<img src="http://larvatusprodeo.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/gillard.jpg" align=left As a bit of a follow up to the post on PJK’s various bomb throwing exercises (that – as you may recall – was the business he said he was in many years ago), I wanted to note two things.
The first is the lamentable habit Rudd has retained of retail politics Howard style. So we get grabs on the tv news every night of what Rudd thinks about x y and z – many of which have zip to do with the job of being PM. Let’s not forget the excuse for bringing the Beazer down – mixing Rove McManus and Karl Rove up. Perhaps the twenty something whiz kids Inside Kevin08 have a better grasp of pop culture, but would you really trust KRudd to comment on the political pop culture story of the week – Paris Hilton? Maybe the dude got where he is today in part because he was on breakfast telly and FM radio all the time, but isn’t there some truth to what Keating says about not just the dignity of the office but also trivialising the Prime Ministerial voice? When the Orstrayan public becomes less enamoured of Kevvy than we are at the moment, could it be that we’ll be as uninterested in what he has to say about economic policy as what he thinks of the last cricket result or all those many many many artistic and intertube-ish threats to teh kiddies? (Which probably – incidentally – needlessly alienates part of his support base without really gaining him much…)
Secondly, there’s a very sensible piece by Bernard Keane in today’s Crikey on the narrative thing. It repays reading in full but there’s one bit I wanted to highlight.
Kevin Rudd and Wayne Swan have a narrative. They’re addressing supply-side constraints in areas like skills and infrastructure. They’re reviewing the taxation and transfer systems. They want to use a market-based approach to addressing climate change. But they haven’t consistently and pithily explained it in a few memorable turns of phrase — the sort that Keating can apparently produce in his sleep.
And they don’t have a hero. Wayne Swan is competent, but he’s not a compelling figure. This is very much the Rudd Government. The only figures to emerge from the shadow of the Prime Minister have been Julia Gillard and Penny Wong. That’s why the Government’s narrative hasn’t taken hold.
The Government’s commitment to proper policy development processes — including consultation — hasn’t helped. After a decade-plus of the Howard Government’s top-down decision-making, we’re not used to a Government that may actually be interested in developing good policy with input from anyone with a view. As a consequence, debates are kicked off without being shaped by the Government’s agenda. This week’s tax discussion paper is a good example. Wayne Swan was content to see the paper issued and let the debate proceed of its own accord. This is a very healthy thing. Yet it yielded stories in The Australian about “ticking time bombs” and “damp squibs.”
If you don’t provide a narrative, the media will do it for you.
The Government needs a clearer, more coherent narrative. And it needs a hero, to personalise that narrative. Julia Gillard has the gift of reducing issues to their basics. She dominates Parliament. She is respected by opinion-makers and the public. She needs to become the reforming hero of the Rudd Government, and shape its story.
Amen to that. It’s not just because she’s a powerful woman that the right hate her so much (though it is also that).
OK Kim, you & I have either got synchronicity…or you travel thru the time streams. SPOOKY.
Lush.
N’
Paul Keating is wonderful, when I think what he could haven done as PM for a longer period; he seemed to lose interest in the end. Kevin is starting to pall – partly, it’s the silly journos, running around trying to create sensationalism that is supposed to pass for actual reporting – however, I also think he is becoming just another version of Howard. The two wars are too much to bear for one thing. We should not be there at all!
That’s all quite fair although I can’t agree about Keane’s view of Wong. So far she has been the Minster for Inaction on Climate Change and Water and full of lots of spin and empty rhetoric.
We can best honor the narrative imho by sticking to the three ‘R’s’
Republic
Reconciliation
Root vouchers in brothels for pensioners
I remain yr humble servant etc. pr
“If you don’t provide a narrative, the media will do it for you.”
Bah humbug. The media will create their own ‘narratives’ in any case, which may or may not bare a resemblance to the ‘narrative’ that politicians are trying to spin.
The endless divining for a “narrative” is just another example of how political commentary (and much of government sadly) is mostly about entertainment and emotional button-pushing, rather than doing the hard work of actually looking at the substance and reality of what politicians are doing, and the actual impact of it on peoples’ lives and the wider world.
So long as someone can provide a ‘narrative’ that is entertaining or fun or engaging for jaded press gallery hacks, its OK – never mind whether or not the ‘narrative’ is built on thin air, or is fundamentally dishonest, or only exists in the minds of commentators looking for a way of showing how clever they are in discerning what’s supposedly really going on so they can explain it to the poor old ignorant ‘punters’.
