Lucky country out of luck with its leaders. The week ahead with Michael Pascoe The Economist magazine's cover story this week is a special report on Australia. It's basically a rave review by a prestigious publication, with one big caveat. P 30, 2011 In the wake of last year's federal budget, I suggested the nation would be better served by having Julia for PM. Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time. Now it seems we'd be better off by having Joe or Malcolm for opposition leader. Active opposition is of course desirable, but the current extremely adversarial nature of federal politics and the lack of genuine debate is starting to damage the nation. The cover story for this week's The Economist magazine is a special report on Australia, The Next Golden State.
Advertisement “Many Australians do not seem to appreciate that they live in an unusually successful country. Political henchmen But the most strident criticism is saved for Tony Abbott. Politics: Politician, heal thyself. THE REFORMERS WHO laid the basis of Australia's present success had the intelligence and courage to take action when it was needed. Will the same be said of the current generation of politicians? It is by no means certain. That Australia is successful is not in doubt. It has a prospering economy, a harmonious and egalitarian society, an ability to accommodate immigrants, an excellent civil service, an independent central bank, a good balance of personal freedom and limited government, sensible pension arrangements, sporting prowess and a fine cuisine. There is no underclass, no permanently depressed area, no significant group of citizens who challenge the values of its society.
Its cities do have pockets of despair, but neither slums nor ghettos. With so much already in the bag, today's politicians have an unusual opportunity to make life even better for their compatriots, born and unborn. The first striking feature of modern Australian politics is its inconstancy. Foreign policy: Home alone. The environment: A preference for green. People: The evolving platypus. High dollar, high dolour. The case for action: Be prepared. Super-duper supers. The case for complacency: She'll be right. No worries? Australia's promise: The next Golden State.