Trent Zimmerman MP reflects on tough year in politics
North Shore MP Trent Zimmerman says he is optimistic about Australian politics after a ‘particularly tough’ year for the Liberal party.
North Shore MP Trent Zimmerman ended last year on a high after federal parliament voted for marriage equality. But 2018 was a very different political experience.
Mr Zimmerman hosted a Christmas party last night for his friends and supporters and in a speech reflected on the political dramas.
“I’m not sure I can be here today and say that the parliament has ended on quite the same high note that it did last year,” Mr Zimmerman said.
“In fact it’s been a particularly tough year in so many ways and that reflects I suppose some of the trends we are seeing across democracies around the world where there is an air of instability as we’ve seen in Britain the last 24 hours, the United States for the last 24 months.”
Mr Zimmerman had a front-row seat to the comings and goings in Canberra. The revolving door at the top took another spin when Malcolm Turnbull was ousted as Prime Minister and Scott Morrison MP stepped in.
A chat with one of his colleagues put everything he has lived through in politics over the past 12 months in perspective.
“He went to the European parliament and spoke to a European MP and said ‘I suppose your all quite amused by what is happening in Australian politics at the moment’,” Mr Zimmerman said.
“And this MP in Europe said ‘It’s true to say we get a chuckle out of Australian politics but we are scared by our own. I’d prefer to be laughing than being scared’.
“I am optimistic about Australian politics where some might say I haven’t got much cause.”
Meanwhile, Mr Zimmerman announced the winner of his annual Christmas card competition. Talented Sophie Roetzer, 12, from Cammeray Public School was selected for her stand out festive image. It is adorning Mr Zimmerman’s Christmas cards this year.
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