The old adage is that the role of Opposition Leader is the toughest job in politics. I’m not sure that’s right: governing is hard, as is the responsibility that goes with it. So Prime Ministers and cabinet ministers have tough jobs too.
But spare a thought for newly minted opposition leader Peter Dutton all the same. Not only does he have to contend with weak approval ratings out this week, and the devastation of an election defeat, he’s also now forced to manage the fallout from Scott Morrison’s usurping ways.
Not in his wildest dreams would Dutton have expected that additional challenge. He has to walk a fine line between condemning what can only be seen as inappropriate and dangerous behaviour by Morrison, with some sort of contextualised defence of his actions.
Why the need to also defend him? Because if he doesn’t you can bet Morrison will take up political arms against Dutton as and when it suits him in the coming months and even years. Dutton doesn’t need that added burden.
A pissed-off predecessor is a hot political potato to handle. Just ask Morrison about Malcolm Turnbull. Or Turnbull about Tony Abbott.
Perhaps I’m being too harsh: Morrison’s actions have managed to unite former Liberal prime ministers in a way few might have thought possible. Criticising what Morrison did has allowed Abbott and Turnbull to see eye-to-eye for the first time in a long time.
Abbott said last night: “I’m just not going to defend what was done … it is just highly unconventional, highly unorthodox and shouldn’t have happened.”
Turnbull said last week: “This is sinister stuff. This is secret government … This is one of the most appalling things I have ever heard in our federal government.”
No wonder Dutton is lying low in the wake of the Solicitor-General’s finding that Morrison violated the principle of responsible government.
Howard has also been critical of Morrison’s decision-making, but it is his analysis about the election defeat that is more telling. Howard has said: “I think the main reason we lost was that we didn’t present a manifesto for the future.”
Howard is the greatest living former prime minister. Such criticism would sting any Liberals left who believe in ideas and outcomes.
Howard’s criticism that the Coalition lacked a forward thinking agenda is something Dutton will need to rectify, but how to do so?
Simply using the toughening economic climate to wedge and attack Labor might serve a partial political purpose, but the Opposition will need to also present as a viable alternative government when the next election draws closer. That is what Howard’s comments naturally lead to.
Doing so is difficult when the parliamentary ranks amongst conservatives are bereft of ideas, when the Coalition used its time in government to trash institutions, accountability and the fiscal underpinnings of good economic management.
Then there is the rump left in the parliament. The weak line-up of what’s left. Dutton’s biggest safety as leader is that there are no realistic alternative leaders in his ranks. But that helpful truth unhelpfully means he doesn’t have the cattle it takes to muscle up to the new government. Beyond his own efforts.
A strong team around the leader is necessary to look like a viable alternative government.
Peter van Onselen is Network 10’s Political Editor and a professor of politics and public policy.
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