The Daily Telegraph editorial: Deputy Premier suggests changing clothes to connect to voters
FOLLOWING the weekend’s disastrous Liberal performance in the Wagga Wagga by-election, NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro believes men and women changing their attire will help them “start connect to the real people.”
Opinion
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FOLLOWING the weekend’s disastrous Liberal performance in the Wagga Wagga by-election, NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro believes he has the solution to the Coalition’s vanishing votes.
“Blokes, get rid of our ties. Women, start wearing jeans. That might be the wrong thing to say but I’m saying, start connecting to real people,” Barilaro told The Daily Telegraph.
“We’re standing with our $600, $700 suits on and our shirts pressed and our ties in a perfect knot, and we’re standing there saying we understand.
“It’s time to throw that to the side and start being real people who understand real issues.”
He has a point, but this disconnect between voters and politicians runs far deeper than fashion. It might do something for the image of Coalition MPs if they start getting around in Levi’s and flannies, yet that will be mere down-market decoration if not backed up by policies.
Under Mike Baird, the Coalition did best when it pursued policies that benefited the people of NSW.
Electricity privatisation, approval of a second airport and a strong focus on transport needs in Western Sydney were all examples of a government reading the electoral mood.
The government subsequently drifted into lamentable attempts at social engineering. A proposed ban on greyhound racing would have wiped out an industry of battlers. The premier’s office prioritised Facebook over traditional media, alienating adult voters.
A “return and earn” scheme took money from families and added it to beverage company profits.
And as for proposed marine parks that would potentially reduce fishing areas, the government should feel the anger building in coastal regions. It is epic.
Voters don’t care what a politician is wearing if the person inside understands voter needs.
Billionaire Donald Trump wore expensive suits throughout his 2016 run for the presidency but connected with people at rallies by talking about restoring American economic might — beginning with jobs.
Considering his relative lack of campaign experience, Trump proved a remarkably adept politician.
Hillary Clinton, meanwhile, surrounded herself with rich movie stars and singers. Unemployed coal miners are not impressed by someone earning millions for reading a script. Pursue policies that put people first and then Coalition MPs can wear whatever they like.
Real life healthier for kids
THERE is a very sound reason why many may think Instagram’s plea to parents is emotional blackmail.
That’s because it is emotional blackmail, pure and simple.
According to a “parents’ guide to Instagram” published by the image-sharing social media colossus, “there’s a risk of social marginalisation for kids who are not allowed to socialise in this way that’s now so embedded in their social lives.”
Nonsense. If anything, very young children stand to do themselves no end of good by avoiding Instagram and other social media. There are no cyber bullies in real life.
Envoy role has potential
ALEX Turnbull, son of the ex-prime minister, dutifully held his silence during Malcolm Turnbull’s leadership.
Immediately afterwards, however, the now-liberated Turnbull began urging voters to fund Labor’s campaign in his father’s former electorate.
Ex-PM Tony Abbott will likely use his own independence in a more creative and less spiteful way.
As Prime Minister Scott Morrison points out, Abbott’s new role as a special envoy to Australia’s indigenous people leaves him free to seek improvements outside of existing government policies.
“As special envoy he won’t be confined by the usual constraints of a minister. It won’t be his job to defend or promote government policy,” Morrison explained. “His job will be to identify game changers that might achieve breakthroughs. I expect he will present recommendations to relevant cabinet committees.”
This could be a very effective strategy indeed. Abbott’s closeness to indigenous communities compels him to seek effective advances. Independence may be the way to achieve them.