PoliticsFederalCanberra ObservedPrint articleOpinionWhat the past two decades of politics can teach youWhen it comes to big reforms in politics, take what is on offer because it will be decades, if ever, before you get another chance.Phillip CooreyPolitical editorDec 5, 2019 – 7.00pmSaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy linkCopiedEmailLinkedInTwitterFacebookCopy linkCopiedShare via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? LoginIf you are somebody who worries about climate change and believes Australia should be a republic, it has been a rough few days.Conversely, for those happy with global warming and the British monarch being Australia's head of state, it's been a period of quiet and reflective joy.Loading...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.comSaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy linkCopiedEmailLinkedInTwitterFacebookCopy linkCopiedShare via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? LoginLicense articleIntroducing your NewsfeedFollow the topics, people and companies that matter to you.Find out moreRead MoreCanberra ObservedMalcolm TurnbullNick MinchinTony AbbottSame-sex marriageRepublic debateJudith TroethGreensNick XenophonKevin RuddLiberal PartyBill ShortenOpinionClimate policyLatest In FederalFetching latest articlesMost Viewed In Politics