The Albanese government is arguably the most timid Labor Government in our history.
What’s the point of the Albanese Government? You might argue that at least it’s not a Morrison or Dutton Government but when it comes to achievements, crafting a cohesive narrative and acting on the many urgent national needs Australia faces there is not much evidence that it is capable of dealing with them and much evidence that it is timid and fatally risk averse.
Indeed, it is arguably the most timid Labor Government in our history.
Its tactical nous is demonstrated when – faced with problems, it announces a Cabinet reshuffle – a move that engages the shuffle winners and losers and the Canberra Press Gallery – but is irrelevant to voters.
It has commissioned lots of studies and reports but has then taken fright at their recommendations.
For instance, Andrew Leigh and Treasurer Jim Chalmers asked the Productivity Commission to conduct a once-in-a-generation 15-month review of philanthropy. Responding to the report Leigh said he would consider all of the recommendations but one – that donations to private school building funds no longer be tax deductible.
To make sense of this it is worth considering the differences between the facilities of Australian private schools and government ones – as the author witnessed at first hand recently. Our grand daughter is in a juniors basketball team and travels around Melbourne to play against other girls. Recently we had to take her to a match at an eastern suburbs Catholic girls school. The walk into the complex passed a large swimming pool and big library........