We have to talk about Tony

My oldest friend is fighting for his life. He has mesothelioma, the asbestos disease. Sitting with him in hospital, the topic he returns to is the leadership of Australia or more exactly Tony Abbott, and the grey future of our country. Tony worries him.

A conservative, he reflects on New Zealand where a decisive and constructive leader (John Key) is pushing that country forward while here we have no direction and seem unlikely to for the next two years at the very best. And this in a rapidly changing world where our mining sector has bombed in the space of 12 months with nothing so far to replace it.

My friend feels we are a country lost. His daughter is now living in the centre of a major German city, having bought an apartment for 30 per cent of the cost of something similar in Sydney and his son is also looking overseas because his work prospects are limited here.

What we need is leadership with Australia’s interests at heart.

We need leadership that can generate optimism about the future.

Tony Abbott is incapable of providing either of these. Commentators say he is totally focused on his own survival. I don’t agree. I believe there is a fundamental flaw in his character. Tony will do things his way and doesn’t give a damn about anyone else. In fact, he appears to relish sticking it up people, like the playground bully.

From crazy to insulting…

There are too many examples of the Captain’s Call and other crazy, divisive decisions. Some silly, like the Knights and Dames, some insulting to all people like stacking Caucus at short notice on gay marriage.

But consider this one, that has not had much coverage.

Two months ago, after extensive research and discussion, the Department of Communications led by Malcolm Turnbull, recommended changes to media rules in response to the rapidly changing digital world. A major objective would be to maintain the commercial viability of local news by regional TV and radio stations.

Abbott, on his own, said no. Why? He decided that he would only agree if there was consensus in the media industry. How do you get 100 per cent of people agreeing to change – there will have to be winners and losers.

We lose in the end

Australia will be the loser because regional media organisations are already closing down news departments because of the loss of  the local identity that local news generates. See Prime Media and WIN who are already cutting services.

What does Tony Abbott know that the Department of Communications and Malcolm Turnbull don’t know – about the complex and rapidly changing world of media? Not much is my guess.

What does it say about Malcolm Turnbull? A lot is my guess.

Suits the media moguls

Of course there are media moguls hovering in the background. Kerry Stokes and Rupert Murdoch didn’t want the changes either and it would appear they got their way. And since the ‘no’ decision, Stokes’ Seven Network has launched a phone app which streams all their programs across Australia – competing and undercutting the regional media. This will translate into regional services and job losses.

So, is this an example of leadership? Does it inspire optimism? No. Tony turned his back on his experts in the Communications Department and one of his best performing ministers and made a personal call which will diminish the lifestyle of hundreds of thousands of people in regional areas – who also vote for the Nationals. Go figure. I cant.

My friend, in whatever time he has left, worries about Australia. Does Tony Abbott?