Editorial: Malcolm Turnbull on a hiding to nothing

AFTER a savaging by Annastacia Palaszczuk and with his popularity at an all-time low, the Prime Minister is in real danger of being a one-term wonder.

Annastacia Palaszczuk says while she didn’t always like what Tony Abbott said, at least he was a man of his word. Picture: AAP

PREMIER Annastacia Palaszczuk has today launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, saying he is “worse than Tony Abbott’’.

She says with Mr Abbott she could at least get straight answers, and while she didn’t always like what he said, Mr Abbott was a man of his word.

Not so, Mr Turnbull. The Premier says he’s a fly-in, fly-out PM for Queensland.

He is lecturing the state about its gas and threatening to redirect supply. He’s had to be brought “kicking and screaming’’ to the table on the upgrade of the M1, the Townsville stadium and Cross River Rail. He’s arrogant. He’s disrespectful and he’s gutless. Wow. Strong words from the Premier.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has ripped in to Malcolm Turnbull. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Malcolm Turnbull has been described as arrogant, disrespectful and gutless by the Premier.

Now, she’s worried Queensland will miss out again when the Federal Budget is handed down next week. At a time when Mr Turnbull’s popularity is at an all-time low – and to many of his supporters he’s been a gross disappointment – losing his way in Queensland is not the way to electoral salvation.

The problem for Mr Turnbull is that he’s in real danger of being a one-term wonder.

And the problem with that is that he is about to gift the prime ministership to Bill Shorten, whose union links and delusional commitment to renewable energy targets will send the country into a downward spiral.

When is the Prime Minister going to wake from his slumber and actually govern? When is Mr Turnbull going to govern for all of Australia, not just the southern states? Is it any wonder that One Nation’s Pauline Hanson, with her plain-speaking – albeit, in many cases misguided – policies, is getting so much traction in regional Queensland?

The good folk of the bush and regional cities see Ms Hanson as a symbol of hope because mainstream politicians have given them none.

Today’s criticism from Ms Palaszczuk should resonate throughout the corridors of power in Canberra. Unfortunately, it won’t.

Mr Turnbull seems to be incapable of listening and accepting advice or criticism. It will be his downfall.

********************************************************************************

Australian Olympic Committee chief John Coates has served his country well, but his use-by date has passed. Picture: AP

TIME FOR COATES TO GO

AUSTRALIAN Olympic Committee boss John Coates has to go. After 27 years, it’s time for change and renewal. It’s clear that he presides over a toxic culture and that there is tension and unrest among board members.

The fact that he takes a $750,000-a-year consultancy fee for his services is one reason he should be replaced by someone prepared to take much less.

Mr Coates has served his country well, but his use-by date is now well and truly finished. At next Saturday’s vote, the AOC board must opt for a fresh set of eyes. Our sporting reputation and proud Olympic tradition demands it.