When Michael Chaney stepped down as president of the Business Council of Australia 18 years ago, he called for an end to the “battler” mindset.
It was 2006, in the midst of the mining boom. The budget was well in surplus, households were brimming with middle-class welfare, and the Howard government was promoting aspiration. It was OK, for example, if you wanted to send your kids to a private school, or own an investment property.
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Phillip Coorey is the political editor based in Canberra. He is a two-time winner of the Paul Lyneham award for press gallery excellence. Connect with Phillip on Facebook and Twitter. Email Phillip at pcoorey@afr.com