If media need someone to stick on a Super-hero cape before they can get engaged and interested in the stuff of politics, and can’t find a ‘hero’ amongst people in government and parliament competently doing their job to improve the lot of our society and environment, then they should drop the pretence and write for New Idea
Harrumph. And bah humbug again too.
As my old Granpappy used to say, whether small town or big city tell ‘em a story ’cause it’ll always be better than the one they’ll make up for you.
My wife & I were chatting full bore last night about Julia Gillard being missing in action since her trip to America. I’d love to know who she visited. What was the point of the trip?
We agree w/ Keane whole heartedly on the following comment:
“Julia Gillard has the gift of reducing issues to their basics.”
She’s a great communicator. But some oldies are still wary of her…seen as too radical & often comments are made about her “accent” for some reason. I think she gets lost in the Education & Industrial Relations portfolios. There’s a perception she’s taken on too much. I’d put Bill Shorten in the Industrial Relations area. And let Julia FOCUS on Education…or vica-versa. Until some necessary changes are made early next year. The media will see most changes coming anyway so its important Labor has MESSAGE delivery systems that give them a “fair go”.
Wayne Swan has done a commendable job considering the filthy kitchen he was handed behind THE FACADE…but he does seem uncomfortable in the job…bit nervy. I’d put Lindsay Tanner in his job later. Wong might make a good Finance Minister.
Julia Gillard should go into the Climate Change portfolio later…it’s gonna need plenty of energy & a real articulate defender & visionary. Penny’s done a good job but due to efforts of a sceptical, character assassinating media & the nature of the times awaiting Obama or McCain, Wong is considered by some voters as a bit flat…rather “cold, blunt” on the environment management side of things, a bit vague (which unfortunately tends to emphasise the “wishy washy” perception of the government on climate change/clean energy, as tho they don’t really mean what they say)…& of course there are the old hat rumours that she’s possibly working for Chinese interests (not my view I might add…just based on phone calls & lunches w/ oldies who swung to Labor last election but are now getting a bit agro)…often based on radio crap they listen to…plenty of comments about “China taking over Oz”…the same old “fear of the outsider” response…& tends to feed into Rudd’s talking Mandarin & certain business links & Chinese acquisition of shares in energy businesses).
Unfortunately, the media has played up these topics related to Wong & turned them into negatives & /or gossip issues w/ the public…plenty of grumbling that might be used by THE BORG & such.
It’s essential that Penny Wong’s bio is SOLD to the public…seems she’s come out of nowhere (a great asset that needs more DEFINING…but she has now got some STREET CRED…but needs careful shifting/expanding)…and many Aussies need to learn, or the message be reinforced, as to why good trade & cultural relations w/ China are so important for our future-proofing & prosperity needs. Counter the “cheap, toxic goods” & “competing w/ America for dominant ownership of our energy sources/mining resources” perception.
The abundance of American-based news & their generally NEGATIVE view of China also doesn’t help. It’s quite obvious to many why the profiteering, “sell any WORKERS Grandma to make a gain”, promote any religion that benefits the Neo-Con, rampant capitalist cause, “turn a blind eye until it’s electorally convenient”, continually constructing DIVISION & FEAR Busheviks are playing the two-faced game w/ China…& of course some Dems are going to play up the “China bad on pollution, Human Rights, toxic products, taking our jobs” aspects. And consequently the Aussie public has the negative perceptions reinforced by this onslaught of American hypocrisy.
Furthermore, the history of Chinese Australians needs to be got across…including positive investment, participation in building the railroads, workers in goldfields, market gardens, Chinatown & so on. And the alternative & mainstream lifestyles of the various Chinese communities (Cantonese, Taiwanese etc) & individuals we rarely hear from but who play an ESSENTIAL role in this diverse Australia.
Sometimes I think Labor are “too cautious”…whilst other times going “where eagles dare” w/out PREPARING the public. It’s sad so much xenophobia exists…but it can’t be ignored (think Hansonism).
I wouldn’t make any changes until the new year tho.
