.Albanese has promised not to sack any public servants, and he hasn’t so far. Replacing the head of his own department is, by modern convention, an entitlement of the new prime minister.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Why Albanese will bring public servants in from the coldRecent Coalition governments have seen the public service as an enemy. That’s all about to change.
Read more »
Winter cannot wait as cold blast forecast for east coast, bringing destructive winds, snow and rainIt might be just one more sleep away but winter is certainly going to start with a vengeance, with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting a strong cold front and associated low for the eastern coast on Tuesday.
Read more »
Election 2022 LIVE updates: Anthony Albanese Albanese announces Labor’s frontbenchWATCH LIVE: Anthony Albanese press conference; CBA’s Michael Baumann expects house prices to drop 10 per cent; Jim Chalmers calls Peter Dutton another “bulldozer”. Follow updates here.
Read more »
China sets Whitlam’s anniversary as target for relationship repair with AlbaneseThe flurry of co-ordinated activity aimed at wooing Australia is the highest level pitch for engagement since diplomatic ties were frozen in 2020.
Read more »