Anthony Albanese has embraced the art of the deal in winning-over the Greens, crossbenchers and national cabinet leaders on energy and industrial relations but has left the government exposed to long-term uncertainty in favour of immediate political gains.
The Prime Minister’s early Christmas gifts for minority stakeholders has widened the chasm between the government and big business amid volatile economic shocks and soaring cost of living pressures.
Greens leader Adam Bandt and crossbencher David Pocock – who the government needs to pass bills through the Senate – have so far displayed subservient pragmatism in return for minor political wins.
The Greens talked a big talk ahead of the federal election but are yet to wield their enormous legislative power, preferring to make noises about banning coal and gas and shouting from the rooftops before capitulating to the government.
The left-wing party is playing both sides of the fence – promoting themselves as radical change-makers while accepting backroom deals to promote its mainstream political credentials.
Bandt is a savvy political operator. He has four lower house MPs, after winning three Brisbane seats from the LNP and Labor in May, and is eyeing more House of Representatives seats at the 2025 election.
Throw in the teals, who are political amateurs and represent traditional Liberal electorates, and you’re left with one of the friendliest parliaments in recent history for an incumbent government.
Albanese and senior ministers Chris Bowen, Tony Burke, Jim Chalmers, Penny Wong and Katy Gallagher must be credited with winning consensus on controversial legislation consistently and quickly. But the dream run will be more challenging as pressure builds before the next election.
The Prime Minister also executed tough negotiations with the black coal states to get them over the line on coal price caps despite fierce opposition.
But their support came with price tags, including yet-to-be-announced funding for Annastacia Palaszczuk’s $62bn renewable energy plan, compensation for NSW coal producers, and $1.5bn in commonwealth-funded rebates. The government also sealed a $280m Rockhampton Ring Road deal with Queensland after indefinitely delaying the project in the October budget.
The decision to set coal and gas price caps, weeks after legislating IR changes, has shattered post-election goodwill between the government and private sector. The government says it wants to maintain positive relations with business but will not compromise on their agenda to placate industry chiefs.
Changes to the safeguard mechanism, which will lean heavily on the nation’s biggest emitters, are set to be pushed out to early next year. The stronger safeguard mechanism, the IR and environmental law changes, and the intervention on energy have spooked industry and raised concerns about hits to investment, productivity and jobs.
As Labor presses ahead with its reforms, the Liberals’ post-election review is due next week. Peter Dutton will use the scathing review to develop new policies and rebuild morale in the ranks as the Coalition banks on economic pain turning voters against the government.
More Coverage
Home near Jewish school sprayed in anti-Semitic graffiti; Caravan plot ‘terrorist act’
A home neighbouring a Sydney Jewish school, and near a childcare centre firebombed in an anti-Semitic attack, has been smeared in graffiti overnight. Anthony Albanese, meanwhile, branded an explosive-packed caravan found in Dural 'a terrorist act'.
Why RFK is an unhealthy choice for the world
Robert Kennedy’s cousin says he can’t be let loose on the US health system.