N’…a view from a bear w/ a cracker headache. Long night…;) Loved the opening ceremonies…amazing stuff…just wish athletes would wear more eye opening, cooler attire…like the colourful Cameroon clothes. Hated the Aussie baseball caps. We’re not Americans. We need to DESIGN a new hat for Australia. Rudd & Therese looked great…happy & laid back. Great night. And didn’t the Russians & Cubans get a big cheer from the bulk of the crowd? Not the Israelis & Saudis tho. Interesting times. They seem to like us Aussies. Good stuff. Potentially makes for effective BRIDGE between USA & China.
WELL DONE CHINA…primarily opening ceremony participants & Zhang Yimou. Reached into our hearts & reminded us of the depth of Chinese history & imagination.
I’m gonna throw the cat among the pigeons and say something that needs to be said: Paul Keating is overrated.
During the election Keating helpfully gave the ALP the benefit of his wisdom. He chose a private forum (the 7:30 Report) to take poor Julia Gillard by the hand and tell her what Labor needed do on IR. The frustrating thing was, his sage advice was pretty much an exact description of ALP policy. He’s now done the same with carbon trading, warning Labor to tread carefully with industries like coal and aluminium. Has he heard a single thing Penny Wong’s been saying? The stuff about “tade exposed” sectors ring any bells, Placido Domingo?
Look, Keating and his government did many things he can be justly proud of – compulsory super, introducing a capital gains tax, helping to bring peace to Cambodia, holding back the Liberal hordes in ’93. But I still scratch my head over all the stuff about narratives and the “big picture”. What did any of it mean? It certainly left the overwhelming majority of the country cold.
Sure, he comes out with the odd funny one-liner, but unlike others on the Left I just can’t join this strange cult of personality.
Yeah, like “banana republic” and “recession we had to have”.
Costello has the same problem that Keating had. Smug, arrogant, asshole might work OK as treasurer, but PM? Not so much.
GB Aug 9th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
“Paul Keating is overrated.”
Most definitely!
Nasking – you know Penny Wong’s Malaysian born Chinese?
and Sabah which has even less of a Chinese influence than the mainland.
so well she might to the uneducated aussie be assoc with China, i wouldn’t be surprised if KRudd actually knows more/understands Chinese culture more having lived there.
Which while I understand wasn’t you’re point as much, but still we should be cautious about arguing for her to somehow ‘educate us’ about China and put a positive spin on it.
Secondly, my feeling on Wong is that yes she comes across as a dry, methodical lawyer, but she’s been having to play too many different lines on climate change, water, appeasing generators and various interest groups.
anyway, let’s hope she’s got the strength to set some serious caps and targets later in the year. the White Paper on CC will be one of THE big tests over the next 12 months (the Tax review the next) of whether this govt is serious about its election promises.
m
“still we should be cautious about arguing for her to somehow ‘educate us’ about China and put a positive spin on it.”
Michael D., I’m talking more about the Labor Party, educators, businesses & the few “bridge” making media & those w/ experience & interests in that region being heard more…
in regard to Penny, more about giving people an opportunity to access her background so such “silly”, narrow views & stereotypical responses are sent back to the cave they emerged from. i agree w/ much you write. I reckon Ruddy is doing a good job over there…skillfully walking a tightrope.
That fool Bush & his devious puppet masters have obviously called on his Georgian mate to stir up crap & create divisions again. That’s all that bacteria knows how to do. It’s hard to come up w/ a “narrative” when jerks like that put the world in a perpetual wobble. I think Rudd’s less intrusive, more sophisticated, vastly more diplomatic approach will help to motivate positive & progressive reform in China. Tho there are those who argue that this couldn’t be achieved w/out the Repugs big stick approach. And the investment from foreign entities. As for the Bush approach, I’d ask the families & friends of the many dead in Iraq & other areas, and the dispossessed & the many millions w/out adequate safety nets due to the military spending priorities wackos like him, Cheney & their tricky dick mates cause to more fully comprehend the worthiness of such an approach to global issues.
I agree that Wong is being stretched this way & that. She’s a brave lady. And highly intelligent. But I’m worried she’ll end up drowning in a pool of indecision/confusion if Labor’s not careful…& din of competing voices indeed.
Once the new American President has put their stamp on that countries psyche the decisions should come easier. Tho it also depends on the makeup of the Congress & Governorships. And China & India’s policy promotion & tax structures will have a huge impact as well.
