Faction Fighting !

There are many vitally important issues facing Australia and it is painfully apparent that they are not getting the attention of the government members in the Federal parliament that we voted into office at the last election.  The members of the Liberal/National coalition seem more interested in factional fighting and the big issue fast reaching crisis point concerns who sits in the prime ministers chair.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has been plagued by the former prime minister he replaced seeking revenge and gathering supporters to make it difficult to enact any sort of meaningful legislation. Tony Abbott is a " wrecker " whose main aim seems to be to engineer Malcolm Taylors downfall.  The government's approval rating has slipped to the point that there is mutiny in the rank and file and this led to a challenge from Queenslander Peter Dutton which was resolved in a 48/35 vote in Turnbull's favour.

That achieved nothing.  It is now a " numbers game " and there is every expectation of back room machinations to try and select a prime minister who may be able to take the coalition to victory at the next election.  It is generally thought that Peter Dutton lacks voter appeal south of the Queensland border.

This is very much a series of battles being fought rather than a single issue.  An ultra conservative grouping has formed around Tony Abbott and the Queenslanders have solidly backed Dutton.  It looks like Turnbull's days are numbered and it is likely that a new alliance will eventually pick a new face that can attract sufficient votes for elevation to prime minister.

Malcolm Turnbull lacked the strong leadership credentials needed to lead Australia.  He became a multi millionaire due to his success as a barrister and that made him " different " to former office holders.  He lacked the belligerence to browbeat dissenters and force the discipline so necessary for effective government.  His many compromises were seen as " weakness ".

It could be said that this government disarray is merely the usual Australian practice of a change of government happening.  This country traditionally swaps conservative and socialist theology between Liberal/National and Labor regimes.  A very small change in the numbers at the next election would see Labor win office.  Unfortunately, they are beset with very similar faction problems.

There is a very real danger that a disaffected public may shun the traditional political parties and opt for small " populist " groupings which dilute the formation of a strong central government. We live in a fast changing world of power politics and a coherent foreign policy is essential.  There are important decisions on our military awaiting, together with remedial legislation needed to ensure an adequate electricity supply and action to meet the global warming crisis.   Too many decisions are subjected to the indecision that surrounds factional voting.

In the distant past voting in Australia followed tribal lines.  Vast numbers voted either " conservative " or " socialist " and this propelled either into office.  The different was delivered by the small number of uncommitted voters who delivered the balance of power when they placed their decision at the ballot box.

The one thing that is painfully clear is that this factional fight within the present government is not delivering the quality of decision making demanded by the voters.