Coronavirus: Scott Morrison distances himself from Thatcher and Reagan as inspirations for reform

Scott Morrison has refused to adopt conservative icons Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan as inspirations for his post-­pandemic plan for economic ­recovery.

Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher in 1985. Picture: AP

Scott Morrison has refused to adopt conservative icons Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan as inspirations for his post-­pandemic plan for economic ­recovery, saying he will be leading a “uniquely Australian response”.

After Josh Frydenberg fought back criticism over the weekend for saying he will look to the former British prime minister and US president as guides for economic reform, the Prime Minister distanced himself from the Treasurer’s comments on Monday.

Thatcher and Reagan hold legendary status in the conservative movement for their respective campaigns to economically liberalise their countries, but both are hate figures in the Left for their anti-trade union stances and support for “trickle down” ­economics.

Mr Morrison in Sydney said supply-side issues would be addressed by his economic recovery plan, but declined to nominate Thatcher and Reagan as inspirations when asked.

“We’re leading an Australian response to this. A uniquely Australian response and that Australian response requires us to address the supply side issues in our economy,” he said. “It’s jobs that drive the Australian plan. Nothing else. Nothing else. What will create a job? What will keep people in a job?”

The Treasurer has defended drawing inspiration from Thatcher and Reagan when it came to economic reform on Sunday, declaring the pair were “figures of hate for the Left” because they were so successful.

He said that while he took inspiration from a lot of different sources, including former prime minister John Howard and former treasurer Peter Costello, “the reality is that Thatcher and Reagan cut red tape and cut taxes and delivered stronger economies”.

Both the trade unions and Labor have lashed out at Mr Frydenberg for holding up Thatcher and Reagan as inspirations

Opposition industrial relations spokesman Tony Burke said the two former leaders represented an age of industrial conflict, which Australia did not need.

“If you think of the Prime ­Minister’s claim that now is the time to put down our weapons … and then Josh Frydenberg holds up leaders who presided over times of massive industrial conflict. Like, really? Is that what we want for Australia?” Mr Burke told Sky News.