It’s not surprising that the Busheviks are attempting to open more hornet’s nest in Georgia…& Pakistan. Attempting to derail attempts at HARMONY & bridge building during China’s proud, NATIONALIST moment…considering the treaties & agreements made between China & Russia of late…destabilisation of this region…including promotion of so called “religious freedom” (haven’t the FAITH-BASED done a wonderful job at maintaining PEACE over the past decade?) is just more sh*t stirring.
If China’s walls were to collapse imagine the mayhem? The mobsters would have dream days…at the expense of the MANY…think Russia under Yeltsin. Imagine the money that would be SUCKED out of China (think DotCom Boom, Macau-mentality gone nuts, resource shares sold cheap to the chessplayers & fast food hell acting like a virus consuming the already corrupt regional managers)…China MUST transform (plenty of positives in the enviro-focus of late)…but not throw away the social democratic element in the process. Already too many left in the dustbin of history. Multi-national corporate raiders & American/Euro/Israeli mobsters are more interested in making profits from the removal of the Unions (or accessing them at top levels), & undermining solid company & Government service/utilities pillars in order to destabilise & sometimes crash them & replace them w/ their own entities & CEOs…& charging for the disposal of the bodies & from the out-sourcing of the garbage pickup.
Julia Gillard might have a high enuff profile and ARTICULATE policy loud & clear ability to take on the Climate Change/Clean Energy portfolio…wise & wily enuff to deal w/ the chaos that is emanating from the corporate media & competing interests. Depends on how many of these companies & landowners play the game straight…& how much our political & judicial & corporate system has been accessed by the “manipulators” & “empire builders” & “ruthless profiteers”. Anyone who thinks this Country isn’t being FOCUSED on intensely due to its resources is living in la la land.
But one wonders if the Climate Change portfolio has become too toxic for the ambitious? I give Penny Wong two thumbs up for having the integrity & courage to ride this ever-spinning beast. Let’s hope she can tame it…& make it appealling to the bulk of Aussies. And set an example to other sh*t scared, cautious, wishy washy, trembling in their electoral boots, politicians.
You can either respect the dignity of the office like PJK (feral abacus, do you slowly: funny but not dignified), or like Howard or Rudd (swinging at every pitch).
I guess the danger of not swinging it what it looks like when you refuse to answer the question.
“What does that have to do with the government?” makes one come across as arrogant.
“Well, I’m only a fan/no expert, but …” means you are still swinging at the pitch.
I guess pollies think they need to appear regular. Howard genuinely loves his sport. I’m not so sure about Rudd, but it’s not really important.
Rudd couldn’t really make some mealy mouthed “no comment” about the arts thing. Regardless of the arguments, he felt compelled to answer the question, and the answer was always going to offend someone.
Rudd is obviously not afraid to piss off some of the people who voted/directed preferences to him. I can see a rather large swing to the Greens on primaries in the next election, as a conservative ALP government is the perfect environment for the Greens to thrive. See Victorian State Election 2002 for another prime example.
Howard C: what’s been conservative about the Rudd Government exactly?
First of all, he didn’t make a lot of decisions in a hurry. An example of a non-conservative ALP government would have been the Whitlam Government.
Secondly, he didn’t produce a high-spending budget. Big surplus, no big ticket big spending initiative. Rudd is a self-confessed economic conservative.
Thirdly, his comments on social/cultural issues like the Bill Henson/Art Monthly thing have indicated that he is more likely to (publicly) agree with social conservatives on these types of issues rather than more liberal thinkers.
So withdrawing combat troops from Iraq, apologising to the stolen generations, signing Kyoto (as soon as he got into government), producing a Green paper on carbon trading, starting to dismantle workchoices, dramatic changes to Howard’s asylum seeker detention policies, ending a great deal of legal discrimination against same sex couples, agreeing to sign the cluster bomb treaty (the Rudd government played a key role in getting other nations to spend money on victims of cluster bombs), all that counts for nothing because our PM doesn’t think much of the work of one artist?
Apparently!
Yeah, of course, one thing. Do you enjoy boiling all my comments down to a single, self-serving contention.
He has identified himself as a conservative in a fairly important area of government administration.
He is on the conservative side of the ALP. He’s no Kim Carr. I believe that those on the left will start to find him more and more unpalatable, and will seek refuge with the Greens. Just like many people did in 2002 in Victoria, when Steve Bracks was similarly too centrist for their political tastes.
By the tone of your comments, GB, you don’t seem to have these problems with Rudd.