Turnbull holds his tongue — and comes out a winner

Malcolm Turnbull resists the temptation to talk. Picture: AAP

Malcolm Turnbull yesterday surrendered 16 minutes and 37 seconds of time on the national stage — and he, the government and the people were the better for it.

Being the nation’s “explainer in chief” hasn’t helped Turnbull’s image, the Coalition’s fortunes or parliamentary ascendancy, and Turnbull now realises he doesn’t need to fill every second of every three-minute answer in question time.

For too long Turnbull’s lawyerly flourishes and tediously detailed lectures, after declaring “let me explain” and wielding his glasses as a pointer, have made him appear wordy as he tries to respond to Labor questions.

Turnbull would still be waffling at the end of three minutes, he wouldn’t have attacked Bill Shorten or Labor and he wouldn’t have delivered a clear government message.

He has appeared entranced by technology and detail while incapable of setting a political agenda and inspiring his colleagues.

Part of the problem has been Turnbull appearing hesitant on issues such as border protection, national security, crime and carbon emissions, just as Coalition voters want unequivocal leadership.

The weak parliamentary delivery has given momentum to Labor and left the government unable to exploit clear advantages over ALP policy on immigration and energy.

Yesterday Turnbull faced nine Labor questions, all about funding for the AFP.

It was an opportunity to talk and “explain” for 27 full minutes on the floor of parliament during a live broadcast.

But Turnbull gave up five minutes and 26 seconds by flicking questions, either in full or in part, to Justice Minister Michael Keenan, and then surrendered 11 minutes and 11 seconds simply by shutting up and sitting down.

What’s more, in his answers to Labor, Turnbull tried to fend off allegations that Coalition budget cuts had impaired AFP investigations. In answers to Coalition questions, he stuck to the positives of cutting energy costs and making a negative of the ALP’s unsustainable renewable energy policies.

Turnbull is learning you can win in politics sometimes by simply being silent.