Turnbull is attempting to brazen his way out, until the next affaire du jour appears, while some are declaring his leadership aspiration finished.
Peter Costello, the putative pretender for prime minister appears out of the shadows of the opposition to backbench, putting aside his preparations for retirement at the next election, to suggest that the public service should not have been involved in party politics. A position that was supported by the public service.
Such is the state of politics. The apolitical nature of the Australian Public Service is a worthy subject for debate, but I would suggest on an impartial basis that it was politicized by the actions of Howard when he assumed government. I approved on the action by Rudd to retain the existing heads of department.
Now if as some are suggesting that Turnbull’s hold on the Leadership of his party is terminal since if the polls are to be believed – contrary to my sense of these things – that he has lost credibility over this affair then two questions arise. What ingredient did Turnbull lack despite his previous success? Even though the Republic Referendum was lost, I would have thought that he would have learnt a lot from leading a national campaign.
The other question becomes who else could be Leader of the Opposition. Jovial Joe Hockey, a bloke that almost nobody would deeply dislike, might be very effective, but one wonders whether the electorate will judge him as prime ministerial timber.
The Opposition probably has to play a longer game. They have got to knock some paint off and make a few dents that require panel beating, as it is, the ute is still looking polished.
ELSEWHERE:
Gary believes that Malcolm Turnbull’s leadership of the Opposition is over.