What’s next for the National Cabinet?

A new Australian institution – the National Cabinet – emerged at a time of crisis, but its success depends on how it works in practice, once the COVID-19 pandemic passes.

Securing public trust in the fight against COVID-19

From wearing seat belts to smoking bans in public places, Australia has a long history of tackling health challenges collectively, but public trust in government is a crucial ingredient in success, especially now during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The delicate art of political distancing

Next week will see a socially-distanced parliament. Only 75-77 MPs will be permitted in the House of Representatives chamber at any one time, about half the full complement of normal times.

Too much bipartisanship is bad for democracy

Scott Morrison’s creation of a national cabinet of Federal and State leaders has helped Australia maintain a united front against COVID-19, but the division between government and opposition should be maintained to safeguard democracy.

COVID-19 spurs the resurgence of the state

Unprecedented stimulus packages and interventions are being deployed to mitigate the effects of the pandemic. COVID-19 has generated the requisite conditions for a fundamental transformation in the social and economic role of the state sector.

Australia’s federation hasn’t hindered our response

Having multiple governmental leaders might seem inefficient but this pandemic has shown that not all of them rise to a challenge. Having some other options in the leadership supply chain then comes into its own.

Australia needs a national mobilisation committee – right now

Coronavirus is primarily a public health crisis, but it is also wreaking havoc with our financial, political, economic and social systems. Government as usual is not an option.

Australia stands with the US (most of the time)

When Ambassador Joe Hockey returned earlier this month from the Washington posting he had held since the beginning of 2016, he pushed back against allegations that Australia is an American lapdog.

Taking on toxic partisanship

Toxic partisans have contempt for their opponents, won’t listen to other ideas, refuse to compromise and put their own interests over the country. They dominate political discourse in the USA and too many other nations, and the public should demand an alternative.

Sports rorts and public accountability: why Bridget McKenzie took so long to resign

Although eventually forced to resign over misapplied sports grants, Bridget McKenzie clung to office in the hope of riding out the storm, protected by Australia’s monolithic party system.

Cain was able

Remembering the life of John Cain, a willing and able premier, and long-term servant of the state of Victoria.

Time for political performance reviews?

Let’s embrace the idea we should manage politicians like an executive manages their direct reports. Let’s acknowledge we have not only the power but the responsibility to give feedback, hire the best leaders and fire poor performers.