Peter Beattie: Politicians need to rise above nastiness and show respect

We need more conviction-based politicians who go into political life to make a difference and not be time servers who rely on political bastardry to get elected, writes Peter Beattie.

Queensland’s 36th premier Peter Beattie.

We live in a time when liberal democracies are facing serious challenges while totalitarian governments in China and Russia are on the ascendancy.

The bastion of western democracy, the United States, is sadly in decline.

The choice for the next US President is currently between a man who would be 82 at the beginning of his next term and a former President who confuses fact and opinion and lives in his own mystical reality inspiring his followers with polarising dribble.

Notwithstanding this depressing position, there is hope.

Australia is in a unique position to forge our own global path where we continue to work with our US and UK allies under the AUKUS agreement strengthening our defence position.

At the same time, we should continue to engage China, our biggest trading partner with respectful diplomacy without any cheap political rhetoric designed to simply win domestic votes.

Engagement and dialogue are always better than war.

Peter Beattie.

To achieve the best outcomes for the country, Australia should change our public discourse by reaching bipartisan agreement on those nation building policies and international links which are fundamental for our future jobs and economic growth in an increasingly hi-tech world.

Strategically our Federal government needs a strong focus on expanding Australia’s manufacturing capacity in parallel with developing our rare earths, lithium, hydrogen and alternative energies capacity as we transition to the new economy.

AUKUS is more than submarines, it is about the spin off industries which can lead to the emergence of an innovative hi-tech industry in Australia with significant investment from the US. Along with commercialising medical research, these economic policies should be bipartisan. That is our future and resource rich Queensland is in a good position to lead Australia’s economic future.

Peter Beattie and family on the victory podium in 2006. Picture: Rob Maccoll

The greatest honour a citizen in a democracy can receive is to be elected to parliament to represent their fellow citizens in developing policies and then implementing them for the benefit of the whole community. Good policy leads to good government.

I had this honour twenty-five years ago which is why I will always be indebted to Queenslanders.

To be a Parliamentarian is not to raise such a representative above the people who elected them but rather to be in their service, that is to work on their behalf.

It means working with all sections of society with dignity and respect. Indeed, to listen to all points of view to help reach a fully informed decision which will pass the test of time. If a mistake is made, real leadership means owning that mistake openly and honestly and correcting it.

Like many Australians I have tired of the political slanging matches. Of course, I believe in robust debate but not personal and nasty slanging matches.

Lawrence Springborg and Peter Beattie in 2007. Picture: David Martinelli

Such nastiness is bad for the general welfare of our democracy. We need more conviction-based politicians who go into political life to make a difference and not be time servers who rely on political bastardry to get elected.

Twenty-five years ago, was thankfully pre social media which I accept has both good and bad implications. Sadly, politicians are too often led by social media instead of leading it.

LNP leader Lawrence Springborg and I contested two elections against one another. I had respect for him as a person. We disagreed on policy, but he was a formidable opponent and a decent person. Our elections were a contest of ideas and policies not

nastiness.

Australian political leaders need to establish a mutual respect in public discourse where the public debate is a battle over ideas not a battle of egos underpinned by nasty attempts at political assassination.

The Palaszczuk Government’s new policy of free kindergarten for four-year-old is an example of good policy.

The LNP’s David Crisafulli should respond with an equally imaginative policy to benefit young Queenslanders. That is how parliament wins and retains public respect and support.

Peter Beattie was the 36th premier of Queensland.